California

Make
Ferrari
Segment
Compact

It seems almost too crazy to believe, but the legendary Italian automaker has intentions to introduce an eco-friendly hybrid model. Ferrari has even gone as far as to unveil a concept version of its new gasoline electric hybrid system called HY-KERS concept last year. And now, Ferrari plans to give the hybrid a test drive on the open roads. Prototypes of a strange-looking 599 GTB Fiorano, which had been mistaken for a mule, is in fact a heavier camouflaged hybrid version of the California.

Ferrari's production hybrid system is likely to feature two electric motors. The first is a less powerful model to run ancillary features when the Ferrari is in electric only mode and the second is a more powerful unit mounted on the rear axle to drive the Ferrari at low speeds and assist the internal combustion engine during high load situations. The Ferrari California gets its power from a front-mid mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3-liter V8 engine giving a performance of 450 horses. Top speed for the California can reach 193 mph and goes from 0-62 in a blazing time of less than 4 seconds.

The new hybrid system should give the Ferrari California's acceleration a nice boost while also being more fuel efficient at the same time. The new hybrid system will also help the car's traction control setup by reversing the electric motor's torque instead of the usual method of reducing power to help slow the wheels. The electric motor may also be used to momentarily supply torque during gear changes to make the acceleration smoother. Photos displayed are of the 2009 Ferrari California.