This Ferrari 488 Prototype Sure Seems Like a Hybrid
A mysterious Ferrari 488 based test prototype has been filmed at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Italy.
In the video, the prototype is seen accelerating from a stop in complete silence – potentially signaling the arrival of a hybridized version of the Ferrari 488. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen evidence of an electrified mid-engine Ferrari, with 458-based prototypes having also been spotted in the past. Furthermore, we already know the automaker is working on bringing a hybrid powertrain to market that would tap the 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in products like the 488, Portofino, and GTC4Lusso T.
SEE ALSO: Ferrari FXX K Evo Looks Absolutely Wild on Track
It was previously thought that the first product the hybrid-V8 powertrain would arrive in would be the so-called Ferrari Utility Vehicle. But with the powertrain seemingly much further along in its development than Ferrari’s first SUV, we’re willing to bet it will appear in a hybrid mid-engine model before then. Ferrari typically keeps its mid-engine V8 models around for 5 model years, and a hybrid 488 would be a good way to send the car off before its replacement arrives in 2021. It’s also better for optics, as we imagine Ferrari would rather its SUV receive one of its sportscar powertrains, instead of the SUV powertrain trickling to a sports car.
Check out the video of the electrified 488 prototype testing in the video embedded above.
Discuss this story on our Ferrari Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
More by Sam McEachern
Comments
Join the conversation