As we enter a new era where performance manufacturers begin to move away from combustion engines and into electric, will they still be able to produce something for thrill seekers?
In this week’s episode of Drive TV, Trent answers the burning question as to whether or not hybrid vehicles are exciting to drive. As he discovered in the Ferrari 296 GTB, the answer was obvious – a resounding yes.
As performance brands begin to transition towards hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, we’re taking a look at what the future looks like for some of these aspirational and hallowed badges, what deadlines they have committed to and what’s to come.
Ferrari
Ferrari recently announced the introduction of 15 new models by 2026 – the majority hybrid, alongside the Prancing Horse’s first electric car, due in 2025.
The Italian luxury sports car manufacturer is aiming for its sales to comprise of 40 per cent hybrids, 40 per cent electric cars, and 20 per cent petrol-only models.
The brand’s current line up includes the plug-in hybrid twins, the Stradale SF90 and 296 GTB. The SF90 packs the brand’s familiar 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 joined by three electric motors, boasting 735kW of power. While the 296 GTB boasts a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor fed by a 7.45kWh battery and produces 610kW.
Back in 2020, Ferrari’s then CEO, Louis Camilleri, vowed the marque wouldn’t go fully electric in his lifetime. As it happens, the brand is now preparing to launch its first all-electric model in 2025.
Lamborghini
Lamborghini announced in 2021 that it would join various other luxury brands in committing itself to electrification. The Italian manufacturer has pledged its entire model line-up will be plug-in hybrid as soon as 2024.
The Lamborghini Aventador V12 successor will be revealed in the coming months. The supercar will produce a power output of 747kW, thanks to a 6.5-litre petrol V12, assisted by three electric motors. The V12 will be the brand’s most powerful engine to date.
This will be followed by the company’s most popular model, with a plug-in hybrid Urus due at the end of 2023 or start of 2024. It’s been reported that it will pump out much as 614kW, the majority of which will reportedly be achieved from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
No announcements have been made as yet regarding an all-electric model.
Koenigsegg
The CEO of Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg, has outlined the challenges the company faces in producing an electric hypercar, with additional weight one of the main concerns. Undeterred, the company has pulled the covers off the most power-dense electric motor in the world.
In 2022, Dutch solar EV start-up, Lightyear, announced a partnership with Koenigsegg, working cohesively as a technology-sharing partner to develop ultra-efficient technology for vehicles.
Koenigsegg launched the its four-seat “hyper grand tourer” last year, which, at $2.38 million, is one of the most expensive new cars in Australia. The Gemera is powered by three electric motors, a 2.0-litre, three-cylinder twin-turbo Freevalve engine, and produces a whopping 1270kW.
Porsche
Porsche anticipates that 20 per cent of its cars will remain powered by internal combustion engines. However, the German luxury car brand still has a carbon-neutral deadline set for 2030.
While Porsche has a well-established electric sports car in the Taycan, and is working on all-electric versions of its current model line-up, its supercar fleet is currently non-existent.
In 2013, Porsche revealed the 918 Spyder hybrid as a mid-engined, plug-in hybrid supercar. The Spyder was powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine paired with two electric motors, and produced 661kW.
Production was limited and ended as scheduled in 2015.
Maserati
Maserati is committing to an all-electric deadline by the end of the decade, with the new-generation GranTurismo leading the charge as its first fully-electric vehicle. The Italian sports car company’s fleet will include battery-powered variants of all vehicles by 2025.
Set to arrive at the end of this year, the GranTurismo Folgore will pack the same engine as the MC20 (a 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V6), capable of 610kW.
Next up, the brand’s mid-sized SUV, the Maserati Grecale will launch with an electric version, with the MC2 to follow in 2025. These are two out of the six models expected between 2023 and 2025.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin has confirmed that several hybrid and electric vehicles will join its range in the coming years, with its carbon neutral deadline slated by 2039.
The British manufacturer plans to reveal its first electrified models by 2025 with its entire model line-up boasting some form of electrification by 2030.
The all-new Aston Martin Valhalla has been unveiled, with only 20 examples set for Australia. The rear-mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, along with its three electric motors spits out a 744kW and can run on pure EV mode, however, only up to 15km.
Lotus
Lotus, like may others is entering a new area, making ambitious plans to thrive with electrification. The British brand, owned by Geely, and known for its iconic race cars, hasn’t set any firm date, however, has committed to four electric models.
The brand’s first electric car is currently in production, with a limited run of 130 vehicles. The Evija packs an electric motor and a gearbox supplied by Xtrac on each wheel. The all-electric hypercar is claimed to make a whopping 1470kW.
Lotus’ first electric SUV, the Eletre, has been revealed, with the automaker claiming strong power output “starting at 447kW” and a 0-100km/h time of under three seconds.
Bugatti
Known for producing outrageous hypercars, Bugatti has confirmed that its first EV won’t arrive until 2030.
In 2021, the German (originally French) manufacturer joined forces with technology powerhouse, Rimac. Renowned for developing high-performance technlogies, together, the companies have the resources to make a successful transition to electrification.
While we might not see an electric Bugatti until the end of this decade, it’s reported the Chiron’s successor will be a hybrid.
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