The replacement for the Ferrari Enzo is set to be unraveled before the end of 2012 and leading to this, the Italian supercar manufacturer has been dropping hints about its new engine setup.
At the on going auto show in Beijing, China, Ferrari unveiled the new V12 engine that is to be used for the upcoming flagship vehicle which will also feature a high tech hybrid system. The powertrain will make use of the updated version of the HY-KERS system that was previewed in 2010 with the Ferrari 599 GTB.
The latest powerplant for the supercar has been adapted to suit a mid rear setup and be coupled with a dual clutch transmission.
The setup will have a pair of electric motors. One electric motor will be mounted on the gearbox and transfer the power to the rear axle while the other electric motor will only be tapped to run the auxiliary systems like the power steering, air conditioning, onboard systems, and brake servo. The battery pack connected to the electric motors will be positioned on an available space depending on the final lay out of the vehicle.
The goal of the hybrid setup is to make a supercar which can up its power when needed but at the same time decrease its emissions. The new system will also have lighter components for its electronics to get its target of 1.34 horsepower for every 2.2 lbs of addition weight put on by the hybrid setup.
When the car brakes, the electric motor will be serving as generators, the negative torque will be used to recharged the batteries. This important task will have a dedicated ECU to oversee the function, similar to the technology used by F1 race cars.
The F1 technology transfer is not only limited to the recharging capabilities but is also carried over to the traction control, brake distribution, and torque management which guarantees excellent handling. Ferrari foresees a 10% power increase due to the HY-KERS but also gives the car a 40% improvement in terms of lessening its emissions.
Speculators are saying that the new engine will put around 800 to 920 horsepower to the wheels of the new Enzo and if this should be true, the supercar will be the fastest street-legal vehicle launched by Ferrari.
Tags: Beijing Auto Show, Brake Distribution, Ferrari, Ferrari Enzo, Hybrid Ferrari, Torque Management, Traction Control, V12 Engine
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