High-performance racing vehicles represent one of the most advanced engineering applications in the automotive field, requiring the integration and optimization of vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, aerodynamics and powertrain technologies in order to maximize performance, efficiency and controllability under highly demanding operating conditions. The course provides the fundamental methodologies and engineering tools required for the analysis, design and optimization of racing vehicles, with particular attention to the interaction among vehicle subsystems and their influence on overall vehicle performance. The course is structured into two complementary modules. The first module addresses vehicle-related aspects, including vehicle dynamics, suspension systems and aerodynamics, focusing on the analysis of handling behaviour, load transfer mechanisms and aerodynamic performance. The second module is dedicated to racing powertrain systems and covers internal combustion engines, electric machines and battery systems, discussing their operating principles, performance characteristics and integration within high-performance vehicle applications. Particular attention is devoted to performance-oriented design approaches, energy efficiency, vehicle controllability and the technological evolution of modern racing vehicles, including the increasing role of electrification and hybrid propulsion systems in motorsport applications. The course combines theoretical lectures, numerical analyses and engineering application examples, enabling students to develop the capability to analyse and optimize racing vehicle systems from both performance and engineering integration perspectives. Particular emphasis is devoted to a learning-by-doing educational approach, in which theoretical concepts are reinforced through practical applications, engineering case studies and performance-oriented problem-solving activities inspired by real motorsport engineering scenarios.

At the end of the course, students will acquire the knowledge required to understand the operating principles and performance characteristics of the main subsystems composing a racing vehicle, including vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, aerodynamics and powertrain technologies. Students will develop the capability to analyse the dynamic behaviour of high-performance vehicles, evaluating the influence of chassis setup, suspension parameters, aerodynamic loads and tire-road interaction on vehicle handling, stability and overall performance. The course will also provide students with the methodological tools required to analyse and evaluate the performance of racing powertrain systems, including internal combustion engines, electric machines and battery systems. Students will understand the main parameters affecting efficiency, power delivery and energy management in both conventional and electrified racing applications. Through numerical exercises, engineering application examples and problem-solving activities, students will develop the ability to interpret vehicle and powertrain performance data, critically analyse design choices and evaluate optimization strategies aimed at improving vehicle performance, drivability and energy efficiency. Students will additionally acquire awareness of current technological trends in motorsport engineering, including hybridization, electrification and advanced vehicle integration methodologies.

For a profitable attendance of the course, students are expected to possess the fundamental knowledge of applied mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and energy conversion systems typically acquired in basic mechanical and automotive engineering courses. In particular, the courses Car Body Design and Aerodynamics and Propulsion Systems and Their Application to Vehicles provide the fundamental background required to understand the main topics addressed within the course, including vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics and racing powertrain technologies. Basic knowledge of numerical methods and engineering modelling approaches may also be beneficial for the analysis and interpretation of vehicle and powertrain performance.

Introduction and motorsport regulations - Overview of modern motorsport engineering and racing vehicle development - Vehicle performance targets and optimization methodologies - Introduction to technical regulations in motorsport applications - Influence of regulations on vehicle design, performance and engineering choices - Constraint-driven engineering approaches in racing vehicle development Vehicle systems and dynamics - Fundamentals of vehicle dynamics - Suspension systems and vehicle handling - Tire-road interaction and load transfer - Chassis setup and controllability - Integration among vehicle subsystems Aerodynamics for racing applications - Fundamentals of racing aerodynamics - Aerodynamic performance and vehicle balance - Downforce generation and drag reduction - Aerodynamic optimization approaches Racing powertrain systems - Overview of racing propulsion systems - Internal combustion engines for motorsport applications - Electric machines and battery systems - Hybrid and electrified racing powertrains - Performance, efficiency and energy management - Alternative fuels for motorsport applications, including biofuels and e-fuels Advanced technologies and future trends - Emerging technologies in motorsport engineering - Electrification and hybridization trends - Sustainable high-performance mobility concepts - Future developments in racing vehicle engineering

The course is organized through theoretical lectures, application-oriented activities and laboratory sessions focused on racing vehicle engineering and optimization methodologies. The theoretical lectures are aimed at introducing the fundamental engineering principles and the main technological peculiarities characterizing motorsport applications, with particular reference to vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems and the influence of technical regulations on racing vehicle development. A significant part of the course is devoted to practical activities, numerical exercises, laboratory sessions and engineering applications in which students will apply the concepts introduced during the lectures to realistic motorsport engineering scenarios. Particular emphasis is devoted to a learning-by-doing teaching methodology, encouraging students to actively develop problem-solving capabilities and multidisciplinary engineering skills through hands-on activities inspired by real racing vehicle applications. The course may also include simulation-based activities, industrial seminars, company presentations and guest lectures delivered by professionals operating in the motorsport and high-performance automotive sectors.

Lecture notes, slides and technical materials provided during the course will represent the main reference material for the preparation of the exam, since the course covers multidisciplinary topics that are not fully addressed within a single textbook. Additional references useful for deepening specific topics related to racing vehicle engineering and powertrain systems may include: - J. B. Heywood, Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill - G. Genta, Motor Vehicle Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation, World Scientific Additional scientific papers, technical documentation and reference materials may be suggested during the course depending on the topics addressed and on the application activities developed throughout the semester.

Slides; Strumenti di simulazione;

Modalita di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam;

... The assessment consists of an oral examination aimed at evaluating the students’ understanding of the theoretical concepts presented during the course and their capability to critically discuss engineering methodologies and design approaches related to racing vehicle applications. During the oral examination, students will discuss the main topics addressed throughout the course, including vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems and motorsport engineering methodologies. Particular attention will be devoted to the students’ capability to analyse engineering problems, interpret technical choices and discuss optimization strategies for high-performance racing applications. The evaluation may also include the discussion of projects, laboratory activities, numerical exercises and/or application-oriented assignments developed during the course as part of the learning-by-doing educational approach.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.