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Ferrari's long-rumored hybrid, using a street-tamed version of its Formula 1 kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), could make its first public appearance in March at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, according to a report in the Italian enthusiast magazine Quattroruote.


The car, a version of the 599 GTB Fiorana (above), would use the production car's V12 engine augmented with a rear-mounted electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, the magazine reports in its January edition and on its Web site.



The KERS application uses regenerative braking to charge the batteries and lets drivers tap the energy for short bursts of added speed. It also permits the Ferrari's big engine to shut down at stop signs.

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Quattroruote's drawing of the Ferrari hybrid system.
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Estimating fuel economy for a hybrid 599 GTB (the magazine's estimate, we guess) is 13.8 mpg on the European combined test cycle, which doesn't sound like much until you realize it's a 53 percent gain from the conventional gasoline-only model's 9 mpg.


Inside Line's got a short item on this as well.

Tags: Auto Shows, Ferarri, Hybrid, 2010 Geneva Auto Show, Ferrari Hybrid, KERS

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Red Goes Green: Ferrari Hybrid Could Strutt its Stuff at Geneva Auto Show in March was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.