Ferrari’s new hybrid V6 powertrain spotted undergoing testing
in Stuttgart, Germany. The Italian car manufacturer has been working on the new powertrain
for quite some time, with the company confirming it will introduce a V6 family
last year. The powertrain will reportedly consist of a twin-turbo V6
supplemented by an electric motor.
The Ferrari tester featured in the videos is
an 488 GTB supposedly fitted with this powerful hybrid powertrain, though we
can’t be sure about that. It may sound pretty much the same as the 488, but the
hybrid system will no doubt result in a car that likely outpaces even the
hardcore Ferrari 488 Pista.
As a reminder, the Ferrari 488 Pista pumps out 711
hp from its twin-turbo V8 without electric assistance. If Ferrari works its
magic on the V6 and then adds an electric motor, it’s hard not to imagine this
new Ferrari supercar having over 700 hp in standard guise, lifting the supercar
right into the firing line of the McLaren 720S.
Interestingly, the company is also working on a new
prototype for a vehicle that will slot above the 488 and its successor in the
Ferrari family. This vehicle will use a twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assistance and
could pump out upwards of 1,000 hp, making it the most powerful Ferrari road
car ever.
Exact launch dates of the two new models remain
unclear, but we now know the carmaker will introduce hybrid powertrains to many
of its future models.
