Quote: Originally Posted by tractorcrusher »
Hybrid? Wtf Ferraris are supposed to be loud and fed by small endangered animals.
Jesus Ferrari, you're only one step away from sticking gas pedals.
I'm actually going to disagree with you here. Ferrari has almost always been the cutting edge of sportscars. This technology is just a take-off from KERS in their F1 cars last season. Now, most hybrid technology has been pure crap, engineered for eco-ninnies that just want to look hip, but there is a vast dark side to hybrid technology that allows it to be used for performance.
For example, the new Lotus Evora eco-411-whatever concept for Geneva uses a dinky little 1.6L engine to power some monster electric motors to deliver 400 bhp to the rear wheels. That's pretty monstrous, especially when you consider the torque that comes with it. Along with that, Lotus has "programmed in" a 7 speed transmission of sorts to make it more engaging to drive as opposed to just stomping on it and going until the motors run out of steam.
In any case, I think there is a lot more potential to hybrid and electric drivetrains than most car guys care to admit. Not saying it's better or worse than a convential IC engine, but it's certainly something to think about.