Ferrari to Offer First of Several Upcoming Hybrid Models

Hybrid vehicles are a focus of numerous automakers right now. Hybrid vehicle offer increased efficiency over traditional gasoline powered vehicles and are a step in the right direction towards "green" motoring. Not only do hybrid vehicles reduce our need for gasoline, but also they reduce harmful pollutants and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Not all automakers are on board with the hybrid vehicle segment, but most have decided to launch hybrid vehicles. Certainly, companies such as Toyota and Nissan and some others have developed several hybrid vehicles in many car and truck segments, but other automakers have ignored the hybrid group.

It now appears as though most automakers have realized the importance of hybrid vehicles and are joining in. Even some unexpected automakers such as Porsche and BMW now offer hybrid vehicles. The latest automotive company to join the group of hybrid producers and perhaps the least expected to join is hybrid newcomer Ferrari.

When a company such as revered as the iconic brand of Ferrari makes an announcement like they did at the Geneva Auto Show, the whole automotive world gasps and takes notice. What did Ferrari, makers of some of the most powerful, exotic vehicles in the world say that has everyone in shock? Ferrari announced plans to offer hybrid versions of every model in its lineup soon. Yes, that's right, hybrid Ferraris will take to the shortly.

Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced that he wants the brand to begin offering hybrid version across its model lineup within the next 4 years. The announcement was made in Geneva where the company displayed the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano hybrid.

As Motezemelo said of the hybrid on display, "This is a first step of a long project and we want within three years, maximum four, to have a hybrid Ferrari car ready for every single product of our range. This is our goal."

The hybrid displayed by Ferrari utilizes a unique hybrid setup known as HYKERS. The name has significance as the HY stands for hybrid, whereas the KERS is well known in the racing world as a hybrid system developed for Formula One. KERS stand for Kinetic Energy Recuperation System.

Why does Ferrari want hybrid models? As Motezemelo said, "In three years we aim to cut emissions by a minimum of 35 percent." The goal of cutting emissions that dramatically has likely persuaded the company into pursuing hybrid vehicles.

With Ferrari in the mix, it signals that hybrid vehicles have truly become a common segment in the automotive market. Now buyers can choose from hybrids in all classifications from subcompacts, to SUVs, to full size truck, and now even Italian super cars.

Source: Edmunds.com