Ferrari Planning V12 Hybrid, Six-Cylinder Engine Could Return: Report
Not for the first time, details of a new Ferrari hybrid system have surfaced in the media, with CEO Amedeo Felisa reportedly confirming that development is well underway.
Although an electric powertrain was ruled out last year by chairman Luc
Not for the first time, details of a new Ferrari hybrid system have surfaced in the media, with CEO Amedeo Felisa reportedly confirming that development is well underway.
Although an electric powertrain was ruled out last year by chairman Luca di Montezemolo, Felisa told the UK's Autocar this week that the brand's V12 family will grow to feature petrol-electric hybrid technology.
Felisa told the magazine that while the expensive nature of the technology in today's economy means a production timeline cannot be confirmed, the system has been developed "to fit all of our future architecture".
"I’m not saying when, but it is possible that this technology will be on all Ferraris. It has been designed to fit all our future architecture, and if we go ahead it will be fitted as standard. It is not the sort of thing you offer as an option," Felisa said.
He said that the technology will be used not only to produce more power, but also to help the carmaker meet Europe's strict emissions laws in the future.
It's no secret that Ferrari has been exploring hybrid options. As far back as the debut of the 2010 599 HY-KERS concept, Ferrari has confirmed that the technology is on the cards for the future.
Based on technology developed through its Formula 1 programme, Ferrari has developed a hybrid system that pairs a 40kg, 75kW electric motor with its older 6.0 litre V12 engine and seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission.
When we'll see the new system in production is unclear, and it is likely that the successor to the Enzo - due later this year - is too soon and too important a model for a hybrid powertrain to feature in.
Just as di Montezemolo did last year, Felisa has also confirmed that six-cylinder engines could return to the supercarmaker's line-up in the future.
“Why not six cylinders? It is far away in the future, perhaps, but it is clear perceptions have altered," Felisa told Autocar.
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