Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS

The Prancing Horse has officially unveiled the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS in Geneva today.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS is an experimental vehicle that features an advanced hybrid transmission and represents the Italian manufacturer's intention of implementing hybrid solutions on sports cars without compromising performance and handling.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS features a tri-phase, high-voltage electricmotor that weights 40 Kg and is coupled to the rear fo the dual-clutch 7-speedF1 transmission. With to this electric motor that generates an additional 100 horsepower the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS compensates for the extra weight that the car has gained, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are greatly improved.

Also the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS uses its electric motor to recharge its batteries when the car is under braking.

Ferrari press release :

Geneva, 2 March 2010. Ferrari presents a vettura laboratorio(experimental vehicle) at the 80th edition of the Geneva Motor Showbased on the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with an advanced new hybridtransmission.

Hybrid technology is one of the solutions examined by Ferrari in itson-going research and development into making its production cars evermore efficient. Experimenting with alternative technologies representsthe company’s long-term strategy after the announcement in 2007 of afive-year plan to

reduce fuel consumption and emissions across therange. With the launch of the Ferrari California (2008) and the 458Italia (2009), in fact, Ferrari’s average fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions figures have already been reduced by around 30 per cent compared to 2007.

The HY-KERS displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is an example of howFerrari is studying the application of hybrid technology tohigh-performance sports cars. Central to Ferrari’s objectives ismaintaining the balance, handling and performance characteristicstypical of its cars despite the inevitable disadvantages in terms ofweight represented by applying hybrid solutions to existing models.

To this end Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt alightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim ofensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved by thecareful integration of all system components, positioning them belowthe centre of gravity and ensuring that interior and luggage space areentirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion batteries arepositioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamicunderbody. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower than inthe standard car. In addition, a part of the weight gained by fittingthe electric motor, generator and the batteries is offset by being ableto do away with the traditional starter motor and battery.

Ferrari has also applied its F1 technology to the design,engineering and construction of a new kind of electric motor which alsohelps optimise the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the car,enhancing traction and brake balance. The motor cuts in duringacceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from astandstill and during overtaking manoeuvres, with torque control afunction of grip, gear and accelerator pedal angle. Depending onvehicle speed and engine load – for example in town driving – thehybrid system can also function as a full-electric drivetrain. Theresult is a direct reduction in consumption and emissions. The motoralso features a unique cooling and lubrication system for maximumefficiency under all operating temperatures and loads. The castings ofthe motor are made in the Ferrari foundry, complete with Prancing Horsemotif.

Weighing about 40 kg, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electricmotor of the HY-KERS is coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speedF1 transmission. It operates through one of the transmission’s twoclutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts. Thus poweris coupled seamlessly and instantaneously between the electric motorand the V12. The electric motor produces more than 100 hp as Ferrari’sgoal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of atleast one hp.

Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using thekinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge thebatteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics modulewhich was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well asmanaging the power supply and recharging the batteries, the module alsopowers the engine’s ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes,air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive. It alsoincorporates the hybrid system’s cooling pump.

In keeping with Ferrari’s 360-degree approach to efficiency and itscommitment to environmental sustainability, new technologies for itsroad cars are matched by the considerable investments already made toreduce the environmental impact of the company’s production activitiesin Maranello.

After the inauguration of the photovoltaic installation on the roofof the Mechanical Machining facility in January 2009, which reduced thefactory’s power requirements by over 210,000 kWh annually, 2009 alsosaw the opening of the trigeneration plant (the simultaneous productionof power, heat and cooling from a single source) – the first of itskind to be implemented by a sports car manufacturer. This enabledFerrari to reduce CO₂ emissions by 15 per cent, with thegoal of reaching a reduction of over 40 per cent by the end of 2010.Thanks to these ecological solutions, Ferrari is completely autonomousfor its energy requirements.

Tags: ferrari

Added in Ferrari, Concept Cars

Source: Ferrari