Ferrari LaFerrari successor likely to run on carbon-neutral fuel

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says that e-fuels are the “way forward” for combustion-engined supercars.

Published On Jul 29, 2024 08:00:00 AM

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Ferrari LaFerrari used for representation only.

Ferrari’s much-anticipated LaFerrari successor could be engineered to run on environmentally friendly e-fuels. Codenamed F250, the new hypercar is expected to make its debut later this year, and based on Ferrari boss Benedetto Vigna’s comments, the model could be equipped with the same technical know-how used for the 2026 Formula 1 cars.

New Ferrari hypercar expected to use hybrid powertrain
Adoption of e-fuels occurring quicker than anticipated, says Ferrari CEO
Hydrogen could be an option for future Ferrari models

The long-awaited successor to the LaFerrari is expected to use a hybrid powertrain similar to the ones used in the 296 GTB and SF90. Naturally, outputs will be much higher than the 296's 830hp and the latter’s 1,000hp. While there’s no information on which layout it’ll have – V6, V8 or V12 – Vigna's statement suggests it could run on e-fuels.

Vigna believes that both e-fuels and hydrogen powertrains could be used in its future models. He wants to use motorsport to develop both technologies. Speaking to our sister publication, Autocar UK, he said, “We are working with partners for 2026 for carbon-neutral fuel in Formula 1 [as part of new technical rules], and usually technologies start out on the track and migrate to the road. We believe there is still a valid way forward for ICE cars and this is going to be supported by the development of carbon-neutral fuel.”

When asked about whether Ferrari is looking at hydrogen technology, Vigna said that the Italian marque is exploring it. He said, “We do not see it before 2030. I believe that the racing space can always be the first place for adapting technologies.” He added, “Hydrogen could be a good option for the future.”

The brand’s CEO has previously suggested that Ferrari could use sustainable fuels as a means of keeping combustion-engined cars on sale after 2035. The European Commission has proposed to allow cars with combustion engines to remain on sale as long as they run on just e-fuel. “ICE still has a lot to do”, he had said earlier, explaining that development and adoption of e-fuels was occurring quicker than anticipated. E-fuels could serve as a “reinforcement” of the brand’s carbon-cutting strategy.

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