Ferrari Examines Energy Recapturing Devices to Improve Fuel Economy

With growing concerns over the state of the environment, governments have placed

pending regulations for fuel economy and carbon dioxide outputs for future vehicles. Be it CAFE in North America, or the proposed CO2 outputs from the European Union, automakers are now rethinking their future course of action in order to avoid fines and penalties. It seems as if these rulings will not have exemptions, which means niche automakers like Ferrari will need to comply.

However, the Italian supercar manufacturer has a plan to help it achieve a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2012.

Although eight and twelve cylinder engines have been the norm for Ferrari, the upcoming restrictions may require downsizing to six cylinders. Although Ferrari has avoided doing this, partially for the sake of tradition, a turbocharged V6 may be one potential solution to its problems. Such an engine wouldn't be used across the board, and nor would it be introduced anytime soon, but it is indeed a

possibility. A spokesperson from Ferrari made this point clear, stating that from a technological standpoint, nothing is off the table.

Although it sounds like an even wilder idea, Ferrari isn't opposed to hybrid technology. In fact, the brand is currently working on an energy recapturing system, according to its president Luca di Montezemolo. Choosing this specific green technology only makes sense of course, being that the sport that makes Ferrari what it is, Formula One, will mandate kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) for the 2009 season. The main principle behind the system is that it can mechanically recapture energy through braking, which can be tapped into during acceleration. This is nothing new to hybrid fans, mind you, but a major step forward in environmental stewardship for motorsport and the world's best recognized exotic brand.

It may not be a traditional solution, but such a system will help Ferrari considerably on its quest to cut back on consumption and emissions.