Autoblog

Pininfarina P4/5 Competizione going hybrid?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Ferrari, Design/Style, Racing

Race cars are going hybrid these days. Formula One racers store regenerated brake energy. Porsche packs a flywheel into the 911 GT3 R. Just the other day, Toyota unveiled its new TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype. And now even Jim Glickenhaus' one-off Ferrari-powered, Pininfarina-designed P4/5 Competizione is said to be getting a hybrid powertrain.

Emerging reports from Europe indicate that the GT prototype is preparing to return to the Nürburgring-based VLN series, but this time, it'll be packing some electric boost. That bit is tipped to come from a system provided by Magneti Marelli that's similar to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System it developed for Scuderia Ferrari for use in F1. The 4.0-liter V8 will continue providing principal motivation, but the added jolt of power could be just what the team needs to conquer the Green Hell with green(er) propulsion.

Pininfarina P4/5 Competizione going hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren F1 successor to pack KERS into clean-sheet design

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, UK, MISC

If you were impressed by the MP4-12C, well, you should be. It's an otherworldly performance machine. But we ain't seen nothing yet from McLaren Automotive, which is gearing up to launch an even more capable supercar.

Whereas the 12C is targeted at the Ferrari 458 Italia, the next project down the pipeline is more along the lines of a successor to the iconic McLaren F1, a car to rival the likes of the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Huayra - that elite class of million-dollar hypercar you're not likely to see anywhere but on Rodeo Drive, at the Monte Carlo harborfront or a closed-off section of highway along the Persian Gulf.

According to the UK's CAR magazine, McLaren is expected to employ a version of the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 developed for the 12C, but with 799 horsepower on tap and one crucial addition: Kenetic Energy Recovery System, a.k.a. KERS. That could make the vehicle codenamed P12 (following the P11 handle carried by the 12C while in development) one of the first supercars to use the system designed for Formula 1 and currently being developed for road use by Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar for their upcoming supercars.

Early prototypes reportedly incorporated a big red KERS boost button on a steering wheel closer in size and shape to an F1 cockpit's than a conventional rim, but if you were hoping for a 1+2 seating arrangement with central driving position like in the original McLaren F1, we'll have to stop you right there, as the packaging of such a layout reportedly proved prohibitive for the new P12.

As dynamically polished as the 12C emerged, its design was derided as somewhat derivative. That's largely because McLaren didn't bring celebrated designer Frank Stephenson on board until the car's design was already pretty much finalized. This reportedly being Stephenson's first clean-sheet design since arriving at McLaren HQ in Woking, we're expecting big things when the P12 debuts sometime this year.

McLaren F1 successor to pack KERS into clean-sheet design originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault, Racing

Team Lotus of Formula One confirmed it will extend its engine deal with Renault through the end of 2013. The team, headed by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, announced at the Singapore Grand Prix that it will employ a Red Bull-developed KERS system starting in 2012. Fernandes said the Team Lotus-Renault-Red Bull deal will put the team on a more even playing field:

We have done the very best job we can this year but without that extra power we are always competing on a different level to the teams ahead, so to give our drivers that boost is a key element of helping us catch the cars ahead, and compete with them when we do so.

Renault Sport F1 head Jean-François Caubet said KERS - a system that transforms kinetic energy into useable power, providing Formula One racers with a six-second, 80-horsepower boost - is essential to competitive performance in F1.

Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Lotus renews deal with Renault, gets Red Bull KERS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault

Glancing down the F1 roster this year has lead to a little confusion for many. That's because there are two teams that lay claim to the Lotus name, and they're both powered by Renault. The French automaker and engine supplier is stuck in the middle of the naming-rights tug-of-war, but if you were hoping things might be clarified for next season, don't hold your breath. Because while the real Lotus continues its partnership with Renault over one team (the one in the black and gold in the middle of the pack), Renault has also renewed its partnership with the other Lotus (the one in the green and yellow near the back of the field).

The agreement between Team Lotus and Renault Sport F1 will see the two collaborating (read: the former buying engines from the latter) for another couple of seasons until the end of 2013, and leaves the door open for further collaboration when the new engine regulations take effect. But the new deal also brings Red Bull into the fold, the championship team providing Team Lotus with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for the first time since it began racing a couple of years ago.

The inclusion of Red Bull's KERS in the engine package not only gives Team Lotus a chance at advancing up the grid from its current backmarker position to challenge the teams that already have it farther upfield. But it also further cements Red Bull's position as Renault's premier team in place of the other Lotus team that was once the French company's factory outfit.

Continue reading Team Lotus renews deal with Renault, gets Red Bull KERS

Team Lotus renews deal with Renault, gets Red Bull KERS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA mandates electric-only propulsion for F1 grand prix pit lanes

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Technology, Racing

Go back into the history of grand prix racing, and the only green you'd expect to see was the color of a British racing car and the vast quantity of cash injected into the sport. But today, Formula One is different scene, thanks in no small part to a push by the FIA for a more environmentally friendly form of motorsport. Just take a look at the on-again, off-again implementation of regenerative braking and the limitation on everything from fuel to tires.

That push is set to take a big step forward (or backward, depending on who you're talking to) when the current high-revving V8 engines are replaced by 1.6-liter turbo sixes in 2014. But that's not the end of the changes. The FIA has just published further modifications to the regulations, which will now include the necessity for F1 cars to run entirely on electric power for the entire time they're in the pit lane.

According to Rule 5.19 of the revised technical regulations (which you can find in PDF form here), "The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane." The new rules, which come into effect together with the new engines in 2014, also mandate the inclusion of on-board ignition (as opposed to the external starter motors used currently).

In order to accommodate electric-only propulsion in and out of pit lane, the new Energy Recovery Systems have been increased in capacity to 120 kW, and theywill also be allowed to recapture energy from exhaust fumes as well. Unfortunately, that also means waving goodbye to the high-pitched whine of the engine holding at the pit-lane rev limiter every time it goes in for fresh rubber, but as they'd say at FIA headquarters in France, c'est la vie.

FIA mandates electric-only propulsion for F1 grand prix pit lanes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche denies KERS-equipped 911 reports

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

2013 Porsche 911 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sources within Porsche told us that KERS would be available throughout the entire next-gen 911 range, but now, a Porsche executive calls it "nonsense." While the automaker is developing ways to make electric range extenders work in some Porsche models, a hybrid 911 reportedly isn't in the cards - for now.

When and if there's a 911 hybrid, it will be a long way down the line and will likely employ a plug-in system rather than a KERS-style regenerative braking setup. The reason the 911 won't get a hybrid drive anytime soon is pretty simple: Porsche has no interest in homogenizing its driving experience across the entire lineup.

Since electrics deliver all their power from zero rpm, they offer an extremely predictable power curve, and Porsche would rather each of its cars vary from its stablemates in power delivery and behavior. For now, it seems hybrid technology will be limited to the likes of the Panamera and Cayenne.

Porsche denies KERS-equipped 911 reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sebastian Vettel on the benefits of KERS, adjustable rear wing

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Videos, Racing

Sebastian Vettel on KERS - Click above to view video after the jump

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, winner of last weekend's Formula 1 opening round in Australia, has taken to YouTube to explain what the addition of KERS and and an adjustable rear wing means for drivers. Technically speaking, KERS is good for a six-second, 80-horsepower boost.

According to Vettel, that's best used as a way to help get off the grid ahead of the pack, or sneak through a gap in traffic at the start of a race. Otherwise, it can be used to hold off an attack during the race or as an edge going for the overtake.

The adjustable rear wing is only available as an overtaking aid at certain points in a race within a specified distance of an opponent. It's designed to reduce the increased drag when a driver steps out of the slipstream and into clean air. By reducing the wing's pitch, the driver can lose some of the increased resistance. Click past the jump for Vettel's explanation.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Sebastian Vettel on the benefits of KERS, adjustable rear wing

Video: Sebastian Vettel on the benefits of KERS, adjustable rear wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next-gen Porsche GT3 to ditch manual transmission, rear-engine layout and KERS?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Porsche, Rumormill

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember simpler times when transmissions came in two flavors? Choosing a manual or an automatic was a straightforward decision: enthusiasts took the manual, commuters took the automatic. The emergence of in-between options like sequential and dual-clutch gearboxes may make it easier if you're an enthusiast who also has to commute, but what does it mean when these robotized transmissions shift faster and smoother than any set of human limbs could ever hope to?

That debate will rage for years to come, but when it comes to one of the world's purest driving machines, we could have our answer right here. According to reports circulating the interwebs, the next-generation Porsche 911 GT3 could lose the choice of a manual altogether, replaced by the PDK dual-clutch transmission. (Of course the stick could, mind you, come back for the yet more hardcore GT3 RS should enthusiasts object.)

That one bit will be enough to have purists up in arms, but that's not the end of it. An enthusiast on the Rennlist forum citing high-up Porsche sources also claims the GT3 will pack a 4.0-liter flat-six with some 480 horsepower on tap and nearly 200 fewer pounds to schlepp around. Purists may also take exception to the point that the engine is slated to move forward from its trademark position behind the rear axle to a more optimal mid-engine layout.

Finally, notions of a streetable implementation of the Williams-developed regenerative braking system from the GT3 R Hybrid is apparently off the table as well - at least for the GT3, anyway. Guess a hybrid, robotic-clutched, mid-engined GT3 would be one step too far, even for the people who came up with the Porsche Cayenne.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

[Source: Rennlist via 0-60]

Rumormill: Next-gen Porsche GT3 to ditch manual transmission, rear-engine layout and KERS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Super GT moving closer to DTM, may adopt KERS; Grand Am to join as well?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In an attempt to reduce costs and get more brands into the field, it's beginning to look like as many as three different race series in Europe, Asia and the United States may adopt a more-or-less common set of rules. The German Touring Car Championship (shown above) is set to introduced a new rules package for the 2012 season and the Japanese SuperGT series looks to be on-board for its GT500 class. Here in the States,. the NASCAR-owned Grand Am series is also considering jumping in, presumably to replace the current GT class.

The proposals being considered by the DTM organizers clearly show some NASCAR influence, although with more modern technology. A common carbon-fiber chassis could be mandated with an agreed-upon wheelbase and overhangs for all cars. DTM is considering "Introduction of "design line" where on one side all cars are common" which sounds an awful lot like NASCAR's dreaded common templates. Along with the V8 powerplants, hybrid kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) could be part of the picture. The goal is to cut the cost of these cars in half from current levels.

If the new rules are adopted by all three groups, it could result in cross-pollination of cars between the series with Lexus, Nissan and Honda joining Audi and Mercedes-Benz in DTM and possibly the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro mixing it up with the Germans and Japanese.

[Sources: RaceCar Engineering, Touring Car Times, DTM | Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Report: Super GT moving closer to DTM, may adopt KERS; Grand Am to join as well? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Maserati Quattroporte to get all-wheel drive, start-stop tech

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Ferrari spending so much time and money talking up its hybrid, KERS, lighter weight and more efficient V8 plans, it's natural to find sister company Maserati not far back in tow. But before the Trident brand goes fully over to the Eco side, the 2012 Quattroporte will be taking the intermediate step of losing weight, increasing fuel economy and adding stop-start tech.

According to Maserati CEO Harald Wester the weight loss target is 15%, the mileage target a 25% improvement, both of which will be aided by smaller, lighter V6 and V8 engines and an eight-speed transmission. The target will be even more difficult to hit because the Q'Porte reportedly will be available with all-wheel drive, built on a platform to be shared among every high-end Fiat and Chrysler vehicle.

Gallery: 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Next Maserati Quattroporte to get all-wheel drive, start-stop tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Formula One considering 1.5-liter turbo engines

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It's been 21 years since a turbocharger found its way onto a Formula One racer. In 1989, the FIA banned forced-induction due to the ridiculous power and speed they were generating. For better or worse, things haven't been the same since, but if a report from Pitpass is to be believed, we may see the reign of the turbo return once again.

The site is claiming that the FIA is seriously considering bringing a new turbocharged 1.5-liter engine to F1, but don't expect to see early '80s power from these machines. The four-cylinder engine is being considered for one reason alone - to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

So we won't see over 1,000 horsepower from the 2011 grid, but to make up for the dip in grunt, Pitpass says the FIA is also considering allowing KERS to return. While we're sure the sanctioning body is keen to get the eco-minded off its back, odds are the FIA wouldn't mind spicing up the racing a bit, either. While we were promised heart-stopping action from the 2010 season, so far the racing has been much of the same. Here's hoping...

[Source: Pitpass]

Report: Formula One considering 1.5-liter turbo engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Maserati, Rumormill, Luxury

What's the world coming to when two of Italy's most storied supercar manufacturers - we're talking Ferrari and Lamborghini here, in case you couldn't tell - are planning to launch hybrid automobiles? Well, actually that'd be three of Italy's most storied automakers, now that rumors of just such a Maserati are making the rounds on the Interwebs.

We'd agree with the boys at Inside Line when they suggest that Maserati will likely borrow hybrid technology from fellow Fiat-owned Ferrari, especially since the two business units already share a number of drivetrain components. If that's the case, the three-pointed Trident brand could potentially get a version of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS for short) that Ferrari showed off on its 599 HY-KERS earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Word has it that Maserati is also joining Ferrari in its quest to shed a few unwanted pounds on its automobiles, which will have dual benefits for both brands - namely, improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency. Now there's a win-win scenario if we've ever heard one.

[Source: Inside Line]

Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Porsche, Racing

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hybrid drive system being used by Porsche in its new 911 GT3 R isn't what you find in your average Prius or Fusion. Instead of a battery for energy storage, the 911 will use an electro-mechanical flywheel. The system being used was actually developed by the Williams formula one team and its Williams Hybrid Power subsidiary.

The system is comprised of an electrically driven flywheel and a motor/generator on the gearbox. During braking the gearbox mounted generator drives the flywheel to spin it up to 40,000 rpm. When needed for extra acceleration, the flywheel drives its integrated motor/generator to spin provide power back to the unit on the gearbox.

In the case of the 911, a pair motor generators are actually on the front wheels instead of the single unit on the gearbox as it was on the Williams F1 car last year. This provides more regenerative braking capability as well as all wheel drive.

The flywheel itself is made of a composite material that is infused with magnetic particles when it is being molded. This actually acts as the permanent magnet for the motor, helping to keep the overall weight down. The result is a very efficient system with less mass than a battery system and the ability to absorb energy more rapidly than a battery similar to an ultracapaitor. Like ultracapacitors the downside for automotive applications is limited energy storage capacity.

As a result, electric driving is limited meaning that this really behaves more like a mild hybrid system than a strong hybrid. However, the power output is closer to what is available from most strong hybrids. Williams Hybrid Power is working with a number of automakers on implementing its flywheel system although only Porsche has been publicly identified. Porsche's has setup a microsite for its new Hybrid racecar, and for more details, make the jump for the release and a video explaining the system, along with two promo videos.

Gallery: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

[Source: Williams Hybrid Power]

Continue reading Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS

Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Supercars, Rumormill

McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. As far as rumors go, this one seems pretty solid. According to an unnamed spokesperson quoted by Autocar:

It (hybrid technology) is something we want as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company. We have been considering it for future projects. All the advert means is that we are looking for a senior engineer in powertrain hybrid technology. Read into it what you will.

One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed upon that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM

[Source: McLaren via Autocar]

Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

BMW M5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The next BMW M5 is due to arrive sometime in 2011 or 2012 and as the release date draws near, more details about BMW's newest 'Bahn-burner have begun to surface.

Two reports indicate that BMW may continue to use a V10 powerplant in the next M5, although there's still some evidence that the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently fitted to the X5M and X6M could be tweaked and fitted in its place. However, if BMW decides to stick with the bent-ten, a thoroughly revised version based off the 'utes' V8 would be employed, packing a duo of turbos to boost output up and over the 600 hp mark, and giving the Audi RS6 a run for its money.

But it won't be all about power. BMW is also expected to use an F1-style KERS system to increase performance and fuel economy, along with an engine start-stop setup and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If the rumors are to be believed, expect the next M5 to make its debut sometime in 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012.

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

[Sources: BMWBlog, AutoExpress]

REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW gives up on KERS for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, BMW

After using its KERS hybrid system on and off through the first half of the 2009 Formula One season, the BMW-Sauber team has decided enough is enough. The team will shelve the system through the remainder of the year while it focuses on aerodynamic development. In spite of the utter lack of success using the kinetic energy recovery systems this year, team boss Mario Theissen said the development process has been useful for the company's production hybrids. Lessons learned in developing the electric hybrid system on the race cars has been transferred to engineers working on the upcoming 750h mild hybrid and X6 two-mode hybrid.

BMW isn't totally giving up on the system though, having voted to retain KERS for future seasons. Under the current rules, there are not enough performance benefits from KERS and Thiessen says that unless KERS is mandatory for all cars, it will likely be dropped by all teams.

[Source: F1-Live]

BMW gives up on KERS for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 teams vote to scrap KERS in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green

Ferrari at the 2009 Turkish Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association are jointly interested in reducing the cost required to compete in F1 racing, and the FOTA has taken a step in that direction by resolving to abandon the use of the controversial kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) that are permissible but not mandatory for the 2009 season. According to reports, the vote to ban the hybrid powertrains was not unanimous, but a majority of teams have voted against the technology for 2010.

As it stands, only four of the ten teams taking part in the '09 season have actually used KERS in competition and only two, McLaren and Ferrari, used it last weekend at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. This vote raises questions as to how F1 will promote environmental awareness in the absence of KERS-equipped powertrains.

Says McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh:

"F1 has to demonstrate that it has some green credentials, but at the same time, in this economic climate everybody is looking to save costs. It has been a huge effort talking about new entrants and making sure the smaller teams stay in F1. McLaren's position is we would like to see KERS retained - but we also accept that we have to be responsible members of the F1 community, and if the majority don't want to have KERS, or can't afford KERS at the moment, then we have to be realistic."

Gallery: 2009 Turkish Grand Prix

[Source: Crash.net | Photo: FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images]

F1 teams vote to scrap KERS in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsa Motorsports P1 Prototype with KERS to debut at Utah Grand Prix

Drew Phillips — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Corsa Motorsports Zytek 07S

Back in September of 2008, Corsa Motorsports announced it would be shelving their Ferrari F430 in the GT2 category and instead campaign a new P1 Prototype fitted with a KERS system. While the planned debut at Petit Le Mans didn't happen in order to further develop the system, the Utah-based race team is still pushing ahead with the hybrid racecar that will introduce the kinetic energy recovery system to the ALMS. Today, Corsa Motorsports tested the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09SH laden with the 85kg KERS system for the first time at the Silverstone circuit, and Steve Pruitt, team owner, has announced that the car will make its competition debut at the Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park on May 17. If all goes well, the appearance of the new racecar will bring some much needed competition to the P1 category which has been dominated by the Acura prototypes the last two races. Corsa Motorsports proved to be very quick last year in a Zytek 07S (pictured above), finishing third in class at the season finale at Laguna Seca.

Gallery: Corsa Motorsports Zytek 07S

Corsa Motorsports P1 Prototype with KERS to debut at Utah Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Ferrari testing hybrid powertrain in 599 prototype

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Supercars, Ferrari

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 ~~Dale Earnhardt edition~~ 599XX at the Geneva Motor Show may have some form of the KERS system installed, but that's not confirmed. With this technology, energy that would otherwise be lost to braking can be stored and reused the next time the vehicle accelerates, thereby boosting both performance and efficiency, and that's something we can all get behind.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: Motor Authority]

Confirmed: Ferrari testing hybrid powertrain in 599 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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