Ferrari confirms hybrid system for 2013

Big news today is coming out of Italy when Ferrari's CEO Amedeo Felisa officially plans to use a hybrid system in their future mid-engined flagship car expected to be launched in 2013. 

Two years ago Ferrari had showed off a 599 GTB concept packing it's Hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System at the Geneva Motor Show and the latest iteration of the HY-KERS equipped V12 engine, which was first shown at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show has been modified for a mid-rear engine layout expressly designed for the Enzo's successor. The Enzo II or Enzo replacement was also caught testing the new system two weeks back in Germany on a high-topped test track.

The system – originally developed for its Formula One efforts – consists of two electric motors: one mounted between the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and sending electrically juiced boost to the rear wheels, and another powering the supercar’s auxiliary systems, including the power steering, air conditioning, brake servos and other on-board electrical systems.

Power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the centerline of the car for optimal weight distribution, with electrons being fed into the cells during braking. Ferrari is expecting big numbers with their hybrid system, such as a 40 per cent drop in CO2 emissions and a significant increase in performance. 

Despite weighing 120kg more than a car without the system fitted, it gets to 200 km/h a full 3 seconds quicker. To further boost performance and economy, carbon fiber is used freely throughout the car’s body and chassis.