Ferrari Planning More Hybrids

Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has been a vocal opponent of electric cars, but when it comes to hybrids he’s championing the technology, announcing that more gasoline-electric models will join the brand’s exotic stable.

“I don’t believe in the electric cars, but I strongly believe in hybrids,” said di Montezemolo in a recent interview at the company’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy.

SEE ALSO: Ferrari Boss Says No to Electric Cars

The brand’s first hybrid is the new LaFerrari supercar, recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Priced at over $1 million it mates a 789 hp 6.3-liter V12 engine to an electric motor, which adds an extra 162 hp for a total system output of 950 hp.

Ferrari calls its hybrid powertrain HY-KERS, or hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which it has adapted from Formula 1 racing, taking energy generated under braking and using it to propel the car.

Just yesterday Ferrari revealed its latest model, the 458 Speciale, a higher-performance version of its popular 458 model.

SEE ALSO: Ferrari 458 Speciale Revealed

When asked pointedly if Ferrari will deliver more hybrids in the future di Montezemolo unequivocally replied in the affirmative. He explained that the brand sees hybrid technology as a way to not only improve performance but to expand the brand’s reach. However, he cautioned against rapid expansion. Instead Ferrari will continue to offer a limited number of cars, characteristically building fewer than there is demand for.

In fact, over the next year Ferrari actually intends to actually cut deliveries of its models by roughly 400 units to just 6,900 units, instead opting to focus on lower production and more rare models like the 458 Speciale and LaFerrari, in addition to growing profits through bespoke customization of its models.