AutoblogGreen

Ferrari teases new "powerful road car ever," and it's a hybrid

Danny King — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Detroit Auto Show

We doubt the developers of the Toyota Prius had this in mind, but we'll take it.

The Ferrari with the most power ever, which will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next January, will indeed be a hybrid, Automotive News reports, citing people it declined to identify. The new model, which will replace the limited-edition Enzo, will pair a V12 with an electric motor that combined will deliver an ungodly 900 horsepower.

Ferrari has already said it's working on a carbon fiber chassis that will cut weight by 20 percent relative to the one used for the Enzo, which means the hybrid components will simply bring the new hybrid to the same weight as the Enzo. The automaker said at the Paris Motor Show last month that it would launch its first hybrid "in the near future," though didn't divulge details such as the timeframe or model name. Some reports have said the car will be called the F70. We'll just call it a beast, for now.

Ferrari in April hinted that a hybrid was forthcoming, saying that one of its models would have a "green factor" in order to help cut the company's fleetwide greenhouse gas emissions.

Ferrari teases new "powerful road car ever," and it's a hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari

Business has been good for Ferrari. Thanks in no small part to expanding its activities in developing markets, the racing team turned automaker raked in 556 million euros in revenues to generate 42.1 million euros in profit in the first quarter of this year alone - an increase of 13.2 and 17.2 percent, respectively. Those figures are driven by increased sales that amounted to 1,733 units produced and delivered in the first quarter out of an exciting model range that includes the 458 Italia and Spider, the recently revised California, the innovative FF and the brand-new F12 Berlinetta. But the House that Enzo built is not about to stop there.

Buried deep within the company's financial report (which you can delve into after below the fold should you be so inclined) comes confirmation direct from the company's affable chairman (and possible next Italian prime minister) Luca di Montezemolo: "At the end of the year, we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

So there we have it, straight from the proverbial lion's mouth and in no uncertain terms. Before we flip the calendar to 2013, we'll have the latest in the long line of earth-shattering supercars that started with the 288 GTO, continued with the legendary F40, through the open-top F50 and on to the radical Enzo. And yes, it will be a hybrid, coupling an electric motor to a revised version of the V12 in the new F12 Berlinetta, as Ferrari revealed at the Beijing Motor Show.

Continue reading Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end

Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 May 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patents reveal Ferrari working on non-KERS hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari

Ferrari is known for hyper-exotic supercars, speed and big price tags. There is a reason, though, that we didn't mention fuel efficiency. Hopped-up V8 and V12 engines don't exactly conjure up images of tree-hugging, and, for the most part, our Autoblog pals are more than okay with that.

That could change, at least a little bit, with a patent that describes a hybrid powertrain that passes on flywheel technology in favor of a more mainstream effort. Car and Driver reports that the Italian supercar maker has filed patents for hybrid technology that would use a pair of electric motors and a battery pack.

The hybrid system would utilize one electric motor that assists the powertrain while the other runs auxiliary systems like air conditioning, infotainment and power steering. The patent also reportedly mentions that the technology would play nicely with a front-mounted 90-degree engine, making the California a likely destination if this system ever sees the light of day.

There has been some speculation that Ferrari might opt for a production version of its racing-derived Kinetic Energy Recover System (KERS) ~~that captures energy via a flywheel to provide short bursts of energy~~. Ferrari's KERS uses a battery and has a single motor, with the accessories driven off the engine. Ferrari introduced a 599 concept in 2010 that included the fuel-saving tech.

Patents reveal Ferrari working on non-KERS hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari hints, again, at V12 hybrid powertrain option

Danny King — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Ferrari, Europe/EU

The maker of some of the world's fastest cars appears to be s-l-o-w-l-y making its way towards hybrid powertrains.

Ferrari, which has been saying that it would explore a V12 hybrid powertrain, made further hints of a Ferrari hybrid in the future at the launch of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta last month, UK's Autocar reported.

The Italian automaker described the upcoming car as "the first in a new generation of V12s," according to the publication. Ferrari will "introduce a green factor" to its cars to ensure that its fleetwide greenhouse-gas emissions doesn't worsen, said Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa. Two years ago, Ferrari started including its HY-KERS regenerative breaking system on the Ferrari 599 GTB in order to improve fuel economy through electric energy. Felisa also said that the company may reintroduce V6 engines, though it was "far away in the future."

Ferrari started making a lot of noise about potential engine electrification in 2010, when Felisa first said that the successor to Ferrari's Enzo model may have a V12 that's paired with an electric motor. Later that year, Autocar reported that Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo was looking at developing a V6 engine in an effort to develop a more fuel-efficient model than its eight-, ten- and twelve-cylinder powertrains.

Last August, Montezemolo told AutoblogGreen sister publication Engadget that the company was "working very, very hard on the hybrid Ferrari." He also added that the public "will never see a Ferrari electric because I don't believe in electric cars."

For those keeping track of such things (or those with a sense of humor), Ferrari isn't exactly saving trees when it comes to fuel economy. In the U.S., its 458 Italia Coupe and Italia Spider each get 18 miles per gallon combined, while the Ferrari California gets 15 mpg combined. And the V12 Ferrari FF gets 13 mpg combined, according to the EPA.

Ferrari hints, again, at V12 hybrid powertrain option originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ferrari

There are drawbacks to every kind of alternative to burning fossil fuels in our cars. Electric cars don't have enough range. Hybrids are burdened with what essentially boils down to two parallel powertrains. Hydrogen is limited to where it is available. Bio-ethanol has its own drawbacks, but don't tell that to the performance enthusiast. That's because E85 - similar to what IndyCars run on but mixed with 15 percent pump gasoline - is not only a renewable and cleaner source of energy, it also provides more power.

Take the Koenigsegg Agera R, for example. With 927 horsepower on tap from ordinary 95-octane gasoline, the Koenigsegg is already one of the fastest, most powerful cars money can buy. But fill it with E85 and it offers up almost 1,100 hp. Now, a Norwegian firm is offering an aftermarket bio-ethanol conversion for the Ferrari FF that provides a similar transformation.

Whereas the stock FF (which could now just as easily stand for Flex Fuel) already drives a prodigious 650 horsepower to all four wheels, the converted version packs a whopping 875 hp for a sub-three-second sprint to sixty, all the while dropping the car's emissions figures by some 80 percent. The conversion costs just €1,500 ($1,930 U.S., at today's exchange rates) - rather insignificant considering the FF's $300k+ sticker price - and has reportedly been fitted by an authorized Ferrari dealer to at least one customer's car, though that doesn't mean it's covered by (and very well might invalidate) the FF's warranty.

Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHL star Teemu Selanne scores a silver Fisker Karma

Eric Loveday — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ferrari, Europe/EU

Nicknamed "The Finnish Flash," Teemu Selänne led the National Hockey League (NHL) in goals scored three times, was named to the NHL's All-Star Team on two occasions, won the coveted Stanley Cup in 2007, holds three Winter Olympic medals and currently serves as an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks. Even more important: he is now the owner of a silver Fisker Karma.

This hockey legend received his latest gadget in front of Hotel Kämp Helsinki in his native Finland. Teemu's wife, Sirpa, appeared thrilled by the acquisition of the locally built Karma, which the pair purchased directly from contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive in New Town, Finland.

The Fisker Karma reportedly retails for between 122,658 ($161,369 U.S. at today's exchange rate) and 141,141 euros ($185,685 U.S.) in Finland. That's chump change for a NHL star of Selanne's caliber. The 41-year-old Selanne joins other celebs, including Leonardo DiCaprio, in the Fisker Karma owner's circle. Now, if only regular folk in the U.S. could get theirs.

NHL star Teemu Selanne scores a silver Fisker Karma originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari boss says we'll "never see a Ferrari electric"

Eric Loveday — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Ferrari

It's not too hard to imagine a future - a distant one, perhaps - where the majority of automobiles run on electricity, is it? It is for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo, who says that pure electrons are not part of the Prancing Horse's equation. While chatting with our cohorts over at Engadget, Montezemelo admitted:

You will never see a Ferrari electric because I don't believe in electric cars, because I don't think they represent an important step forward for pollution or CO2 or the environment. But, we are working very, very hard on the hybrid Ferrari. This should be the future, and I hope in a couple of years you can see it.

Setting aside whether Montezemelo is right or not with his CO2 math, we can count Ferrari out of the electric vehicle race while we wait for a hybrid wearing the Prancing Horse badge. Or will this future only hold true if Ferrari strictly adheres to the Montezemelo way?

Ferrari boss says we'll "never see a Ferrari electric" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ferrari 430 Scuderia bales out of race with Tesla Roadster

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ferrari, Tesla Motors, UK, Racing, Videos

Ferrari 430 Scuderia bales in race with Tesla Roadster - Click above to watch video after the jump

While the Tesla Roadster is not exactly a perfect track car - the power electronics module (PEM) may reign in the horses after a few laps of all-out racing to protect itself from overheating - it does offer up a huge amount of relatively manageable power. Relatively manageable, that is, to the oomph exuded by a Ferrari 430 Scuderia at the 2011 edition of the Alford SpeedFest in Scotland.

The two vehicles participated in a fun game of chase on a small track and it appeared the Italian beastie was finally gaining advantage when it suddenly baled out of the fight. It's all enough to send that Rick Mear's adage to mind, "To finish first, you must first finish." Hit the jump for some gas vs. electric racing as well as a bit of bonus Ferrari extrication aftermath footage.

[Source: Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari 430 Scuderia bales out of race with Tesla Roadster

VIDEO: Ferrari 430 Scuderia bales out of race with Tesla Roadster originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video]

Eric Loveday — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Lotus, Renault, Racing

Sebastian Vettel on KERS - Click above to view video after the jump

Saft has revealed that it will supply its "state-of-the-art" batteries based on its VL lithium-ion cells to five of the 12 Formula 1 (F1) teams competing this season, including Ferrari and Lotus Renault GP. The batteries are a vital part of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that is being deployed in response to regulations that encourage the development and use of energy-saving technology in F1.

When a KERS-equipped F1 racecar brakes, a portion of its kinetic energy is captured and converted into electrical energy, which is stored in the VL li-ion cells. When extra power is needed, the battery pack releases the stored energy. The Saft setup provides 60 kW (approximately 80 horsepower) of boost, which the driver can use for up to seven seconds each lap. Saft has worked closely to develop tailor-made solutions for each team's unique KERS system. The battery maker says that its VL li-ion cells offer the "optimum combination of performance, power-to-weight ratio, reliability and safety."

Click past the jump for Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel's explanation of the benefits of KERS. Hint: it makes things faster.

[Source: Saft]

Continue reading Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video]

Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari speeding ahead with CO2 reduction

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari

Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

Think of Ferraris and the most direct correlation you're likely to come up with to the color green is the money you'll spend on one. But the fact of the matter, according to reports, is that Ferrari is gaining more ground in its commitment to reduce carbon emissions than any of its competitors.

The results come from the latest annual study conducted by JATO Dynamics on the European automobile industry and its requirement to cut the carbon emissions of its vehicles by a quarter by 2015. Rather than average the achievements over the model ranges in a company's line-up, however, the study takes sales volumes into account. That's how Ferrari - whose cleaner-burning California reportedly accounts for nearly half of its sales - has managed to reduce its average emissions by 46 g/km, down to 326 g/km in 2010, to nearly reach the half-way point in its program.

By contrast, Aston Martin has only cut 0.6 percent, Lotus 3.2%, Bentley 1.9 and Lamborghini 1.5. While Ferrari, Lotus, Bentley and Lamborghini can amortize their figures into those of their parent companies (Fiat, Proton and Volkswagen), independent Aston Martin doesn't enjoy that luxury, prompting the creation of the Cygnet city-car to help with its carbon reduction scheme.

Gallery: Ferrari California

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Ferrari speeding ahead with CO2 reduction originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scuderia Ferrari F1 team turns to biogasoline for last 3 races of the season

Eric Loveday — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari F60 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

NASCAR recently announced that its official fuel for the 2011 season would be Sunoco Green E15, an ethanol-gas blend that's sure to make the farm boys happy. Now, the Formula One team of Scuderia Ferrari will turn to biogasoline, a renewable hydrocarbon fuel produced directly from plant sugars, to propel its tremendously fast four-wheeled racer through the chicanes and down the straights during the last three events of the 2010 Formula One season.

The Scuderia team will pump its Ferrari full of fuel that contains both Virent's biogasoline and a biofuel component made from cellulosic ethanol. Virent's BioForming process catalytically converts plant sugars directly into gasoline and gasoline blend components. The biogasoline, developed in conjunction with Shell, offers energy content that matches or exceeds that of premium gas and can be seamlessly blended to make conventional transportation fuels or, as in this case, a potent racing blend.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Scuderia Ferrari F1 team turns to biogasoline for last 3 races of the season originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari Enzo successor will be a hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sorry, Ferrari purists, but even the mighty Prancing Horse isn't immune to the need to increase fuel economy. According to Autoweek, Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has confirmed that the successor to the Enzo throne will come equipped with a hybrid drivetrain. According to Montezemolo, the electrified supercar will borrow heavily from the company's 599 HY-KERS concept that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. That vehicle used hybrid tech derived from the kinetic energy recovery system that Ferrari experimented with on its F1 vehicles.

Previously, Ferrari has said that the incorporation of a battery pack and an electric motor would allow the company to continue to offer high-cylinder-count engines while offsetting fuel consumption and emissions. The company has also made it clear that it intends to begin moving toward smaller models to further reduce weight.

The news came as Montezemolo announced that he has no intention of moving from his post at Ferrari to greener pastures in the Italian government. The chairman said that he fully intends to stay at the company long enough to help craft the vehicles in the next product cycle, each of which will follow in the footsteps of the Enzo successor.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Ferrari Enzo successor will be a hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Ferrari to introduce more efficient version of California GT

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ferrari, Paris Motor Show

Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every automaker, including low-volume, high-performance brands like Ferrari, is going to have to reduce fuel consumption in the coming years, and the Italians will show their first tangible effort at the Paris Motor Show. The California is expected to get an updated version of its 4.3-liter V8 powertrain that doesn't yet adopt a full hybrid system but may get an automatic start-stop system and brake energy regeneration.

The regeneration system would be similar to those found on many other recent vehicles that uses a smart alternator to charge the battery only when the car is coasting. The engine is also expected to get some internal improvements to reduce friction, a new direct injection system and, for the first time ever in a Ferrari, cylinder deactivation. Full details will be available when the show opens at the end of the month.

Gallery: Ferrari California

[Source: OmniAuto]

Paris Preview: Ferrari to introduce more efficient version of California GT originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Le Mans Series Ferraris switch to cellulosic E85

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Ferrari, Racing

This weekend's round of the American Le Mans Series at Miller Motorsports park in Utah will see the four Ferrari F430 GTs of Extreme Speed Motorsports and Risi Racing switch from running on an E10 ethanol/gasoline blend to using cellulosic E85. With this change, 10 of the 13 cars running in GT2 will be using the second-generation biofuel. The Corvette Racing team was the first to use E85 in early 2008 and since then the Flying Lizard Porsches and Rahal Letterman BMW M3s have also made the switch.

The Ferrari factory developed the updates to the fuel system and the calibration to allow the cars to run on alcohol. Running on E85 is expected to help improve the performance thanks to the increased octane rating of the fuel.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series Ferraris switch to cellulosic E85

American Le Mans Series Ferraris switch to cellulosic E85 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari boss says more efficient V6 could be added to engine lineup

Eric Loveday — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ferrari, Green Daily

Ferrari 599 GTO - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari and fuel efficiency are two terms which reveal few hits if entered into Google's search engine. On the other hand, Ferrari and supercar will give you page upon page of results well worth looking at. But times are changing and the drive for more efficient vehicles is even forcing automakers like Ferrari to search for solutions. Autocar recently had the chance to speak with Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo on the topic of efficiency and he admitted that the company is working on many solutions to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

One solution which Ferrari is openly pursuing is engine downsizing. Ferrari will likely slot in a downsized V6 powerplant to help the company achieve higher efficiency. Autocar asked Montezemolo about the possibility of a V6-powered Ferrari and he replied, "An engine smaller than a V8? Why not?" Six-cylinder engines are not foreign to the brand, just unexplored in recent years as the company has predominantly moved towards bigger V8, V10 and V12 powerplants. Montezemolo did add that any move towards increased efficiency will not spoil the brand's amazing heritage. So, if Montezemolo is right, then we can expect the unexpected: fuel-efficient supercars. Imagine that!

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari boss says more efficient V6 could be added to engine lineup originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Boss Felisa: "Hybrid means we can protect the V12"

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Lightweight

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the Eighties, you wanted your MTV. Now that you're a little older and a lot richer, you want your naturally aspirated V12 Italian cars, and both Ferrari and Lamborghini plan to deliver. The raging bulls at Sant' Agata are incorporating more lightweight materials into their cars in order to get over emissions hurdles, but Ferrari has different plans, likely including a roadgoing iteration of its kinetic energy recovery system, as seen fitted to its 599 HY-KERS concept car at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

According to Autocar's quote from Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, "Hybrid means we can protect the V12," suggesting Ferrari believes its unassisted 12-cylinder will live on. Autocar's theory is that the next Enzo could see its V12 paired with an electric motor to keep the government watchdogs happy. Of course, this contradicts Autocar's Ferrari piece from not even ten days ago when, after speaking with Felisa, it wrote, "Felisa also hinted that the new Ferrari Enzo will be powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 when it is launched in 2012."

It could be that Ferrari will use a naturally aspirated V12, and only not in the Enzo - the F40 was a V8 while the Testarossa/512 received the big-engine treatment. Frankly, we're all for a hybrid Enzo, though. Provided they can keep the weight down, a silent supercar at low speeds with 600-plus horses that could bolt at a half-second's notice would make the most awesome getaway car ever.

Live Photos: Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari Boss Felisa: "Hybrid means we can protect the V12" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 May 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 'forced' to add hybrid, emissions concerns not 'real'

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, Racing

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery

By now, you've likely seen the various hybrid vehicles shown off by Ferrari, both for racing and for street-legal models in concept form. Purists might be more than a bit put off by the idea of a supposedly eco-friendly vehicle wearing the famed Prancing Horse badge, and it seems that Ferrari head Amadeo Felisa commiserates with them.

Speaking to Autocar at the recent Beijing Motor Show, Felisa had some rather interesting remarks on the future of his company, notably regarding the powerplants needed to meet future emissions and fuel mileage requirements. Says Felisa:

Our customers are looking for the essence of Ferrari - the emotion, the performance, the technology and so on. The way in which we fix emissions is not their problem but ours. If we are not able to fix it, only then will it become a problem for them.

That's rational, we'd say. But here's the point where Felisa's comments seem sure to garner a few raised eyebrows amongst the environmental set:

[Hybrids will come in] 2015, if we are forced to by the [government] regulations. The issue of emissions for Ferrari is more a political one than real one. Lowering emissions of every Ferrari will not save the planet, but it will cost us a lot of money... In the next five to 10 years, hybrid technology will develop and maybe something else will come up. Maybe it'll be hydrogen, but for our cars only hybrid is ready.

So, hydrogen isn't ready for Ferrari (or vice versa) and the only reason the sportscar manufacturer is even looking at hybrids is because the various governments of the world are making them. Oh yeah, and nothing with more than two doors. At least that much we can all agree upon.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari 'forced' to add hybrid, emissions concerns not 'real' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 08 May 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 teams consider bringing back KERS for 2011

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Renault, Racing

BMW Sauber F1.09 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A great debate is currently taking place between Formula One teams as to whether they should reinstate the use of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for next year. The proposal is being considered by the team principals through the framework of the Formula One Teams Association, but while some teams are strong proponents of the reinstatement, others are more hesitant.

The system - which collects heat energy from braking and stores it in either an electric capacitor or mechanical flywheel for release under acceleration - was used last season in the premier motorsport series, but was promptly dropped for this season given a number of issues teams faced.

The Renault and Ferrari teams - both of which used systems developed by Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli and are developing hybrid electric vehicles for public consumption - are reportedly the most vocal in their support of the system's return for next season. Potential measures to bring KERS back could include doubling the capacity from 400KJ to 800KJ (thereby making it more useful and also more relevant), implementing a budget cap specifically for KERS development, having teams that already have the system developed provide it to teams that don't and even using a single supplier to level the playing field.

[Source: Autosport]

F1 teams consider bringing back KERS for 2011 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari does the hybrid thing

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari

Ferrari HY-KERS - Click above to watch the video after the jump

You can bet that when Ferrari does a hybrid, it isn't going to be your run-of-the-mill battery assist. Based on its experience last season in Formula One with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System - developed in concert with Magneti Marelli (another automotive technological powerhouse under the Fiat umbrella) - Ferrari unveiled the HY-KERS concept earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show.

Incorporated into a rolling test bed based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the HY-KERS concept integrates a regenerative braking system into the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (first seen on the Ferrari California) to provide a 100-horsepower boost, stored in a flat lithium-ion battery mounted below the vehicle's center of gravity. The system was designed to minimize weight, the penalty further offset by the elimination of the V12 engine's conventional battery and starter motor. But don't take our word for it: follow the jump to watch a video straight from the factory explaining how Ferrari's system works.

[Source: Ferrari via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari does the hybrid thing

Video: Ferrari does the hybrid thing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari wins first Formula one race with cellulosic ethanol blend

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Ferrari, Racing

Fernando Alonso winning the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Corvette Racing and several other teams in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) have been running on cellulosic ethanol for two years now but the alcohol fuel made its first appearance in Formula One this past weekend. New F1 regulations for 2010 require a small component of oxygenated fuel. Ferrari and its fuel supplier Shell have developed a blend that contains cellulosic ethanol to provide the oxygen component.

Running on this new cellulosic ethanol blend, the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa finished first and second during the opening round at Bahrain. The Ferraris are running only a small percentage of ethanol compared to the 85 percent used in ALMS it is a start. The ethanol was produced at the Iogen demonstration plant near Ottawa Canada using wheat straw that was grown nearby. Shell is an investor in Iogen and the companies are developing a full-scale commercial scale plant in Saskatchewan.

Gallery: Ferrari F1 Bahrain GP 2010

[Source: Canadian Press, Shell]

Continue reading Ferrari wins first Formula one race with cellulosic ethanol blend

Ferrari wins first Formula one race with cellulosic ethanol blend originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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