This article was taken from the August 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
At the Beijing Auto Show in April,
Ferrari unveiled its latest HYbrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System (HY-KERS) concept -- a power train for the road that has inherited technology engineered for the Formula 1 circuit.
Though the car won't drive battery-only, even at low revs (in order to retain the distinctive Ferrari engine sound), the HY-KERS will match the output of a conventional supercar engine while reducing emissions by 35 percent, keeping it in line with EU law for urban driving. The project is entering commercial development and is reported to be the hybrid heart powering Ferrari's successor to the Enzo. It will be unveiled later this year. Here's how it sets the pace.
V12 engine
The 12-cylinder engine is a pretty efficient internal-combustion model, packing 800hp. A three-stage "multi-spark" used during combustion ensures that all fuel is ignited. This is intended to make the car ten per cent more efficient.
Auxiliary electric motor (KERS)
A second electric motor charges the battery as needed, recovering kinetic energy when braking. The motor is dedicated to auxiliary onboard electrical systems.
Hybrid power unit
The hybrid power unit manages the battery and electric motor. Its software uses algorithms developed by Ferrari's F1 team to control KERS, along with the power management of the auxiliary systems.
Electric-motor integration
The KERS doesn't need a starter motor: the rear battery-powered electric motor turns the gears, and in turn the drive-shaft and engine -- the same way F1 cars are started in the pits.
Electric motor
The primary electric motor delivers power to one of the two clutches in the transmission. When braking, the motor recharges the battery from the kinetic energy of negative torque.
Battery
Power is stored in a 2cm-thick lithium-ion battery pack (not shown), lying below the car floor. All extra weight is added under the floor and between the wheels, below the vehicle's centre of gravity, so as not to compromise handling.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
