The forgotten Ferrari that was the brand's first-ever hybrid supercar
Published on Aug 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Ferrari LaFerrari was the first production Ferrari with a hybrid engine, but there was another hybrid Ferrari that preceded it.
Back in 2010, Ferrari developed the 599 HY-KERS.
The prototype never made it to production.
But there’s a very good reason why this car was still hugely important for Ferrari.
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Why the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS is still a big deal for the brand
Back in 2010, Ferrari took one of its most advanced cars at the time, the Ferrari 599, and turned it into a hybrid.
They called it the 599 HY-KERS, a name inspired by the KERS system that F1 cars use to turn heat from braking into usable energy.
KERS, which stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System, still counts as an electric unit because it converts kinetic energy into electricity.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS was powered by the same 620-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 as the standard car, but it also had a KERS unit.
The supercar put out 720 horsepower in total, because the electric unit gave it an extra 100 horsepower.
Nothing came of it but, a few years later, Ferrari used this prototype as a platform for the LaFerrari.
The first hybrid Ferrari
The Ferrari LaFerrari was unveiled in 2013 as the first production Ferrari with an electric engine.
It used a 6.3-liter V12 and one electric motor along with a KERS.
All three units, including the V12, are always on, so LaFerrari owners can never rely on EV power alone.
This was by design because, back then, Ferrari wasn’t really interested in electric cars per se.
Obviously, as we all know, that’s no longer the case and the Italian manufacturer is currently developing its first-ever EV.
If everything goes to plan, it should be here by 2026, even though there are also rumors it might be delayed.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
