#LucaDiMontezemolo

It appears that Michael Schumacher’s condition isn’t improving.

Ferrari could be losing its leader of over 20 years.

With much of Europe mired in recession and seemingly ever widening debt crisis amongst member states, the very notion of spending exorbitant sums of money on activities like motorsport is coming under increasing scrutiny.

It seems true car enthusiasts, even when it comes to Ferrari owners often get the short end of the stick. With waiting lists of Maranello’s newest offerings often excessively lengthy, the simple fact remains that demand far outstrips supply.

China has become Ferrari’s second largest global market, a not-so-surprising development in light of the global economic realities. The Italian automaker enjoyed strong growth in the first half of 2011, with global sales up 12 percent to a record 3,577 units between January and June. The company also saw sales revenue climb nearly 20 percent up to $1.5 billion.

Ferrari is aiming for global sales of 8,000 units within 8 years, unprecedented volumes for a sports car maker that has traditionally prided itself on exclusivity and the individual nature of their products.

Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo expressed disgust regarding Formula 1’s new engine regulations, slated to come into effect in 2013.

Ferrari is notorious for their arduous buying process, where customers are given the privilege of waiting between one and two years before they can hope to purchase one of the Italian supercars. In recent years, this has caused frustration as new offerings from Porsche, Lamborghini and other automakers have served to entice potential Ferrari clients away from the brand.

There will be no hard-core ‘Scuderia’ version of the 458 Italia says Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, due mostly to the fact that the 458 is already so advanced and such an incredible performance machine. During a private press gathering in London last night, di Montezemolo commented that, “We will continue to produce one new model each year – but there will not be a 458 Scuderia.”

In an effort to meet increasingly strict emissions standards, Ferrari would be open to the possibility of building a V6 engine says Ferrari boss Luca di Montezelmolo. In an interview with AutoCar, di Montezelmolo was asked about a potential V6 powerplant for a future Ferrari model, to which the Ferrari CEO commented: “An engine smaller than a V8? Why not?”

Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo will step down from his primary position at the Italian automaker today ahead of a company restructuring that will begin tomorrow. He will, however, retain a position on Fiat’s board of governors and will remain the Chairman of Ferrari. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced he will draw out the automaker’s 5-year plan at that time.

With the matte-green 599 hybrid concept on display at the Ferrari booth at the Geneva Auto Show, the Italian exotic automaker didn’t have a lot to say about it, but the company’s CEO did make an important remark about the future of Ferrari hybrids. Luca di Montezemolo commented that the automaker is looking to reduce emissions by up to 35 percent in the next three years and one way it intends to do that is to offer hybrid versions of all of its models in the next three or four years.

The 599 hybrid concept (Vettura Laboratorio HY Kers) is the start of what di Montezemolo called a long project, which is sure to include several updates before it becomes a full production model. The matte-green Ferrari uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System to give the model an extra boost of electric power – making it an even higher performer. The lithium-ion battery pack for the hybrid system is located low in the car, improving its center of gravity, while not intruding on the passenger compartment. It is hooked up to a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission and adds at least 100 extra hp (as Ferrari insisted every added pound was offset by at least one horsepower).

The electric energy generated under braking also powers the car’s batter and its accessories, and allows the car to run on pure electric power at times (although Ferrari doesn’t say how far or for how long).

See more on the 599 Hybrid Concept after the jump:

Ferrari will show a hybrid concept at the Geneva Auto Show, based on the Italian automaker’s 599 flagship. Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo made the announcement while unveiling the company’s latest Formula One race car. Di Montezemolo also stated that this prototype is slated for production but did not give any timeline.

Michael Schumacher has all but traded in his Ferrari red for the silver and black of Mercedes-Benz. According to Ferrari team president Luca di Montezemolo, the retired Formula One superstar told him in a recent phone conversation that there is a, “very, very, very strong possibility,” that he will be behind the wheel of a Mercedes F1 car next season.