More Hybrids Ahead for Ferrari

Ferrari SpA says it has no interest in electric vehicles. But the company does see a bright future for hybrid powertrains in its supercars.

Chairman Luca di Montezemolo tells Bloomberg Television, "I strongly believe in hybrids." Asked whether that means more hybrid cars for the marque, he replied, "The answer is yes."

The only hybrid Ferrari currently in the production is the limited-edition LaFerrari. The $1.3 million sports car was sold out before it debuted at the Geneva auto show in March.

The company plans to build only 499 LaFerraris, which are powered by a naturally aspirated 800-hp V-12 engine and 168-hp electric motor. The combination delivers a net 664 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The car is Ferrari's quickest and most expensive model ever, with a zero to 100 kph time of less than three seconds.

Montezemolo offers no details about future hybrids. But he hints that the company might offer high-end hybrid powertrains for existing models. He underscores Ferrari's determination to maintain brand exclusivity by limiting production volume. Bloomberg notes that the company expects to match last year's record €350 million ($468 million) profit in spite of deliberately reducing deliveries by 400 units to about 6,900 cars in 2013.