WHO says Ferraris must be red and not green? The world's most famous car marque is changing its colour in a bid to become more environmentally aware.
Ferrari produce some of the most heavily polluting cars on the planet but that could be set to change if this stunning hybrid version of the 599 GTB Fiorano comes good.
Officially known as HY-KERS, it was the star of the Prancing Horse's exhibit at the Geneva Motor Show.
And for anyone who thinks hybrid engines mean less fun, there was a surprise in store. The HY-KERS is actually faster than its conventional stablemate.
The standard 6-litre V12 engine is capable of pushing the 599 from 0-124mph in 11 seconds flat - but the green version slashes this time by 0.6 seconds.
It's all thanks to a 100bhp electric motor which supplements the 620bhp petrol engine at low levels so it shoots off the mark even faster.
It helps reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, too.
Ferrari have teamed their new hybrid powertrain with a stop- start system that cuts emissions from 415g/km to 250g/km. And drivers will be able to visit the pumps less often thanks to fuel economy being boosted from 15.8mpg to 22mpg.
Ferrari's strong Formula One presence has been instrumental in creating the hybrid.
Drivers will even have an F1-style power boost button on the steering wheel which gives them extra oomph whenever they need it.
About 80kg have been added to the weight of the car, but engineers did away with the traditional starter motor and battery to compensate.
And because the heavy lithium battery is slung between the floorpan and undertray, it lowers the car's centre of gravity.
Ferrari's hybrid uses exactly the same technology that powers mass-market models such as Toyota's Prius and Honda's Insight. However, plenty of cost-cutting measures need to be taken before the HY-KERS sees the light of day.
If it was to go on sale now, it would cost pounds 400,000 - twice as much as the standard 599.
In 2007, Ferrari announced a five-year plan to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across the range.
With the launch of the Ferrari California in 2008 and the 458 Italia last year, they have already cut levels by 30 per cent.
Ferrari weren't the only maker using Geneva as a showcase for eco- friendly hybrids.
Audi unveiled a hybrid of the A8 saloon which does 0-62mph in under eight seconds and hits 146mph.
Fuel economy is boosted to more than 45mpg, while CO2 levels are dramatically reduced to 144 g\km.
Infiniti's M35 Hybrid was rivalled by the Lexus CT200h. Meanwhile, Seat's first electric car, the IBE, has a sub-10-second 0- 62mph time and 100mph top speed.
Not so much Geneva as Greeneva...
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