Hybrid Car Review

Ferrari 599 KERS HY

Ferrari showed off a new prototype for their vision of hybrids going forward. The Ferrarri 599 HY KERS concept is meant to give an idea of how Ferrari is looking to adopt hybrid and other green technology over the next four years.

With tough new CO2 emissions in the works, Ferrari is looking to cut fuel by up to 40% over the next few years, or risk being squeezed out. They plan on having green technology across their entire line-up by 2015.

The spokesperson noted the concept would cost twice as much as the £207,000 petrol 559 GTB Fiorano on which the concept is based. But, the price should come down to below £300,000 in the next four years.

The HY KERS concept uses the Formula One developed system called Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The system allows for regenerative braking, but will not run the vehicle on electric power alone.

The two-seater comes with a 6.0 liter V12 mated to an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. The prototype has a top speed of 200 mph and can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. That's faster than the standard version. It can reach 125 mph in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.

But that extra power also comes at greater efficiency, with a 35% improvement in CO2 emission (down to 270 g/km) and they estimate a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg (up from 16 mpg).

The battery pack is set low in the floor, which lowers the center of gravity, allowing for better 'cornering dynamics.' They also do not affect interior space of functionality.

Ferrari painted the concept green, making it stand out from the rest of the Ferrari line-up. The company is hoping this is the leading edge of their goal of reducing fuel use in their entire line-up by at least 40%.