Friday, January 7, 2011

Ferrari Goes Green — Literally — With a Hybrid

Maranello promises the Hy-Kers concept will offer stellar performance along with improved fuel economy and emissions. It makes that point clear in calling Hy-Kers “an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.”

“Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one horsepower,” the company said, and the power is coupled “seamlessly and instantaneously” with that of the 6.0-liter V-12 engine. Ferrari says the car runs under electric power under light loads or around town. Stomp the pedal and the gasoline engine takes over, with an assist from the electric motor to provide additional torque.

The obvious question is why a company known for glorious internal combustion engines would go electric. Simple: The rules require it to. The Hy-Kers concept is Ferrari’s first step toward meet new European Union fuel-economy and emissions regulations

5 comments:

  1. Now sports cars are going hybrid! Who would have thought? They are massive gas guzzelers, however, and the fact that they have turned hybrid will greatly reduce the gas consumption from the oil company, and the gas money from the driver.

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  2. I think that they had to make the Ferrari a hybrid was actually a great idea for everyone. The company will sell more cars because of its appeal, the consumer won't have to pay as much for gas, and it's great for the Earth.

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  3. The idea of a green Ferrari is a great marketing technique as well as a great way to lessen impact on the environment. The green ferrari will get the ferrari franchise in the news and only lead to more sales, its like free advertisement. Also, it proves the point that any car can be made hybrid no matter what the engine strength.

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  4. Holy smokes! Look at that gorgeous car! Why can't all hybrids look so sleek and sexy? But if you think a hybrid sports car is hot, check out the Tesla Motors car company. They've been making high performance 100% electric sports cars for almost a decade. Of course, their cars are extremely high end--$80,000 and up in many cases, but they get up to 300 miles per charge and can perform competitively with traditional gas sports cars like the dodge viper. They don't need oil changes and don't have an internal combustion engine with all it's many parts that can wear out and break, so even though the purchase price is high, the maintenance costs are almost zero. How much does a Viper go for, anyway?

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  5. I think that this is a really good idea! Ferraris have always been known as the car that everyone wants, and now it can be green too! I had no idea that this would happen because Ferraris are known as huge gas guzzlers! Hopefully a lot of people who want to get Ferraris will go the green route! I know I would!
    -Anna Martin

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