Taking pride of place at the Ferrari stand in Geneva is the new 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS “vettura laboratorio” or to put in plain English, a prototype version of the Italian firm’s supercar fitted with a hybrid powertrain. According to Ferrari, it’s supposed to show us how the company is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement.

The hybrid system found in the 599 GTB prototype comprises of an electric motor coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission and a set of flat lithium-ion batteries positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody.

Weighing about 40 kg or 88lbs, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS produces over 100HP with Ferrari claiming that it achieved its goal of offsetting every kilogram increase in weight (including the batteries) by a gain of at least one hp.

Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries.

Ferrari says that this phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module that manages the power supply and recharging the batteries. The module also powers the engine’s ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive.

According to the Italian maker, the prototype is not only slightly faster than the stock 599 GTB but at the same time it also emits 35 per cent less CO2 in the combined EU cycle.

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Most people look at a Ferrari and think, “Wow.” Others think, “It needs two more superchargers.” That was the case when Novitec Rosso saw the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano.

At the Geneva auto show, the German tuning firm will debut the Race 848, a twin-supercharged version of the 599 that’s reportedly good for 848 hp and 621 lb-ft of torque. According to Novitec Rosso, that’s enough for 0–62 mph sprints of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of over 210 mph. The Race 848 treatment improves upon the NR-tweaked Ferrari we heard about nearly two years ago. A stock Ferrari 599 manages a sedate 611 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque.

Engine mods are comprised of the twin superchargers—limited to 7 psi of boost—a pair of intercoolers, a computer retune, high-flow fuel injectors, a new air filter, and a stainless-steel exhaust system.

Outside are a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirts all aimed at smoothing the 599’s aerodynamics at high speeds; the skirts also channel cool air to the rear brakes. The entire car rides on a Novitec Rosso suspension and wheels measuring 20 inches front, 21 inches rear. Tires are Pirelli P Zeros, nine inches wide up front, 12.5 inches wide out back. Behind the wheels are Brembo 16-inch brake discs clamped by six-piston calipers.

The Race 848 sports a two-tone color scheme: matte white for the body, gray for the roof and hood. All the exterior lights are dark tinted, too. Inside you’ll find aluminum pedals, a leather and carbon fiber steering wheel, and elongated shift paddles made from carbon fiber.

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Ferrari is back into the business of coachbuilding as the Italian supercar maker unveiled the second one-off special after the P4/5 it built for American collector (and millionaire…) James Glickenhaus back in 2006. The new Ferrari P540 Superfast Ferries Aperta was created for Edward Walson, son of John Walson, the inventor of cable TV.

The wealthy American approached Ferrari in 2008 to produce a modern reinterpretation of the gold-coloured 1965 Ferrari 250GT NART Spyder featured in a 1968 Fellini short film called “Toby Dammit”.

“I had always dreamed of designing sports cars,” Walson explains, “and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have ‘my’ Ferrari.” And well, he did.

In case you didn’t notice, the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano. The car was designed by Pininfarina and built in Maranello, with Ferrari claiming that Walson was directly involved in each stage of its development.

According to the Italians, while considerable effort went into strengthening the chassis after the roof was chopped off, the increase in weight was kept down to just 20 kg or 44 pounds by employing carbon-fibre extensively.

Ferrari said that from the initial sketches to the final, road-legal car, it took just 14 months to complete the project.

Those of you with a strong memory may remember that we first showed you the P540 Superfast Aperta earlier this year, though then, we didn’t know any details about the one-off Prancing Horse model.

Technical specifications

Length 4731 mm

Width 1954 mm

Height 1300 mm

Wheelbase 2750 mm

Front track 1690 mm

Rear track 1620 mm

Engine

65° V12

Displacement 5999 cc

Maximum power 456 kW (620 CV) at 7600 rpm

Maximum torque 608 Nm (62 kgm) at 5600 rpm

Transmission

F1 6-speed gearbox

Tyres

Front 245/35 20″

Rear 305/35 20″

Fuel consumption

Combined cycle 17.9 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

Combined cycle 415 g/km

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Even the Ferrari California can’t escape from the tuning claws of companies like Novitec Rosso that has revealed a comprehensive, yet subtle package for the hardtop roadster. The German tuners offerings include a tasty aero kit, suspension and engine modifications, new interior options and custom wheels.

Novitec Rosso starts under the hood, where it remaps the V8’s ECU and adds a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and a flap actuator. With the upgrade, the 4.3-liter V8 engine gains an extra 40HP and 33Nm of torque raising output to 500HP and 518Nm (382 lb-ft). In addition, the engine’s redline has been increased to 8,300 rpm.

In the suspension department, the California receives a set of sport springs that lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters while the tuner has developed a hydraulic front lift system that raises the front of the car by some 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the interior to allow drivers to safely navigate parking garage ramps or speed bumps.

The package includes an aerodynamic kit comprising of a front spoiler, rocker panel mouldings, black side markers, a newly designed diffuser for the rear apron and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid. All aero-components are made from lightweight yet high-strength clear-coated carbon fiber.

The tasty exterior upgrades are rounded off by a new set of 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) alloy wheels wrapped in 255/30 Pirelli rubber at the front and 315/25 at the back.

Finally, the tuner offers a several options for the interior including custom-order leather or Alcantara upholstery.

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Ever wonder what’s the procedure for wrapping a car in vinyl film? Well here’s your chance to see a Ferrari F430 receiving a matte black makeover by Creative FX, a company that specializes in vinyl wrappings. What impressed us the most and at the same time gave us a scare, is the skillful use of a regular box cutter to remove the excess pieces of vinyl by the firm’s employees – can you imagine being the owner of the Ferrari and seeing someone knifing out your car? Watch the video after the jump.

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