Ferrari Hybrid System Detailed by Patent Applications
Patent applications from Ferrari have revealed some details on a new hybrid system for its performance road cars.
Ever since the FIA motorsport governing body permitted the application of a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) in Formula 1, Ferrari had intended to trickle down its latest racing technology and apply it to its line of sports cars. At the Geneva Auto Show of 2010, Ferrari first introduced its new gas-electric hybrid concept based on the Ferrari 599, dubbed the HY-KERS.
After a duration without much word on HY-KERS development, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed last month of continuing hybrid developments that will allow its V12 engines to become more fuel efficient and meet the demands of future emission regulations as well as the demands from Ferrari’s eco-conscious customers.
Rather than borrowing from team Scuderia Ferrari’s flywheel-based KERS racing technology, the Ferrari patent applications illustrate a more conventional electric motor and battery setup. The patent also states that the battery may be replaced with a supercapacitor as an alternative energy storage device.
In detail, the design features two electric motors, one sending power to the wheels and the other used to generate energy for on-board electronic devices including the air-conditioning and power steering systems. Another patent application features designs where the electric motor is mounted in between the cylinder banks of the V12 engine or mounted directly to the gearbox – the latter similar in setup to the 2010 HY-KERS concept car.
Ferrari’s hybrid patent filings are exclusively designed for front engine vehicles for now, possibly applied for future Ferrari FF and F12 models.
GALLERY: Ferrari HY-KERS
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Mileage and 12 cylinders........gotta love it!!!!!!!!!!