Ferrari reveals a Hybrid car

A Ferrari 599 hybrid has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor show which is a sign that even supercar makers are addressing their environmental impact.

The hybrid two seater called HY-KERS uses Ferraris Formula One Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to recover the braking and decelerating energy in a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. That electrical energy is converted into about 650 volts, which gives an additional 100 horsepower that is used to supplement the acceleration of the six-litre V12 petrol engine and also run the engine's air conditioning and power-steering pumps.

While the HY-KERS is strictly an experimental vehicle at present, Favaretto Fabrizio, a Ferrari engineer says that it is capable of improving the 15.8mpg fuel consumption and reducing the 415g/km carbon dioxide emissions by up to a third in each case.

It would also be very expensive at present, almost doubling the £207,075 list price of the 205mph 599 GTB Fiorano, although Ferrari aims to have the 220lb system in production within five years at a far more affordable price and a lighter weight.

By Geraldine Ashton-Green, motoring.co.uk

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