| Future technology | Ferrari hybrids |
Ferrari made some bold statements
last year that it would reduce emissions from its cars by 40% by 2012. To achieve this Ferrari is said to be looking at a hybrid system, such a drivetrain expected to debut on its next performance flagship model. As of 2009 Ferrari will be using KERS (Kinetic Energy Regeneration) on its Formula one car as the race series strives to increase its environmental responsibilities, any road car system benefiting from Ferrari's track development of such regenerative energy scavenging technology.
Ferrari has admitted previously that it's working on a mild hybrid system to be used on its road cars. It would work by storing energy usually lost under braking to help boost acceleration, lessening the workload for the conventional engine with obvious benefits for emissions and economy.
Such a mild hybrid is just one of the many solutions Ferrari is investigating in its quest to reduce its environmental impact. Lighter weight materials developed from F1 and aerospace industries are also being researched, as are improved electronics, direct injection engines, more efficient engine ancillaries, active drag-reducing aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres. Ferrari is also looking at reducing weight by reducing the size of its cars - having the controls move to the driver's preferred position rather than have the seat move.
A combination of such technologies would allow Ferrari to build a car like the Mille Chili concept it showed at its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2007. The concept - significantly smaller than the Enzo it closely resembles - would theoretically match the Enzo's performance, but with far greater efficiency and significantly reduced emissions.
Ferrari fans need not worry about dilution of the brand's sporting appeal, Ferrari stressing that any environmental enhancements will not be at the expense of what 'makes a Ferrari a Ferrari'. Power outputs are unlikely to rise from now on though, performance gains achieved by increased efficiency, lighter cars and technology such as mild hybrid powertrains.
Kyle Fortune - 10 Jul 2008