rides

Ferrari is working on a hybrid 4WD. The schematic for the patent on file (shown below) indicates that it is similar to the system that gives the Toyota Highlander SUV its 4 x 4 status. Perhaps hybrid is not a word generally associated with Ferrari, but in fact the Italian sports car manufacturer already uses a hybrid system in its Formula One race cars…and as an aside - in the same cars that finished third and fourth in Monaco’s Grand Prix last weekend. Rumor has it Ferrari has also filed a patent on a new gasoline-electric drive system for its road cars. Hmmm…perhaps this hybrid is the reason for some forward thinking when Ferrari loaded its personalized iPod Touch with Ferrari engine sounds…

Image: Schematic Filed by Ferrari for Patent

Ferrari’s only hybrid-drive system currently in operation propels its Formula One cars. A kinetic-energy recovery, or KERS, system converts braking energy into electricity, charging a battery that powers an electric motor. The driver can engage it for up to 6.7 seconds per lap, which delivers a boost of 60 Kw (82 hp) that drivers can use to pass other cars with. The system, developed with Italian electronics supplier Magneti Marelli, adds about 66 pounds to the company’s feather-light F1 cars.

Ferrari has named the new technology ‘Insertable 4x4’ and it has remained a bit of an enigma until now. A recent search of the European Patent Office revealed that the Italian car maker applied for a new patent back in February for a 4WD system with hybrid. The patent file describes the system as being primarily intended to “improve the drivability of a sports car in conditions of poor grip.”

The typically heavy weight of 4WD vehicles is eliminated in the design by utilizing two power plants in the car - each to drive a separate pair of wheels – which in turn eliminates the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases and drive shafts. In all the designs, however, the engine is matched to an axle via a locking differential. The Ferrari system separates the roles of the engine and electric motor. In addition, Ferrari has submitted six different layouts for the patent, with some of them sitting the electric motors within the wheels instead of on a conventional axle.

There has been no launch date announced, and a lot of further work will be required. It will most likely be some time yet before a 4WD Ferrari hybrid is a reality…but the end result should be a pretty cool hybrid.