Ferrari is anticipated to show its first road-going hybrid at the
Geneva motor show in March - based on the
599 GTB Fiorano. The system is said to be related to the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used in Formula One, though instead of a rotating flywheel it is expected to include an electric motor positioned on the rear transaxle and use lithium ion batteries for energy storage.
It's not likely that the system will allow electric propulsion alone, instead it working alongside the 599's 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine in mild hybrid guise to enable start/stop operation, regenerative braking and give the engine a boost under hard acceleration. Improvements in economy could be as much as 30 percent over the standard car, helping Ferrari to achieve its widely publicised goal of improving economy and emissions by 40 percent by 2012.
The technology would be easily transferable to Ferrari's other models, the replacement 612 Scaglietti, for instance, certain to feature technology that allows it to maintain its level of performance while accommodating ever stricter economy and emissions legislation.
Kyle Fortune - 24 Dec 2009