Ferrari V12 and 6 cylinder hybrid coming?
Ferrari had already shown signs of interest in the hybrid, two years ago. Geneva hosted a prototype 599 Hy-Kers (illustration above), powered by a V12 supported by a Kers system extrapolated from F1 technology. The idea remained bracketed until Amedeo Felisa confirmed this week that a V12 hybrid would see the day of mass production. Its first application would be reserved for the successor to the Enzo, expected by the end of the year.
Theoretically, this would be a device similar to the concept 599 Hy-KERS (kinetic energy recovery during braking), applied to the new 6.3-liter V12 (740 hp on the F12 Berlinetta). "This technology is designed to fit all our future productions," says Felisa. We must therefore expect to see the replacement for the 458 decked out in the same system a few years.
It is still unclear whether hybridization will further, especially if the car will be able to evolve into all-electric for a short distance, or if the electric motor is to segregate the role of assisting the thermal phases of high stress. It is this latter scheme of things emerging from the initial leak, probably the most likely to not tarnish the nobility of the Ferrari V12 ...
In any case, the downsizing has already made its entry from the manufacturer. That's been a while since the label HELE (High Emotion, Low Emissions) is available on the California, with Start & Stop, and optimization of devices (oil pump, alternator) in support. Reducing consumption also would increase, and this is new, by the arrival of smaller engines to run. The idea of a 6-cylinder comes up, reserved for entry level and why not, a new interpretation of the Dino. Pure fantasy that this, however ...
That the purists are nevertheless reassured, although the influence of the electric future Ferrari V12 is nothing especially cheerful: the all-electric product is deviated from the plan (for now at least), like overeating.
