Ferrari has made a new three-hugging step at the Paris Auto Show, as the company has introduced the Ferrari California with the new HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) system. The automotive producer’s new technology doesn’t include any hybrid hardware. Instead, it uses less radical solutions to cut CO2 emissions and increase efficiency. The technology uses multiple electronic toys, such as a stop/start system that only needs 230 miliseconds to restart the engine (Ferrari promises that this will not alter the driving experience). The system has also been optimized for special race-driving techniques, such as left-foot braking.
Ferrari California HELE - Front View“Once again, the technicians’ goal with this technology was to improve fuel consumption levels and sportiness in tandem. They have done so using features designed specifically to allow the driver to restart the engine not just by releasing the brake pedal, but also by using the accelerator pedal (ideal for people who left-foot brake) or the UP paddle mounted on the steering wheel,” stated the press release. The HELE system acts like an electronic brain for a number of components including the air-conditioning system’s compressor, fuel pump, engine fan and uses an adaptive control function for the gearbox that is aimed at increasing efficiency. The system also adds a 25 Nm boost that the driver can access when necessary (or just desired).
The eco incarnation of the Ferrari California comes with CO2 emissions reduced from 299 grams per km to 270 grams per km. As for the urban driving cycle, this sees the vehicle reduce its emissions by 23 percent.
Ferrari California HELE Photo
Ferrari California HELE PhotoFerrari California HELE
Tested: 4.3-litre, V8 petrol, seven-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Price/on sale: £144,690/November
Power/torque: 453bhp @ 7,750rpm/ 376lb ft @ 5,000rpm
Top speed: 193mph
Acceleration: 0-62mph in under 4.0secs
Fuel economy: n/a
CO2 emissions: 270g/km
VED band: M (£950 first year)
Verdict: Red is the new green.
Telegraph rating: Four out of five