A pair of spy videos have surfaced reportedly showing test mules with Ferrari’s new hybrid V6 powertrain undergoing testing in Stuttgart, Germany.
The Italian car manufacturer has been working on the new powertrain for quite some time, with the company confirming it will introduce a V6 family last year. The powertrain will reportedly consist of a twin-turbo V6 supplemented by an electric motor.
The Ferrari tester featured in the videos below is an 488 GTB supposedly fitted with this powerful hybrid powertrain, though we can’t be sure about that. It may sound pretty much the same as the 488, but the hybrid system will no doubt result in a car that likely outpaces even the hardcore Ferrari 488 Pista.
Will Ferrari fans accept a V6?
As a reminder, the Ferrari 488 Pista pumps out 711 hp from its twin-turbo V8 without electric assistance. If Ferrari works its magic on the V6 and then adds an electric motor, it’s hard not to imagine this new Ferrari supercar having over 700 hp in standard guise, lifting the supercar right into the firing line of the McLaren 720S.
Interestingly, the company is also working on a new prototype for a vehicle that will slot above the 488 and its successor in the Ferrari family. This vehicle will use a twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assistance and could pump out upwards of 1,000 hp, making it the most powerful Ferrari road car ever.
Exact launch dates of the two new models remain unclear, but we now know the carmaker will introduce hybrid powertrains to many of its future models. All will be powerful and all will be very, very fast.