Published May 13, 2012
By Huw Evans
There have been rumors circulating for some time that Ferrari was looking to introduce a hybrid. Now, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo has indeed confirmed that such a car is on its way, scheduled for introduction by the end of this year.
Using a version of Ferrari’s HY-KERS Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the most recent iteration of which was seen at the Beijing Motor Show this year, the new car will be Ferrari’s next generation flagship and carry the name Enzo.
“We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations,” Di Montezemolo recently said. “At the end of the year we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”
Sporting a mid-mounted V12 gasoline engine – not front mounted like the 599 Fiorano HY-KERS test mule shown above – seven-speed transmission and dual electric motors the new Ferrari flagship promises to deliver a whopping 920 horsepower.
As other hi-performance vehicle manufacturers are finding out, hybridization is becoming like the new turbo or super charging. Instead of force-feeding more fuel for more power, electric motors elegantly create more power without the need for any fuel. Ferrari’s two motors in this car will consist of a main unit mounted behind the gearbox and auxiliary power unit on the side of the engine.
In order to achieve the best possible power-to-weight-ratio, the new Enzo will feature extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction and as a result, likely dizzying levels of acceleration, braking and handling.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on further developments for what promises to be one if not the most anticipated new vehicle debuts of the year.
