In response to the European Unions tough environmental targets to cut down CO2 emission which would otherwise see its super cars squeezed out of the market, manufacturing giant Ferrari has in recent times set as its goal: to have green technology as an option across its entire range of cars by 2015. This effort to go green is a clear departure from the company’s long commitment to unveiling testosterone-packed sports cars and is demonstrated by Ferrari’s 2011 launch of its new earth friendly stallions – the 458 Italia and the 599 HY-KERS Hybrid.
458 Italia
Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with environmentally friendly High Emotion Low Emissions – HELE technology, capably of reducing carbon emissions by up to 11% – from 307g/km to 275g/km, while also contributing to fuel economy. This innovative HELE technology is based on an engine start-stop system, a unique feature that enables the engine of the Ferrari 458 Italia to stop whenever the car stops, and rev up once again whenever the driver steps off the breaks.
Other efficient features that have contributed to the significant reduction of emissions by this vehicle include electronic ancillaries such as power steering and air conditioning, gear shift pattern adaptive to driving style, as well as intelligent engine fan and fuel pump control. The lowest carbon emitter of its class that is currently available in the market, this super powerful car emits 0.97 lbs of carbon dioxide per mile which is commendable for a 563 horsepower car that takes a mere 3.4 seconds to achieve 100km/h from naught.
599 HY-KERS Hybrid
Ferrari 599 HY-KERS is a 200mph+ electric hybrid car designed to cut down pollution and fuel consumption, while still allowing the Ferrari brand to retain its breathtaking acceleration capabilities and performance. This green petrol-electric hybrid machine is able to switch between zero emissions electric power, petrol power and a combination of the two. Retailing at £300,000, this supercar boasts 7 gears, can reach a top speed of 200mph, while its electric motor provides 100 horsepower. This two-seater accelerates from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, boasts a 270g/km or 35% reduction of CO2 emissions on its petrol-only model, and can achieve up to 20-25mpg miles per gallon.
When it was first launched, the car sported an impressive bright metallic green paint in keeping with its credentials as being eco-friendly. The system captures energy which would otherwise be wasted during slowing down or breaking and uses this to recharge the batteries, which can in turn propel the car via electric power. The vehicle uses an electric motor connected to the gearbox to back up its more traditional 6.0 liter V12 petrol engine, and which is able to silently start up the car. Ferrari’s F1 technology has been applied in the design, construction and engineering of this new type of electric motor which also helps in the optimization of the vehicle’s dynamics.