Ferrari Bringing Hybrid To Geneva
The rumors seem to be true: Ferrari, builders of the finest cars in the world, will be bringing a hybrid version of their 599 GTB Fiorano supercar to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. To some of the less well informed out there, this might seem like a sacrilege, but for those who know Ferrari’s history of technical innovation, and just what can be accomplished with a properly set up hybrid drivetrain, this makes perfect sense.
Ferrari is, quite simply, one of the most technologically innovative car companies around, having invented and brought to market every thing from the sublime semi-automatic gearbox to the more prosaic 2+2 seating layout. So when the boys from Maranello have a crack at doing a hybrid, you can expect it to be thoroughly engineered and oriented towards stratospheric performance.
Autopia has been covering the twists and turns in the Ferrari hybrid rumors for a while now. As we reported then, and Reuters now confirms via Automotive News, the hybrid 599 will use a road-going version of the Italian company’s KERS F1 hybrid system.
The upcoming Geneva show car was confirmed by Ferrari capo di tutti capo Luca di Montezemolo at the presentation of the stunningly beautiful formula one team’s 2010 race car. Sadly, di Montezemolo did not relate any specifics on the hybrid show car, so we’ll have to bide our time until March.
If the 599 hybrid follows the patent drawings and other tid-bits of data, the Geneva car will be most impressive. In addition tot the already glorious V12 engine up front, there will be an electric motor mounted at the rear transaxle and a lithium-ion battery pack located for optimal performance via weight jacking.
Not only will the hybrid system be set up to provide an added boost in power, it will also give the car a start-stop function and regenerative braking. And in case you’re interested, the 599 GTB Fiorano will get a 35 percent improvement in fuel economy.
Photo: Ferrari
Go to source: 1-800-COLLISION™
Updated February 2, 2010