Ferrari abandons hydrogen — The future now runs on a powerful twin-fuel engine

Ferrari has been the most mythical automaker in the world for decades, but this doesn't mean it can do everything without considering the trends in the industry. They normally launch the trends that others will follow, but this time, the Italians are adapting to the market, instead of the other way around. The Italian manufacturer has tested hydrogen, electric powertrains, hybrid vehicles, and now it has adopted a powerful twin-fuel engine that shocked the market when it first launched in 2021 - and continues to impress.

The market trend Ferrari had to adapt to: It's getting everybody in the industry

Full electrification of cars is something not everyone is happy about.

The visceral part of having a combustion car, including the noise, the smell, and the feeling of actually driving a car, might get lost in translation. With that in mind, companies are trying to extract the best out of both worlds: the power of having electric powertrains and the burning fuel energy that is hardly replicable. That's where Ferrari comes in.

As the world is adapting to new fuel sources and major brands in the automotive market are creating electric and hybrid cars to be in their catalogue, along with classic combustion engines. As the world is adapting to new fuel sources and major brands in the automotive market are creating electric and hybrid cars to be in their catalogues, along with classic combustion engines. The Italians were also looking into launching something that would please other buyers - and if they found a way to do it with the 296 GTB model.

The power of the 296 GTB: Traditionalism is still important

Ferrari has unveiled the 296 GTB, a plug-in hybrid Berlinetta with a rear-mid engine.

It's built to be both a daily driver and a pure sports car, aiming to deliver comfort on the road without losing the thrill it is known for. At its core is the first engine from Ferrari's new F163 family. The V6 uses a compact design with turbos mounted inside the V-configuration, firing evenly for balance and efficiency.

Despite its size - just under 3.0 liters - the engine produces 672ps and revs up to 8,500rpm. To reach that kind of output, it had to push combustion pressure higher than before. The company developed a new aluminum block and cylinder heads, while also redesigning intake and exhaust ducts to improve airflow and keep the chamber as turbulent as possible.

Fuel is delivered by a central injector system running at 350 bar.

Combustion and electric powertrains: The power is there if you need it

The turbochargers now spin at 180,000rpm thanks to stronger alloys, and the efficiency was boosted by 24%. Ferrari also made changes in the intake plenums from the center of the V-configuration engine to the sides of the cylinder heads to shorten the ducts and cut lag when pressure builds. The hybrid system brings in one more part.

A rear-mounted electric motor produces 122kW, working with the V6 through what Ferrari calls the Transition Manager Actuator. The setup can deliver a combined 841ps to the rear wheels or run purely on electric power when needed - almost the same as Lamborghini's hybrid.[1]

Engineers took safety measures: Heating up no longer means slowing down

The new setup also gave the company room to redesign the exhaust system. By running it in a straighter line across the top of the engine, back pressure is reduced, which helps performance.

Both the exhaust manifold and the catalyzer housings are built from a nickel-steel alloy that cuts weight while standing up to extreme heat. The brand is constantly evolving, and it should get its first real all-electric car in the market in a few years - they are not in a rush to launch the vehicle.[2] Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive.

Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.

References

1. ^ almost the same as Lamborghini's hybrid. (www.ecoportal.net)
2. ^ they are not in a rush to launch the vehicle. (www.ecoportal.net)