We know that Ferrari is working on turbochargers and all-wheel-drive hybrids, and the hybrid portion of that equation could show up as soon as this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. If so, Autocar supposes the car in question will be the new Ferrari F450. As Jaguar has reportedly planned with the XE, Ferrari could show off a hybrid F450 first in order to make an even bigger splash.
The main competitor, the child of the other Italian supercar producing house, the Lamborghini Gallardo uses a 5.0 liter originated from Audi. One might expect that Ferrari will improve their new comer displacement up to the same value in order to provide the same level of performance.
But, Ferrari is known to offer some of the best power per displacement ratios; therefore they are expected to produce 500 or more bhp, by only increasing the displacement to 4.5 liters. The rest of the power gain will be due to an increased maximum rev limit, of up to 10,000 rpm, improved air flowing and cooling.
Design lines will not be a revolution, but will be changed in order to keep up with the technical advances. All of the air intakes will be enlarged to ensure an increment in the cooling required by the improved engine and brakes. At the rear there is a possibility to see middle mounted exhausts, inspired by the Challenge Stradale.
Yet even if the production model doesn’t show up on dealer floors with some alternative energy system, it is still expected to show off plenty of top tier technology. A “lightweight aluminum structure” will house a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, traction control and programming to eliminate understeer, and radiators forward of the front wheels.
The KERS system employed by the Ferrari F1 team and being trialled on that ludicrous 599XX are also slated for the F450, but that will apparently come with the hybrid car and Ferrari thinks customers might not be ready for that yet. For now, the Prancing Horse is said to be working on direct-injection evolutions of its current engines, which it feels will meet Euro emissions standards until 2014.
Tags: air intakes, aluminum structure, ferrari f1 team, ferrari f450, italian supercar, lamborghini gallardo, lightweight aluminum, los angeles auto show