-
Home
-
Latest Headlines
-
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
-
Latest Headlines: Moto-Racing
-
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Technology
GREEN: Ferrari Planning Hybrid V12s
New performance technology was shown in 599 Hy-Kers concept car with Formula 1-style KERS application; other supercar makers on similar path.
Ferrari's hybrid concept car, the 599 HY-KERS, uses an electric motor for initial acceleration and low-speed driving. (Photo: Ferrari)
Ferrari recently launched a new V12 in its latest supercar, the F12 Berlinetta, the most powerful engine ever to be fitted to a Ferrari road car. The advanced unit is just the first in what the automaker claims will be a whole new generation of V12 powerplants.
Claims like that suggest that the V12 engine is here to stay, even in a world of increasing environmental consciousness.
But the V12 engines of the future will be unlike those of today, according to Ferrari. To secure their future, hybrid technology will become more prevalent, even featuring in high-performance supercars like those built by Ferrari.
“We will roll out new technology that is there first and foremost to introduce a green factor to our cars and ensure that we can keep our product where it is in terms of CO2,” Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed during a recent interview with Autocar. “Our hybrid system won’t just be about creating power, but saving energy, too. Yes, that technology is expensive today, but the road ahead is open and evolution will bring down the cost and weight disadvantages.”
Felisa didn’t say when Ferrari might use hybrid technology in one of its road cars but the successor to the Enzo supercar, set to be unveiled around the end of this year, is expected to be the first recipient.
The setup is likely to be based on the Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS) used by Ferrari in Formula 1 racing and previewed in the 2010 599 Hy-Kers Concept. Ferrari’s design calls for a compact electric motor to bolted onto the rear of a car’s gearbox. The motor is designed to cut in during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from a standstill and during overtaking maneuvers. At low speeds, such as city driving, the hybrid system can also function as a full-electric drivetrain.
One of Ferrari's key rivals, McLaren, is also exploring the use of an energy-boosting KERS for its future models and is rumored to launch just such a system in its own McLaren F1 successor due out this May. Lamborghini has also stated that it is planning to use hybrid technology to ensure the future viability of its big V12 engines.
Six-cylinder engines are also being considered by Ferrari to help curb its fleet-wide emissions. Felisa explained that performance-minded customers are open to the idea of high-end sports cars featuring less than eight-cylinders, and that this is a direction Ferrari needs to explore.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
Claims like that suggest that the V12 engine is here to stay, even in a world of increasing environmental consciousness.
But the V12 engines of the future will be unlike those of today, according to Ferrari. To secure their future, hybrid technology will become more prevalent, even featuring in high-performance supercars like those built by Ferrari.
“We will roll out new technology that is there first and foremost to introduce a green factor to our cars and ensure that we can keep our product where it is in terms of CO2,” Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed during a recent interview with Autocar. “Our hybrid system won’t just be about creating power, but saving energy, too. Yes, that technology is expensive today, but the road ahead is open and evolution will bring down the cost and weight disadvantages.”
Felisa didn’t say when Ferrari might use hybrid technology in one of its road cars but the successor to the Enzo supercar, set to be unveiled around the end of this year, is expected to be the first recipient.
The setup is likely to be based on the Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS) used by Ferrari in Formula 1 racing and previewed in the 2010 599 Hy-Kers Concept. Ferrari’s design calls for a compact electric motor to bolted onto the rear of a car’s gearbox. The motor is designed to cut in during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from a standstill and during overtaking maneuvers. At low speeds, such as city driving, the hybrid system can also function as a full-electric drivetrain.
One of Ferrari's key rivals, McLaren, is also exploring the use of an energy-boosting KERS for its future models and is rumored to launch just such a system in its own McLaren F1 successor due out this May. Lamborghini has also stated that it is planning to use hybrid technology to ensure the future viability of its big V12 engines.
Six-cylinder engines are also being considered by Ferrari to help curb its fleet-wide emissions. Felisa explained that performance-minded customers are open to the idea of high-end sports cars featuring less than eight-cylinders, and that this is a direction Ferrari needs to explore.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
Toyota FT-86 Open Concept
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
