According to InsideLine.com, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa confirmed that Ferrari Enzo’s successor will be powered by a V12, probably an hybrid engine, and will make intensive use of carbon fiber for the chassis and other body parts. The new Italian hyper-car - due in 2012 - has been the subject of many rumors recently, most of which saying it was going to adopt a turbocharged V8, but this statement from Felisa just clears the air of any doubt.

Whether or not it will be possible to fit an hybrid system on a V12 is still uncertain, but Ferrari engineers are working on it. The goal is to introduce a Formula1-derived KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) suitable for road use, that would not only improve performance but also contribute to the car’s overall efficiency. It is also a technology that could eventually be implemented and used on less complex and expensive models. Ferisa also took the chance to have a dig at historic rival McLaren, whose recent MP4-12C model has entered into a full and open competition with Ferrari’s 458. Ferisa said that - Enzo’s replacement aside - Ferrari will not expand the use of carbon monocoque to other models as its benefits, especially in terms of weight, would not justify the investement required. Besides, in case of an accident, it would be hard to tell whether the chassis has been damaged or not.

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