Hybrid Ferrari planned

Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari has stated that it will reduce emissions from its cars by 40% by 2012.

To achieve that it's rumoured that the famous firm will introduce a mild hybrid powertrain mating its petrol engines with electric assistance.

Before such technology is seen on its road cars Ferrari will use an energy scavenging braking system on its F1 car.

The Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS) will be used from next season.

Lessons learned from the system on track will help Ferrari's engineers hone similar systems for the road.

Such devices should help Ferrari achieve its ambitious consumption and emissions targets, all while still providing the sort of performance Ferrari customers expect.

At a recent Ferrari technical event the company demonstrated a number of different methods it will introduce to help reduce emissions and consumption.

Lightweight materials, smaller cars, more efficient engine ancillaries, low-rolling resistance tyres and even active drag-reducing aerodynamics are ways Ferrari are looking at minimising its environmental impact, many of these highlighted on its Mille Chili concept early last year.

Kyle Fortune