When asked about recent tests conducted between Ferrari’s own 458 Italia and its new rival, the McLaren MP4-12C, Felisa said that he was more than pleased, since the 458 came out on top.
What made him happier is the fact that the test were performed by British car journalists who tend to favor their home products as, in his own words, “only you British can find a certain level of performance at Aston Martin!”.
The Ferrari boss also said that McLaren's decision to use a carbonfiber chassis is not practical for models that are produced in relatively big numbers as it increases the cost and reduces production rate. Felisa added that Ferrari could produce an aluminum chassis that is as light as a carbonfiber, but will only use the latter in top-of-the-line exotics like the Enzo’s replacement.
Felisa revealed that the “family look” adopted by most carmakers is a no-no for Ferrari: “All the other brands have a way in which they use in a different shape, stretching or enlarging. Our rule is not to use that. You can have some iconic touches from previews models, but we don’t like to have a family feel.”
Having already presented a hybrid project in the form of the 599 HY-KERS concept, Ferrari’s CEO admits that strict emissions regulations force the carmaker to invest heavily in hybrid technology, drawing from its F1 experience but not relying solely on it.
Moreover, hybrid technology will allow Ferrari to continue developing V12 engines as, according to Felisa, even a V12’s CO2 emissions can drop to 200 g/km: “The California emits 299 g/km. If you do the hybrid 12m you can go lower than the V8”, he concluded.
Story reference: CAR Magazine
