Confirmed: Ferrari testing hybrid powertrain in 599 prototype
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 4th 2009 at 2:39PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Ferrari 599XX
One of the stated reasons that automakers send prototype race cars around tracks at high rates of speed is to further the development of new technology for their road-going automobiles. There's no higher form of automotive motorsport than Formula 1, so it stands to reason that fuel-saving advancements like the kinetic energy recovery hybrid systems that F1 is currently in the midst of implementing will someday make it to production cars. According to Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Italian automaker is already testing its KERS system in a prototype based on the 599 chassis.
There's some speculation that the
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx
[Source: Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
waiownsyou 2:44PM (3/04/2009)
Even though the point is to show off the hybrid drivetrain and what not, the exterior looks sick. I want one. NAO.
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Quattroporte 2:54PM (3/04/2009)
Is Ferrari going to release media photos of this car? I could use a new desktop wallpaper.
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Jay Thurston 3:42PM (3/04/2009)
The 'Dale Earnhardt' comment almost made generic Wal-Mart Mountain Dew come out of my nose. Awesome.
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AZZO45b 9:08PM (3/04/2009)
Easily amused, eh? Must be the extra sugar in your off brand "Dew".
AB: I expect better humor from you guys... I highly doubt Italian designers give two s#its about a departed NASCAR driver for a racing Ferrari concept...
... Especially since #3 will be on the F1 Ferrari of 2007 WDC Kimi Raikkonen!
Jeff R 5:46PM (3/04/2009)
WOW
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gslippy 6:32PM (3/04/2009)
Why would Ferrari do this? I would imagine that Ferrari buyers (and sadly, I'm not one of them) don't care about hybrid nonsense. Ferrari is doing this so the fuel economy can jump from 12 to what, 14? This won't come for free, either.
This will be received about as well as the old Cadillac V8-6-4. Nobody wanted them then, and certainly not now. Who's gonna want a hybrid Ferrari in 20 years with worn out batteries and a maze of wiring?
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pmiddle5 7:02PM (3/04/2009)
Here is the genius of Ferrari. They are in the business of coming up with new technology and bringing things they learn in F1 into the car market. The original FXX was taking prototype technology from F1, and CHARGING people to use it. These were TEST cars. Most companies spend millions testing new technologies to see if it works. Ferrari GOT PAID to do this!! Genious.
KERS is a F1 technology thus they want to bring it to road use. I dont see whats wrong with this. Cool you dont think its worth it but is Ferrari even offering you the possibility of purchasing this? you do have to be invited to purchase one of these prototypes.
Also would like to mention your random numbers of 12 and 14 still represent a 15% decrease in fuel consumption which is a pretty big deal honestly. I know Ferrari drivers dont care about petrol price and etc.. etc.. But I personally feel Ferrari belongs here since they are the spear head of technology on road cars.
Not that all road models are going to be hybrid as well. Heck, if I was rich I'd prefer one of the "hybrid" versions so I wouldnt have to pay toll on the bridges in San Francisco ;)
Metar 1:49PM (3/05/2009)
Why? The answer is amazingly simple.
In an effort to reduce the costs of running an F1 team, the FIA stipulated that no in-season testing is to be done. That leaves many teams without the time to complete their KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System, that hybrid bit) systems. The answer? The 599XX: Put that same system in another racecar that isn't subject to the same restrictions, and voila! 20 drivers will pay you millions to test it for you.
pmiddle5 11:41PM (3/06/2009)
^^^ I diddnt think about that! ugh! idiot.. SO simple
auburn8120 8:52AM (3/05/2009)
Is it just me or does this car look like a pimped out Corvette?
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JS 9:34AM (3/05/2009)
Quick question for the folks on the ground at Geneva...I was looking through the pictures of the 599XX and the one for the post above has a little wing....
What's up with the little wing on the C-Pillar? Why isn't it present in the other photo's?
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