When Ferrari unveiled the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS at the Geneva Motor Show people asked why Ferrari developed a hybrid model. And the answer is not "because the market asked for it", but, according to Amedeo Felisa it was in order to protect the V12 engine.

In an interview with AutoCar he said: "That is why we are developing hybrid technology. Hybrid means we can protect the V12. And while people expect Ferrari to adopt turbocharging for future generations of its V8 models, he said that the next Enzo might be powered by a V12 engine mated to an electric motor.

Now, we are a little confused because a few days ago, AutoCar reported that "Felisa also hinted that the new Ferrari Enzo will be powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 when it is launched in 2012." So, V8 or V12? Unfortunately, it seems that Ferrari is going to keep us guessing until the curtain is finally pulled back to reveal their choice.

We also don't fully understand the resistance to turbocharging. Ferrari has used this tactic in the past with the likes of the Ferrari 288 GTO and the Ferrari F40. Of course that was with the V8 and before they switched to a naturally aspirated V12 in 1995. It seems Ferrari has no intentions of going backwards.

So, what do you think about that?

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