FERRARI 599 HYBRID CONCEPT

Ferrari is expected to reveal a hybrid version of the 599 GTB during the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show in March. The car should use a system based on lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor, both of which are respectively placed on either side of the rear transaxle. Overall a reduction of about 35% in fuel consumption (equivalent to about 17 liters per 100km) will be achieved.

The 599 Hybrid Concept is expected to use a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) setup similar to the ones designed for Formula One, including a lithium-ion battery pack with electric motors built into the rear transaxle. This setup would allow for regenerative braking, a start-stop function and an electric boost capability to add even more acceleration to the 599’s already impressive 620-hp V12 engine. Under city driving it would also help improve mileage by 30 percent. That will be particularly noticeable on such a gas-hungry beast as the 599, which currently only gets 8.7 mpg, bringing it up to 13.8 mpg.