The HY-KERS features a tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor coupled to a dual-clutch seven-speed F1 transmission. The 100bhp motor increases the 620bhp 6.0-litre V12’s output to 720bhp and acts as a generator under braking, using the kinetic energy produced to recharge the lithium-ion batteries, which are positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody.

A full Ferrari hybrid model is unlikely to appear in showrooms until 2015 at the earliest, but intensive testing has already begun in earnest to ensure the powertrain fulfills requirements. And the first step to incorporating the systems in production cars will be to introduce a hybrid flywheel version of every Ferrari within three years. That alone is claimed to cut each Ferrari's emissions by 35%.

By 2018, Ferrari has stated that it expects its range average CO2 emissions to be around 240g/km, down from today's 310g/km.