AUTONEWS

FERRARI: THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE IS HYBRID
Earlier this year, Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Ferrari, hinted that an electric model could be in the plans of the Italian brand, but it seems that it will not be for now. Initially envisaged as part of the strategic plan for the next 5 years (2018-2023), the electric Ferrari has been postponed and will be part of the next plan, ie will not arrive before 2023.Marchionne, in the framework of the annual conference of the Italian manufacturer, said that a fully electric model is not a priority for the time being, hence the postponement of its development. However, the Automotive News staff notes that the 2017 annual report published by Ferrari mentions that electric propulsion systems could replace hybrid systems in the sporting tops segment of the line.But for now, according to Marchionne, what Ferrari needs is a model that combines an internal gasoline combustion block with an electric motor. According to official sources, the manufacturer has not yet decided which model will electrify first. Whatever it is, the car will be showcasing at the next year's Frankfurt Motor Show equipped with an electrified V8.The model in question will be the first hybrid Ferrari series production, since the LaFerrari (Coupe and Aperta) was limited in 710 units. Marchionne said the model will have to be "more like traditional hybrids," however there is no certainty about what it actually meant. It is possible that the statement is a reference to a hybrid plug-in system with an emphasis on efficiency rather than performance.The CEO told Bloomberg that the hybrid vehicle Ferrari is currently testing is able to "move silently," which means it offers a purely electric mode of propulsion. He continued to specify that the hybrid system will debut in 2019 will be available as an option for the new models and will be the only motorization that will accompany the brand's future SUV.