Report: Luca doesn’t believe in electric cars, but Ferrari will build more hybrids

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Ferrari

2014 Ferrari LaFerrari at Geneva

Confirming what we’d long suspected, the hybrid powertrain in the Ferrari LaFerrari was not a one-time thing. “I don’t believe in the electric cars, but I strongly believe in hybrids,” Ferrari boss Luca Cordero di Montezemolo tells Bloomberg. It’s unclear when we’ll see another hybrid Ferrari, though, as the automaker’s current lineup is quite fresh – the oldest model is the California, which was updated for the 2013 model year – but make no mistake, there are more electrified cars coming from Maranello. “The answer is yes,” Montezemolo told Bloomberg when asked about hybrids, although he was quick to add “without exceeding.” It’s that last part that is key for enthusiasts of the gas engine.

Ferrari’s move towards hybrid powertrains reflects a pair of trends in both the political and motorsports spheres. Politically, automakers, even exotics, are being pushed to produce cars with cleaner emissions, or in many cases, no emissions at all. Look no further than the Range Rover Hybrid, which was just announced. Formula One’s push towards hybridization and smaller engines is also informing decisions at Ferrari, with the LaFerrari already using hybrid tech already inspired by the sport.

Still, it’s reassuring to know that while Ferrari is pushing forward with future technologies, that the gas engine won’t go the way of the manual transmission in Maranello – at least in the near term.

Luca doesn’t believe in electric cars, but Ferrari will build more hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Luca di Montezemolo drives the New Stratos

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Specialty

New Strados

Luca di Montezemolo puts the new Stratos through its paces – Click above to watch video after the jump

Don’t let anyone tell you that Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo can’t drive. The boss of one of the world’s most exclusive supercar brands recently took the time to hot-shoe the resurrected Stratos around the Fiorano race track in Italy. While watching a brand executive put a car through its paces is rare enough, it’s even more surprising to hear di Montezemolo heap praise on a vehicle without a Prancing Horse on the hood, even if there’s a 4.3-liter Ferrari V8 at the heart of the new car.

Throw in the fact that the new interpretation of one of Italy’s most iconic rally heathens looks and sounds the part, and you’ve got all the makings of juicy video clip.

Have we mentioned just how badly we want one of these? Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Gallery: Lancia Stratos Shows Itself

[Source: New Stratos via Vimeo]

Continue reading Video: Luca di Montezemolo drives the New Stratos

Video: Luca di Montezemolo drives the New Stratos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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