As emissions regulations continue to increase, carmakers are constantly developing new ways to clean up the air, but without sacrificing performance. Bucking the turbocharged trend, Ferrari may electrify its V12s.
Companies like BMW, Chevrolet, and Porsche are moving toward smaller, turbocharged units, which have the power of big displacement without the heavy thirst. All-electric vehicles like the Tesla Model III and BMW i3 are on the rise, and Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cells use no conventional fuel at all.
As for Ferrari, a report by Car Magazine says the Italian supercar manufacturer is leaning toward electrical assistance as a viable option to boost power on its V12 powerplants, which Ferrari has committed to. The manufacturer first implemented this on the world beating LaFerrari.
That could mean hybrid F12 Berlinettas and hybrid FFs are on the way, but with Ferrari’s ambition to release a new model every year until 2018, this may be just the beginning.
That doesn’t mean turbos are out the door in Maranello, however. The California T, which uses a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8, is still in production, and the next 458 will house a version of its 552-horsepower powerplant.
There is solid evidence to support these claims. The Ferrari entire model range will receive new architecture in the next five years, with front-engine layouts coming in 2017 and mid-engine formats coming in 2019. Given the success of LaFerrari, it makes sense that the Italians would consider mounting similar systems to the other V12 units in their stable.
“I don’t believe in the electric cars, but I strongly believe in hybrids,” said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari Chairman.
Given their smooth powerband and instant torque, it’s easy to see why Ferrari is choosing to implement such a technology on its upper model range. Companies like Mercedes are committed to using forced induction on their big engines, however, so it will be interesting to see how hybrid V12s fit into the automotive landscape of the future.
(Photo via Make Way Racing)
