Luxury Cars: The HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) a.k.a. Hybrid 599 GTB Fiorano was unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show and is an example that Ferrari is working on the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of performance.

In order to build this car, Ferrari has employed its racing experience and adapted the advanced, lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. All the components were integrated perfectly in the vehicle, even the lithium-ion batteries were positioned below the floorpan, which means that the car has a center of gravity that is even lower than in the standard car.

The F1 technology was used to build this vehicle, which features a new kind of electric motor helping it with the longitudinal and lateral dynamics.

The compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS system weighs about 40 kg and is mated to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission.

This means that it can operate through one of the transmission's two clutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts.

The new electric motor produces more than 100 hp as Ferrari's goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp.

As you expected, the braking system also acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries. According to Ferrari, this experimental vehicle reduces CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.

Andrew Christian
4wheelsnews
JustLuxe Contributor