Ferrari's first Hybrid
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7th March, 2010
Ferrari has displayed its first ever hybrid car at the
Geneva Motor Show (4th-14th March 2010) with the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS vettura laboratorio cutting
emissions and fuel consumption by 35 per cent without affecting the performance traits and driving
involvement that have always exemplified its cars.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS vettura laboratorio hybrid project is also aimed at ensuring that Ferrari
will be in a position to comply with future CO2 emissions standards, particularly in terms of the
urban cycle. City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalised as their engines are
designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low
revs and low engine loads.
Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt an advanced, light weight hybrid drivetrain to
the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved
by the careful integration of all system components, positioning them below the centre of gravity and
ensuring that interior and luggage space are entirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion
batteries are positioned below the floorpan. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower
than in the standard car.
Ferrari has also applied its F1 technology to the design, engineering and construction of a new
kind of electric motor which helps optimise the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the car, enhancing
traction and brake balance. The motor also features a unique cooling and lubrication system for maximum
efficiency under all operating temperatures and loads.
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Weighing about 40 kg, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled to
the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. It operates through one of the transmission’s two
clutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts. Thus power is coupled seamlessly and
instantaneously between the electric motor and the V12. The electric motor produces more than 100 hp as
Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogramme increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp.
Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative
torque generated to recharge the batteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module
which was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well as managing the power supply and
recharging the batteries, the module also powers the engine’s ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted
brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100
per cent under electric drive. It also incorporates the hybrid system’s cooling pump.
This experimental vehicle thus maintains the high-performance characteristics typical of all Ferraris
while, at the same time, reducing CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.
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