Posted : 15/08/2011

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In a world exclusive, Tarmac magazine has scooped the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, fitted with a pair of large bonnet, er, scoops, while being tested at Fiorano.
Identified by one of our staffers while visiting the facility last week, the 599 HY-KERS is the concept and development by Ferrari using its KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) as used by its Formula 1 team.
Notably silent, the 599 was devoid of its normal V12 wail, replaced by a largely silent hum from the electric motor and battery system. With heat being the enemy of the electric motor, we presume the bonnet scoops funnel air to the electric motors, as heat are their biggest enemy.
The 599 HY-KERS concept was unveiled at the Geneva 2010 motor show, in a distinctly green hue, with a 40kg KERS adding around 100hp (75kW) seamlessly through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Under braking, a generator recharges the batteries to provide a renewed energy boost.
Significantly, Ferrari claims the KERS system can run the 599 under its own full electric power, and this, we suspect, is what we spotted at Fiorano, with the none-too-subtle scoops designed to maximise cooling to the electric motors during a hot, 38 degree C August Modena day.
We said it in Tarmac issue 9: performance KERS cars are coming, and we can't wait. And you read about the Ferrari 599 KERS prototype test here first!

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