Ferrari and hybrid do not seem to fit in the same sentence together, let alone under the same hood. Well, hold your horses, as they are rumored to be prancing in the direction of their first hybrid.
The exotic rumor-mill has been circulating reports that Maranello is preparing a hybrid system for the Ferrari, set for release around 2015. This news comes on the heels of the Geneva Motor Show in March, where it was relayed by Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo that prototypes were indeed being tested of a hybrid powertrain in a 2009 Ferrari 599 adapted to the new drive system.
If we assess the rumors a bit deeper, it is far less surprising because the overall trend of the automotive industry collectively seems to be sprouting greener intentions. An increasing number of auto manufacturers from all sectors are adopting and even developing more environmentally sound components and hybrids. It seems the future of the automotive industry sustains an underlying understanding that there is a pronounced need to decrease oil dependency and reduce negative effects on the earth, and with incentives factored in, well, you do the math.
Ferrari has previously announced its plans to reduce carbon emissions by a full 40 percent by 2010, quite an aggressive goal for such a deadline. And this season, Ferrari's Formula One team is recovering wasted energy via regenerative braking for the brand, as well as Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), in compliance with new guidelines and rules for Formula One racing. It appears even the world's most prestigious racing circuit has a bleeding heart for the environment.
To add to the growing excitement about the Ferrari hybrid rumors, drawings have been leaked from a patent application reportedly, providing an overview of the potential green Ferrari. This leaves one to wonder if the signature red paint job just may be green this time around?
The drawings portray a few variants of four-wheel drive and hybrid technology. One features one set of wheels, likely the rear, powered by the engine through the transmission. Another drawing shows a set of wheels, likely the front, powered by an electric motor or set of in-wheel motors. There are drawings with both front and mid-engine mountings.
It will be interesting to observe as the future of Ferrari, Ferrari rentals, Ferrari Formula One units and more plays out over time. For more on Ferrari, check out our official Ferrari Week blogset.
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