A few months back, Ferrari let their plans for a new hybrid system leak out. The ensuing uproar effectively divided the fans of the Italian Automaker into those who loved the idea, and those who were appalled by it. The decision by Ferrari to use the new powertrain in the 599 GTB is likely to divide this group even more.
While nothing is official yet, it is now known that Ferrari is planning on bringing a prototype hybrid 599 GTB with them to the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. If the schematics were correct, the design would call for the inclusion of 2 electric motors propelling the rear transaxle. The hybrid variant would still make use of the high revving V12, but would also employ the electric drive system to reduce fuel consumption by about 35%.
Power for the electric motors would be stored in a Lithium Ion Battery Stack and can be recharged on the fly thanks to a regenerative braking system. Start/Stop Technology has also made its way onto the new concept to prolong the battery life as much as possible.
Source: inventorspot.com
Ferrari recently showed off its new Laboratorio Technologico 599XX experimental car based on the regular 599 GTB Fiorano, and while we all wished the wild concept would eventually go into production, the chances of that happening are next to nil except maybe for a few lucky people enlisted as Ferrari client test drivers.
However, a tamer version of the car, while still aimed at well-heeled track enthusiasts, could eventually be launched--and be actually road-legal.
Similar in theory to the F430 Scuderia and the 360 Challenge Stradale before that, a hardcore version of the 599 GTB could get an uprated V-12 engine, several weight-saving modifications and a host of aerodynamic aids.
Later reports indicate that such a car is in the works and could even go by the name 599 GTO in honor of the legendary 250 GTO from the 1960s. The 599’s venerable 6.0-liter V-12 is expected to be pumped up to between 680 and 700 horsepower, and this is to be accompanied by an extensive weight-saving program shedding up to 150 pounds from the car’s kerb weight.
Visually, the car will look similar to the Laboratorio Technologico 599XX pictured about but not quite as extreme. Some of the aerodynamic aids from the concept car, such as the new winglets on the rear buttresses and F1-derived ‘doughnuts’ covering the wheels, could carry over into production, however.
Production will almost certainly be limited, with numbers likely to hover around the 500 mark, and the most likely reveal date will be the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next March.
Source: motorauthority.com
Last week Ferrari held an auction for the unique Ferrari 599 China, which was won by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes).
The auction was the climax of the Gala dinner organized by Ferrari at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns.
The proceeds from this auction will fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua Universitys Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italys Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferraris headquarters.
Source: thecheckeredflag.co.uk
