Will We See A Hybrid Ferrari?
by Andrew Posner, Providence, Rhode Island on 07. 7.08
The Drive for Alternatives is On
One clear sign that the search for alternatives to oil has reached a fever pitch is when Ferrari, one of the world's most renowned sports car manufacturers, announces its intention to build vehicles powered by biofuels and electricity, as well as hybrid drivetrains. Ferrari, of course, isn't doing this out of the goodness of its heart: it has to meet more stringent European emissions standards, and the company has set a goal of reducing "CO2 emissions by 40 percent between now and 2012."
That the makers of high-end, performance vehicles are looking to alternatives to inefficient, polluting engines is not a new trend; Tesla has been getting tons of attention for its electric sports car and the Lexus LS600H is a 430 horsepower, Super Ultra Low Emission hybrid sedan good enough for the likes of Paul McCartney. What we're seeing, then, is that all automakers, from Ferrari to Ford to Toyota, are looking to get around the high cost and environmental/geopolitical stigma of oil. When asked if people would still buy hybrid or electric Ferraris, the company's CEO replied "yes, of course. It's the best sports car in the world. It's still fundamentally a Ferrari."
And while very few Ferraris are actually sold--reducing the direct impact of an increase in their efficiency--millions of people worship the iconic vehicles. If the object of their desire were powered by an innovative, elegant hybrid or electric motor, then all the better.
Via: ::AFP
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I imagine Ferarri is also doing this to get speed increases. Electric motors have better performance characteristics than gas engines in some situations, such as torque at high speeds.
Agreed. Symbols have a life of there own, irrespective of their direct impact, and a hybrid ferrari (or any other high-end car) could have a tremendous impact in how people view cars as status symbols- green becomes cool.
This will only happen, however, if ferrari converts its whole fleet, or at least its highest-end cars. If they make the hybrid versions low-end or limited edition, then they just reinforce the notion that green is a niche market, that green is for the eco-crazed (a caste which I am a proud member), or that green means reduced performance and a lower standard of living- none of which make any sense, of course, but sense is rarely the deciding factor in public opinion or politics.
A Tesla sports car beats the Ferrari in every way you can measure.
This sets a new standard that can only be reached by using eclectic propulsion.
It is unlikely that a Ferrari hybrid will be electric but rather the flywheel based KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that they will soon be using in their F1 cars.
"A Tesla sports car beats the Ferrari in every way you can measure."
What? I believe the Tesla roadster tops out around 130 mph - well short of any Ferrari. Top speed is a bragging point of sports cars, but more significantly, even if the Tesla is as fast or faster in tighter portions of the track, it would quickly reach its terminal velocity in straight sections, resulting in a much slower lap time.
John, a tesla is attractive, heck, its even a little sexy.
A Ferrari though, well, thats sex!
I'm all for the Ferrari going green but, they had better keep that high pitched scream that is so.... stimulating....