Ferrari Goes from Red to Green, Plans to Offer Hybrid Option on all Models

If you need further proof that the hybrid craze is sweeping across the automotive industry, consider that even Ferrari is planning to offer hybrid versions across its entire range of supercars within the next three to four years.

The announcement was made by Ferrari's chairman Luca di Montezemolo during the media presentation of the 'green' 599 GTB Fiorano Hybrid at this week's Geneva Motor Show.

"This is a first step of a long project and we want within three years, maximum four, to have a hybrid Ferrari car ready for every single product of our range. This is our goal," said Montezemolo. "In three years we aim to cut emissions by a minimum of 35 percent."

The prototype version of the 599 GTB uses a 100HP+ electric motor mounted at the back of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission and a set of flat lithium-ion batteries positioned below the floorpan of the car to back up a more traditional 6.0-liter V12 engine with 611 ponies under the hood.

The whole system (electric motor and batteries) tips the scales at a no-so-sporty 100kg or about 220 pounds, however, Ferrari says that the extra 100HP+ more than compensate for the additional weight in terms of performance, while at the same time, the system helps reduce CO2 emissions by 35 per cent over the stock model.

Via: Autonews (Sub. Req)

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Ferrari Goes Green in Geneva with 599 GTB HY-KERS Hybrid

Taking pride of place at the Ferrari stand in Geneva is the new 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS "vettura laboratorio" or to put in plain English, a prototype version of the Italian firm's supercar fitted with a hybrid powertrain. According to Ferrari, it's supposed to show us how the company is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement.

The hybrid system found in the 599 GTB prototype comprises of an electric motor coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission and a set of flat lithium-ion batteries positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody.

Weighing about 40 kg or 88lbs, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS produces over 100HP with Ferrari claiming that it achieved its goal of offsetting every kilogram increase in weight (including the batteries) by a gain of at least one hp.

Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries.

Ferrari says that this phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module that manages the power supply and recharging the batteries. The module also powers the engine's ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive.

According to the Italian maker, the prototype is not only slightly faster than the stock 599 GTB but at the same time it also emits 35 per cent less CO2 in the combined EU cycle.

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Ferrari 599 Hybrid Concept: First Photos Leak on the Web

We've been hearing a lot about Ferrari's Geneva-bound 599 Hybrid concept model for quite some time now, but the Italian supercar maker apparently can't keep it under wraps anymore as the first photos of the prototype model made it onto the web today.

Photos aside, we asked around and our sources gave us some inside information on the hybrid system featured on the 'green' 599 concept model.

The system comprises of an electric motor producing somewhere around 100 horsepower and 137Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque that is attached on the back-end of the rear-mounted transmission, and a battery pack located under the floor.

The extra power is said to compensate for the added weight which is said to be close to 100 kilos or about 220 pounds, making the 599 Hybrid faster than the stock model.

Last but not least, we were told that the hybrid system is still in its infancy stage and will most likely take a few years to be offered on a series production model.

It goes without saying that we'll have all the details on the concept car after its debut in Geneva next week.

Photos: CCS & Picassa

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