Announced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the new Ferrari V-6 hybrid is ready for introduction this summer. Expected in a mid-engine form, the Ferrari with a hybridized V-6 propulsion system will probably slot below the F8 Tributo and ride on a modular platform that will underpin at least one more Ferrari supercar in the future. Maybe the one with the V-8 hybrid system.

Chief Technical Officer Michael Leiters presented Ferrari's product strategy back in September in 2018 and announced the new Ferrari V-6 family:

"We will develop a totally new V6 family based on a very, very particular, innovative architecture with plenty of innovations regarding technologies and components."

We spied the Ferrari V-6 hybrid in prototype form in Sweden and Germany. Our spy photographers heard V-6 sounds while some videos, filmed in Maranello before that, apparently show the Ferrari V-6 hybrid running on electric power only. Even though this may be the case for the prototype, I doubt that the Ferrari V-6 mid-engine supercar will have an only-electric drive mode. However, Ferrari marketing head, Enrico Galleria reported some time ago that the Ferrari hybrid GT cars will probably have a Plug-In Hybrid technology. The Purosangue SUV as well!

Now, we have our first look at the first Ferrari Hybrid V-6 as it was doing some cold-weather testing.

Update 5/29/2019:Ferrari has just debuted the all-new SF90 Stradale, a V-8, hybrid supercar that is already stealing a lot of thunder from the Ferrari LaFerrari. Check out our special gallery below to get your first look while we update this review!

2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Specifications
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  • Model: 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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Pros
Cons

Note: We're busy updating this review, so we've placed a small gallery below for you to check out. Until we update the review, you can check out our featured article to learn all about the new SF90 Stradale!

Spy Shots

May 24, 2019 – Ferrari Hybrid Supercar Caught Coming Back from Testing

It actually hasn’t been that long since we last say Ferrari’s new Hybrid prototype, but from the looks of it, Ferrari is trying to hide something. This time around, the body has been covered by a thick tarp and what appears to be a lot of padding. It still appears to be a standard 488 GTB body underneath, but there could be some drastic changes in place now that Ferrari has decided to cover everything up. One thing that we can spot without a doubt is the different headlight design. They look to be of the same shape, but you can clearly see a different LED design. It also looks like the rear air intakes might be quite a bit larger than on the last prototype, but our eyes could just be playing tricks on us. If you look at the rear end of this prototype, it’s pretty clear that Ferrari is really trying to hide something. It appears as if there’s going to be a more pronounced, natural spoiler that actually covers the taillights and it appears as if the rear diffuser will feature larger openings as well. Again, this could be a padding trick to throw us off. For now, at least we can rest easy knowing that the Ferrari Hybrid is coming and it will, probably, be 488-based.

Exterior

- Active aerodynamics - Lower compared to other Ferraris - It could mark a significant design shift within Ferrari

After all, the only thing we can see is the standard 488 GTB body covered with a whole lot of camouflage. Some of the yellow stickers on the prototype have some meaning. They designate the hybrid nature of the car. Why? Well, if the accident happens, rescuers will know that they are dealing with a hybrid.

Interestingly enough, the new Ferrari mid-engine hybrid will become a sort of halo supercar for the brand. It will have a lot of power and engine technology partially sourced from Ferrari Formula 1 cars. Coincidentally, the only V-6 hybrid system Ferrari makes is the one for its Formula 1 SF70H car.

This actually tells us a few things about the design of the new car. See, the new V-6 engine and a hybrid propulsion system will sit a bit lower compared to the V-8 in the 488 GTB. Back then, we have found out that the new Ferrari mid-engine supercar will have active aerodynamics. Remember the S-duct system on the latest F8 Tributo? The upcoming Ferrari V-6 Hybrid will have something similar.

The last hybrid Ferrari built was the LaFerrari itself, but the new one will not be as exclusive. It will be quicker and faster, I reckon. After all, it will dance with the likes of the new Lambo and Aston Martin mid-engine supercars. Heck, maybe even Porsche will go this way and finally give us the mid-engine 960 with a hybrid system.

The mid-engine Aston Martin Vanquish will come to the scene, and that one is bound to be a handsome one. On the other hand, we have a proposed Lamborghini LB48H Hybrid Supercar. Potentially based on top of the Terzo Millennio concept car. The LB48H could look simply outrageous. Definitely a poster material for teens. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is not that. But the new Ferrari mid-engine V-6 Hybrid supercar could be.

Interior

- Keeps the best talents of the modern high-end Ferraris - Lower sitting position than before - Unique arrangement and design of buttons and dials - It will keep the central rev counter

The interior of the new Ferrari mid-engine hybrid supercar will remain a mystery up to the point of the cars unveiling. Heavily influenced by the 488 and the 458, the F8 Tributo interior does not seem to be as unique or as special as one could hope. Ferrari took many pieces from the 812 Superfast cabin and placed them into the F8 Tributo. Just take a look at the dials, air-con controls, vents, instrument cluster, central stalk with modes, and even the radio control. All of them are the same as in the 812 Superfast.

Considering that much the same pieces reside inside the entry-level Portofino and other Ferrari products, I hope that the interior layout of the all-new Ferrari V-6 hybrid takes a swift turn.

Sure, you can expect the display in front of the passenger, round vents, and centrally positioned rev counter behind the wheel. Everything else will be different. It is still unclear in what way, but I can only say that the driver will probably sit lower.

Also, expect naked carbon surfaces inside. Ferrari has to do something to offset the weight of the hybrid drivetrain. Speaking of which...

Drivetrain

- Twin-Turbo V-6 Inspired By Formula 1 Ferrari engine - The hybrid system develops more power than the V-8 in the F8 Tributo - Possibly the most efficient Ferrari of all time - Rides on a new modular platform - Structure made from Aluminum, Carbon Fiber and a mix of other materials - heavier drivetrain than before - A possible (but not probable) EV mode

The new mid-engine Ferrari V-6 hybrid should come on top of the future hybrid food chain within Maranello. At least for a little while - until the V-8 hybrid appears. The V-6 engine could have a higher specific output compared to any ICE in the current lineup. Plus, an electric motor provides needed assistance. Rumors suggest that the new platform enables the integration of a second electric motor on the front axle as well. However, the new mid-engine Ferrari will be a RWD only supercar.

Ferrari technical chief Michael Leiters said:

“If you want to maximize the benefits of electrified powertrain, you need to do it with downsizing otherwise it doesn’t make sense. A naturally aspirated V12 engine is not a downsized engine, and for me, it doesn’t make sense as a hybrid. We will fight for the V12, of course. We will do everything we can to keep it as it is core to our brand. But a real hybridization of the V12? I don’t see it. The LaFerrari was hybridization for performance. In the future, we’re being forced to look at emissions and if you want to really utilize the CO2 benefit, you have to downsize.”

The propulsion system will sit in entirely new surroundings. That means - no carbon tubs and no exotic designs - only a frame structure composed of different materials. Some of them will be carbon reinforced polymers for sure.

Is this a bit too generic? It may be, but the thing is that Ferrari wants to build at least two cars on this platform. It is a modular design that can support different powertrain options (V-6 Hybrid, V-8 Hybrid, one electric motor, two electric motors), and it gives designers the freedom to stretch a wheelbase if need be.

The decision for making the structure using different materials is a sound one. Utilizing aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber, Ferrari engineers managed to lower the weight of the structure, somewhat offsetting the added weight of the hybrid system. An important fact considering that Ferrari V-6 Hybrid will not have a KERS-like system like the LaFerrari, but an actual hybrid system that is a bit heavier. It will help with emissions, consumption, and all that boring but necessary stuff. See, Ferrari's business plan includes the growth that will increase the yearly production to more than 10,000 units. In this case, the company falls under strict emission rules as any other car manufacturer. Heck, I feel that is the first reason for the development of the hybrid system.

Mike Flewitt from McLaren actually supports my thought. When asked about the upcoming hybrids for the McLaren supercars, Flewitt said:

"We've got to be honest: we've been driven to this (hybrids) by emission regulations." He also added that McLaren isn't able to offset the weight of the hybrid system by reducing the weight of other components.

I do believe that the Ferrari is in the same sauce. I hope that Italians will surprise us somehow.

Back to issue at hand.

The new V-6 could be the one based around the 2.9-liter, six-cylinder from the Giulia Quadrifoglio. On the other hand, Ferrari could go with a whole different design. Whatever the result, the engine will mate with a new double clutch transmission and sit lower than ever before.

So, will Ferrari call the new car the Dino?

No, it will not. The company is clear about that.

Luckily, we can crunch some numbers here:

ICE:

2.9-liter, V-6, twin-turbo

Horsepower

610 horsepower

Torque

443 pound-feet

Electric motor

Horsepower

113 horsepower


The estimated combined power output of 723 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque

It is more than you get in the F8 Tributo, but you have to be aware that the F8 Tributo is the last step of the story that started with the 458 Italia. The new mid-engine Ferrari V-8 Hybrid will be its natural replacement. The V-6 Hybrid, on the other hand, is an all-new car.

2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo drivetrain specifications



Prices

I believe that the Ferrari V6-Hybrid will take place in the hierarchy between so-called entry-level supercars. It will be one of the best and the quickest there, teaching the Huaracan, 600LT, and the R8 how it should be done. In that case, the mid-engine Ferrari V-6 Hybrid price could go over $250,000 and touch $300,000+ mark with the addition of some optional equipment.

Competition

Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept

Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept demonstrated the Astons ability to think in proper mid-engine terms. Although still a concept, mid-engine Aston Martin Vanquish will probably appear in 2022 with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. Brits did not say much about the possible hybridization of it, but the thing is that even the V-6 can be utterly powerful and a worthy opponent to anything from Italy. If you are not so sure, please remember that the six-cylinder in the Ford GT has 650 horsepower.

The upcoming Vanquish Vision seems to be a perfect competitor to the forthcoming Ferrari V-6 Hybrid supercar.

Check out more details on the Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept

Porsche 960

Porsche did not confirm or denied the development of the new mid-engine supercar that will compete with the likes of the McLaren 720S, and the F8 Tributo. However, some rumors (that circle around since 2011) suggest that the Porsche mid-engine supercar could take the name 960. If it ever comes, I would not be surprised if the Porsche 960 comes in a hybrid guise with 700+ horsepower propulsion.

Check out more details on the Porsche 960

Lamborghini Huracan Evo

I've included the Huracan Evo only because it seems plausible that its successor competes with the 723 horsepower Ferrari supercar. Nevertheless, the Huracan Evo and especially its insane Huracan Performance brother seem more than capable of taking on anything from Maranello. After all, the Huracan Perofmante is a car that lapped the 'Ring in 6 minutes and 52 seconds. Unofficially, the 488 GTB did it in 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Huracan Evo

Conclusion

We are on the verge of a major Ferrari revolution. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is the last word of the Ferrari mid-engine supercars powered solely by ICE. Its successor will have a new V-8 hybrid system, but the mid-engine Ferrari V-6 Hybrid is a whole new car. Probably one called the 486.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo.

Read our full review on the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB.

Read our full review on the 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider.

Read our full review on the 2018 Ferrari 488 Pista.

Read our full review on the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider.

Update History

Update 5/24/2019: Ferrari’s upcoming hybrid supercar was just spotted on its way back from a testing session, and we managed to snag some new shots of the electrified prancing horse. Check out our spy shots section below to see the new shots and learn more about it.