I pose the question: Now that it appears production of the bloated Hummer has been discontinued, can we convince the rich and aimless that they don’t need to tool around town in expensive race cars?  Just asking.

In any case, Ferrari has developed the experimental HY-KERS hybrid to meet the restrictions of future emissions guidelines, (particularly in urban areas), without losing its claim to the performance traits and driving characteristics that have always exemplified its cars.  City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalized (and rightly so) as their engines are designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low revs and low engine loads; (too much car for the city?). 

via Ferrari:  Ferrari has put its racing experience to good use in developing a lightweight 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.

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.

Ferrari has also made eco-friendly advances in its manufacturing process where it now boasts complete energy autonomy due to its combination of solar arrays and Italy’s largest trigeneration system at its factory in Maranello.

source: prnewswire