Ferrari Unveils HY-KERS Hybrid System

Ferrari

Ferrari Announces HY-KERS Hybrid System

Ferrari has announced the completion of the experimental phase for its HY-KERS hybrid system, which promises a 40 percent reduction in emissions. The released system imagery suggests it is designed for vehicles with a V12 engine mounted in the rear-mid position.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

A Hybrid System Derived from F1

At the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, the Ferrari F12berlinetta finally made its Asian premiere. Concurrently, an update on the HY-KERS announced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show was also reported.

HY-KERS was initially presented in 2010 as a project to equip Ferrari's "599" with a hybrid system. The information released in Beijing is a follow-up to that announcement.

HY-KERS is a lightweight and compact hybrid system. Beyond improving environmental performance with over 40 percent CO2 emission reduction, its name, derived from F1 technology, "KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)," signifies its role in enhancing the vehicle's dynamic balance through torque management, traction control, and brake force distribution. Furthermore, for a road car, it offers the advantage of a hybrid system that does not compromise passenger space.

While it was intended for the "599" – a front-engine, rear-drive car – in 2010, the system now announced is designed for a V12 engine in a rear-mid layout. As no current Ferrari model employs this layout, it is rumored that this system will be integrated into the successor to the "Enzo".

The battery placement varies by vehicle, but one electric motor is integrated into the dual-clutch gearbox, and another is mounted forward of the engine. The latter serves as an auxiliary motor to prevent the load from power generation from affecting performance. The overall goal for the vehicle is to achieve a 1kW power increase for every 1kg of weight added by the hybrid system.

Power from the electric motor is transmitted to one of the dual clutches, enabling quick response and continuous power delivery. A dedicated ECU (Engine Control Unit) manages not only the motor but also the power steering, brake servo motor, air conditioning, and onboard systems.

According to Ferrari, this sporty hybrid system has completed its experimental phase and will now move into the development stage.