HELE system fitted on the 458 Italia for Geneva

The environment affects us all but are Ferrari customers concerned about fuel economy as well? Are they concerned enough for Ferrari to develop “stop-start” technology for their road cars?  Does the average owner drive their Ferrari enough to warrant the time, effort and expense of such a system?  The answer is apparently, yes.

The HELE or High Emotion, Low Emission system was first introduced on Ferraris’ California model, it’s a feature on the new FF and will be available on future 458 Italia’s.  It works by switching the engine off when you come to a stop, and then quickly restarts the engine when you take your foot off the brake pedal.

Engineered into the HELE design are “intelligent” ancillary devices like: air conditioning, power steering, engine cooling fan and fuel pump. The HELE system reduces the amount of power needed to run the accessories by about 35%, thereby reducing the amount of fuel required by the engine. The result is a reduction of between 10%-15%  in CO2 emissions, making the 458 the best in its class, with emissions of 275 g/km, opposed to the 307g/km of the standard model.  The specific fuel savings for the 458 HELE have not been released. 

Ferrari has also added a more sophisticated transmission that learns and adapts to your driving style. 

No word yet on which markets will get the HELE system or how much it will add to the price.