Taking pride of place at the Ferrari stand in Geneva is the new 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS "vettura laboratorio" or to put in plain English, a prototype version of the Italian firm's supercar fitted with a hybrid powertrain. According to Ferrari, it's supposed to show us how the company is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement.
The hybrid system found in the 599 GTB prototype comprises of an electric motor coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission and a set of flat lithium-ion batteries positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody.
Weighing about 40 kg or 88lbs, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS produces over 100HP with Ferrari claiming that it achieved its goal of offsetting every kilogram increase in weight (including the batteries) by a gain of at least one hp.
Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries.
Ferrari says that this phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module that manages the power supply and recharging the batteries. The module also powers the engine's ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive.
According to the Italian maker, the prototype is not only slightly faster than the stock 599 GTB but at the same time it also emits 35 per cent less CO2 in the combined EU cycle.
