Ferrari’s first production hybrid model due by 2019
In mid-2019, Ferrari’s first production hybrid car will see the light of the day, says CEO Sergio Marchionne, following the very limited hybrid hypercar La Ferrari. Once the new system gets through testing it will likely power the Italians’ hybrid SUV.
Ferrari boss Marchionne says prototypes have taken to the road already. They are running on a blend of V8 and an electric system. While LaFerrari had helped the Italians gain insights into hybrid technology, the new system won’t use the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) Ferrari had borrowed from Formula One racing.
It is also unclear as of yet, which model will be the first to bear the hybrid set up. Rumours and timing suggest though that it may be Ferrari’s upcoming SUV. That would be two firsts in one for the firm but the new car might as well prove a bestseller.
That could also be the reason why Ferrari is suddenly getting on the (partially) electrified drivetrain. Marchionne has been an outspoken sceptic for a long time. However, should the Ferrari SUV sell well, the luxury brand might come under regulatory pressure. While emissions legislations only apply to carmakers selling over 10,000 units a year, which Ferrari does not yet, Marchionne has shown readiness to adapt, saying “once we are selling more than that it will become an issue.”
He went even further, saying “We will embrace electrification. It will become a mainstay in our portfolio.” Indeed on another occasion, the Ferrari boss recently rumbled about Tesla’s upcoming roadster when he said “If there is an electric supercar to be built, then Ferrari will be the first.” When and how remains unknown.
Still, it is becoming increasingly clear that Ferrari will electrify. Already in Detroit earlier this year, Marchionne had stated his belief that more than half of all cars sold by 2025 will be electrified.
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