Ferrari shows new hybrid V12 engine concept

Ferrari unveils its greenest engine at the Beijing Motor Show, an indicator of what to expect on the Enzo replacement.

Ferrari has unveiled its latest and easily most efficient engine concept at the Beijing Motor Show. The tech-heavy concept marries a traditional V12 engine with an electric motor via a dual-clutch gearbox and is an evolution of the HY-KERS motor of 2010. The earlier engine was conceptualised for a front-engined architecture, but the new one has been adapted to a mid-rear engine layout. Buzz suggests this engine will make it to the upcoming Enzo replacement due next year.

The engine borrows heavily from Ferrari’s F1 program, especially in the design of the KERS system to optimise torque management, traction control and brake distribution.

Regenerative braking allows the electric motor to juice up the batteries that also supply power to a second electric motor positioned ahead of the engine. This motor solely powers auxiliary systems like the power steering and air conditioning. Interestingly, the use of lightweight components means the combined gearbox and KERS system weighs only as much as the gearbox on a conventional car.

Also unique is how the V12 fires multiple (at least three sparks) per stroke in the interest of best combustion efficiency. Ferrari claims the combination of a more efficient V12 and electric motors reduces emissions by as much as 40 percent compared to a conventional V12.