Everything Electric: Ferrari Unleashes Powerful V6 Hybrid
Ferrari embraces e-mobility with verve; plus more from Honda, Harley-Davidson, and–of course–Tesla.
In running down the top stories of the week, Ferrari rightly dominated the conversation. But Honda, Harley-Davidson and Peugeot also made important announcements about their electrification efforts. And have we been underestimating the Cybertruck? We break it down in this week’s Everything Electric.
Bellissimo!
Ferrari unveiled the new 296 GTB, a mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta. It was inspired by the 250 LM, arguably one of their most stunning and potent cars. The 3.0-liter V6 hybrid architecture produces a jaw-dropping 818 horsepower. It can reach top speeds of 205 mph and zip from 0 to 60 in 2.9-seconds. With a price tag of $320,000, the 296 GTB is the third hybrid to go into production, following the SF 90 Stradale and SF 90 Spider.
“This has been designed for the peak of pleasure of driving,” Enrico Galliera said of the 296 GTB. “We expect this will also help us attract clients who are not driving a Ferrari now.”
It is a master class in balance. Literally, as the lighter powertrain helps offset the additional weight from the battery. And also how Ferrari past informs their future. But more importantly, it is the unique way that Ferrari delivers a powerful performance with a spirit of unadulterated fun. This is a fast, thrilling, sumptuous Ferrari by any measure. It doesn’t need the asterisk that is reserved for EVS.
Honda: All-Electric by 2040?
Honda announced that they will phase out all gas-powered vehicles, and have plans to be all-electric by 2040. This move makes Honda the first in the Japanese auto market commit to phasing out all gas-powered vehicles. And while 2040 seems an ambitious timeframe.
“It’s a very bold target,” automotive research analyst Yachiyo Tanaka told Bloomberg. “Honda has pledged to pull ahead of other automakers by introducing the latest technologies.”
And they are bringing experience. Having seen success with hybrid variants, and failrue with the Honda e–their first mass-produced EV. Honda plans to unveil three new electric motorcycles by 2024 and10 new electric cars in China by 2026.
Sharper, Faster, Better
Peugeot announced pricing and specs for the new 308, available with plug-in hybrid powertrains for the first time. With a host of safety features and advanced driver assist technologies, it also has new sharper looks.
Both the hybrid models are capable of driving up to 37 miles in electric mode under WLTP testing. Priced at $31,1000 the first Peugeot 308 will hit showrooms in the U.K. this December.
(Un)Easy Rider
The motorcycle industry has seen a slow and less-than-enthusiastic response to electrification. But they are not giving up. Leading the way to embrace future tech is Harley-Davidson. Their Livewire motorcycle has seen sluggish sales. However, it might be opening up a new segment. CEO Jochen Zeitz recently remarked on the Livewire during an earnings call, “It’s also attracting new riders, new customers to the brand that might not have considered Harley-Davidson before.” Zeitz is determined to deliver H-D caliber bikes.
“Electrification is a given,” he told the CNBC Evolve Global Summit. “The future will be electrified also in motorcycling … We want to lead in electric.”
Sleeping on the Cybertruck?
Input addressed the endless hype that the Cybertruck receives. Is it warranted? Well, maybe. First, we need to get past the design…choices. And that isn’t easy. Plus, try to forget the 10-Tesla pileup that was the grand reveal.
On its specs alone, maybe we should be taking it more seriously? With 500 miles of range, a 0 to 60 time of 2.9-seconds, 14,000-lb towing capacity, and priced at $39,900 it might actually deliver. In terms of performance. As the only truck in Tesla’s stable it benefits from that singular focus. Although, on the downside; being the loner it does lacks the input and experience other automakers rely on to improve their truck fleet.
We’ll keep you posted.
Photos: Ferrari; Honda’ Harley-Davidson; Peugeot; Tesla
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