At the recent 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari launched its most powerful model ever, the F12 Berlinetta. The F12 heralds a new generation of V12 engines from Maranello. However, impending stricter CO2 emission standard has cast doubts over the future of these engines.
But fear not, Ferrari has confirmed that the future of its V12 engine is safe, thanks to the usage of F1-derived kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to help them in achieving the CO2 targets. KERS is a form of regenerative breaking system used in Formula 1.
The KERS system converts a moving vehicle's kinetic energy when braking into either a mechanical or kinetic enerygy. This energy is stored in a reservoir like a flywheel or batteries for later use to aid acceleration. Besides being useful, it its heavy. The KERS system used in Formula 1 cars can weigh up to 25kg.
Ferrari CEO, Amedeo Felisa commented: