Ferrari has been hard at work preparing the successor to the Enzo supercar and brought along the latest HY-KERS system to show the fruits of its labors. The HY-KERS system is mated to a mid-engine powertrain featuring a V-12 and dual-clutch gearbox.
The system uses two electric motors: one coupled to the transaxle; the other at the front of the engine to run the vehicle’s auxiliary systems. Both electric motors are connected to the batteries, which can be mounted in the vehicle based on space requirements and configuration.
Ferrari says the KERS system is designed to increase vehicle power while reducing emissions—up to 40 percent for the European cycle. The technology has trickled down from Formula 1 racing and is said to optimize torque management, traction control, and brake distribution to increase the car’s handling and acceleration abilities.
The transaxle-mounted KERS motor delivers power to one of the two main shafts via one of the gearbox clutches for continuous power delivery and acts as a generator by recovering kinetic energy during braking to recharge the batteries. The KERS motor’s function is controlled by an F1-derived engine management system. The automaker claims that it is close to achieving the 1 kW (1.34 hp) of power per 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of weight target for the system’s weight.
Work on the system has moved from the experimental phase to the developmental phase, Ferrari says. The automaker expects the system to be ready for the Enzo successor’s debut this fall. The HY-KERS system is expected to supplement the upcoming supercar’s 6.3-liter V-12 engine to the tune of 120-hp, for a total of 920 prancing Italian stallions.
F12 Berlinetta
The Italian automaker also brought the F12 Berlinetta to Beijing. The new front-engine V-12 flagship is smaller, lighter, and more powerful than the 599 GTB Fiorano it replaces, making it the fastest Ferrari road car until the Enzo successor arrives this fall. No official power stats have been revealed but we expect the 6.3-liter V-12 to crank out 730 hp and 508 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari claims the 3363-pound coupe to reach 62 mph in 3.1 seconds; 124 mph in 8.5 seconds; and top out at more than 210 mph.
