First Ferrari hybrid on sale 2015, following government pressure

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS experimental vehicle live in Geneva 02.03.2010

Ferrari could put a hybrid car on the market by 2015, according to the automaker's CEO and GM Amedeo Felisa. In an interview with Autocar, Felisa says that either European Union or Italian environmental regulations could force the company to put a hybrid up for sale.

However, Felisa comes off as defensive in the interview, saying he does not see the point in Ferrari being forced to comply with lowered emissions rules. "The issue of emissions for Ferrari is more a political one than real one," Felisa said.

"Lowering emissions of every Ferrari will not save the planet, but it will cost us a lot of money."

Currently, Ferrari is only exploring hybrid powertrains to reduce emissions within the next ten years. The company has not ruled out the eventual use of hydrogen.

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THEBENCHMARK

Wow! Amedeo Felisa honestly believes his farts don't stink. Well I mean really why should the rich people have to obey laws as well, I mean they're special right? Now don't get me wrong, I do agree that much of these smog regulations governments are imposing on auto manufacturers are excessive and will not have any impact on the global climate, (hell that volcano in Iceland put out more carbon emissions tnan the entire human race in it's entire history!) but I do feel that they should have to suffer just as we all do. We have the technology now to go fast and polute less, why not use it. Arogant Bastard!!

May 7, 2010 5:12 pm

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3 replies

Mikeado

His point is that Ferraris are not common enough for their lowered emissions to have any real impact on the big picture. Most of them aren't driven often enough either. He also doesn't want to spoil the bloodline just because of nagging government types.

May 8, 2010 3:49 am

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Xenicide

Thinking before speaking must be a new concept for benchmark.

May 9, 2010 10:47 am

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THEBENCHMARK

I get his point, and I do agree that forcing emissions control on Ferrari will make no impact on the environment. But I also know that pencil pushing bean counters are totally impartial. Why should an exception be made for Ferrari? If Mercedes, Chevy, Ford, Porsche, and every other manufacturer have to follow rules, as stupid as the rules are, why shouldn't Ferrari? Don't all these other manufacturers have a "bloodline" to uphold as well? I believe that we all should be on a level playing field and no exceptions should be made. It's called playing fair, we should have all learned that in 1st grade. And Xenicide, you can't see it but I'm giving you the finger.

May 10, 2010 2:15 pm

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mmr66

wtf is wrong with the world . i would like to personaly bi**h slap anyone who buys one.

May 7, 2010 7:51 pm

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1 reply

sideskraper

Yes because progress and technology is bad. Are you a neo luddite or something?

May 7, 2010 9:34 pm

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August Horch

I have the perfect solution to this problem. If an automaker opts not to pursue green technology, their cars end up with a ridiculous tariff... like 75% or 100%. For the people who buy Ferraris, this should not be an issue.

May 8, 2010 12:01 am

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HommeStar

I understand his point to a point. I do not think that his objective stems from a rich/poor issue as expressed by Thebenchmark. I think that he's basically saying, comparatively, that the ratio of Ferrari/supercar owners to the number average autombiles worldwide is miniscule. And the generally out of reach prices of such autos ensures that there would not be many. Though I do believe that it would be a good move on Ferrari's part to incorporate green technologies and/or introduce green models, try hard to advance engine developement towards reducing fuel consumption/emissions etc.

May 8, 2010 12:27 am

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Mikeado

As they're part of the FIAT Group, can't Punto/MiTo MultiAirs and Panda Ecos and the like compensate for Ferrari? Or doesn't it work like that? I can see where he's coming from, although not agreeing 100%. Ferrari is, let's be straight, the most prestigious sports car marque in history. Sure, nowadays they're mostly driven by posers and drug dealers, and they do more excessive merchandising than Disney, but they're still Ferrari, and the cars are still right up there. A hybrid does spoil it a bit. They should follow Aston Martin's example and do a tarted up Cinquecento for commuting exclusively for existing customers.

May 8, 2010 4:09 am

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GTurbo

Never thought I'll see the day Ferrari will build an alternative engined vehicle! However, if Jaguar can build their world first DIESEL, anything is possible! Watch out Aston; you're next!

May 8, 2010 9:16 am

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997-GT500-STI

They should make this thing run on blood.... bla bla...

May 10, 2010 12:03 am

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JoshBenz

Wait we are talking about cars ? I thought we wore talking about hybrid animals.

May 10, 2010 2:17 pm

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