Ferrari files patent for wild system Musk dreamt about for Tesla
- Ferrari filed a patent application for an innovative thrust system
- The system would use compressed air for added thrust and downforce
- The application was filed in 2019, but it was only published in 2024
Published on Apr 15, 2024 at 12:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on May 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Ferrari has just revealed a new patent application for a clever system that even Elon Musk himself wanted to use for Tesla cars.
The application filed by Ferrari – if it is accepted – would introduce a totally new way of producing thrust.
In a way, it would make high-performance cars feel even more like jet planes.
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Keeping an eye on car manufacturers filing patent applications is a great way to keep track of what’s going on in the automotive industry.
For example, this is how the world first caught wind of the rumors about the Apple car, before the project was reportedly canceled.
It is also how we know that the next Lambo might be called ‘Temerario‘.
Mind you, the new Ferrari system is probably bigger news than that.
According to the application, Ferrari seems to be looking into gas thrusters, which is something Elon Musk mentioned on a couple of occasions, although he has never done anything about it – well, anything that we know of.
Interestingly, Ferrari’s patent, which was first uncovered by The Drive, was actually filed in late 2019, even though it was only published a few days ago.
So how exactly does a gas thruster work?
In theory, it would work using compressed air, which is then released and generates thrust.
Ironically, that is actually (vaguely) how a hydrogen fuel cell car works.
According to Ferrari’s patent, gas could be stored at a pressure between 700 and 900 bar, and it would be released into a tiny aperture, which then becomes increasingly larger to maximize thrust.
There are two more things to bear in mind.
First, gas thrusters would ‘only’ add 40-45 kg more to the car, and second, it would help downforce, not just speed.
It could be an exciting development, if it ever comes to fruition.
Ferrari is certainly keeping busy.
After the long-awaited SUV and new hybrid supercars, the Italian marque is finally getting ready to unveil its first-ever EV.
However, in the next few months, we also expect news about potential ways to use gas thrusters.
The lead image for this story was generated using AI
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
