Neither gasoline nor electric
Ferrari is launching a new hybrid engine that will mark a turning point in the automotive industry! Most people might think the company will lose their supercars' identity, but that's far from the truth. Everything will remain the same, but with a greener technology with a more advanced hybrid engine that runs on both gasoline and electricity.
This will be a memorable decision in Ferrari's history because the company is adapting to the huge demand for energy efficiency and sustainable technology. We are witnessing a huge change in how companies in the automotive industry are trying their best to come up with greener technology[1], but Ferrari is showing it's possible to maintain its competitive spirit, innovation and style. So, let's see more about this new engine!
Ferrari's roots
Enzo Ferrari was the man behind the beginning of the Italian company and he decided to start in the automotive industry with the Scuderia Ferrari[2] in Formula 1, which is very popular and well valued now.That's why we see race cars influence on their vehicles we see on the road.
Ferrari has experienced ups and downs too, but it has proven it can evolve and invest in innovation to maintain their reputation in current times.
The pressure from the automotive industry
Most companies of this sector are putting their faith in electrification and cleaner technologies, and supercars manufacturers have adapted to this new tendency by mixing efficiency with less emissions. A great example of this situation is the collaboration between Bugatti and Rimac, they are coming up with cars using electricity and gasoline. What's Ferrari doing about this?
They are going for a hybrid engine too, but one that preserves their identity of extreme efficiency.
The hybrid engine from the Italian company
Ferrari presented their new hybrid engine, called 296 GT by stating this hybrid system is ''1,000 times better'' than the hydrogen engine they were previously developing, which reinforces they are serious about investing in high efficiency hybrid technology. Let's see what this engine's features are:
- A 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 engine (gasoline): to deliver remarkable responsiveness and high-revving power.
- An axial-flux MGU-K electric motor, known as the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic): this is derived from Formula 1 racing technology and it supplies additional torque during acceleration, and recovering kinetic energy during braking and converting it into usable electrical energy.
- Combined output of 818 horsepower (HP): offers instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motor, paired with the sustained high-end power of the V6 engine.
- Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds: this rivals or even surpasses many fully electric hypercars.
Why did they leave hydrogen out of the equation?
Although the company started with the idea of a hydrogen engine, they realized they wouldn't achieve an accurate balance between power, efficiency, response and technological development in the current times. However, the hybrid engine offers the possibility of maintaining their characteristic speed and driving experience with improved efficiency.
Future of the company
With the development of the 296 GT engine the company has given importance to electric engines and the hybrid future in the automotive industry.
Something to take into account is that Ferrari won't completely stop manufacturing gasoline engines since they will be combined with electric technology. This decision is going to make them remain the popular and remarkable company it is in the supercars sector. It's great seeing big companies like Ferrari investing in technology to avoid emissions that damage the environment, which is something to consider due to the worrying current situation of climate change.
This might influence companies that fear losing their identity and we could have more greener cars in the future.