MID-ENGINED SPORTS CARS: THE FUTURE

An increasing number of hybrids and some manufacturers opting to go fully electric... How does the future look for fans of traditional mid-engined cars?

- STUART GALLAGHER

IN A WORLD OF SLOWING ENGINE DEVELOPMENT AND THE LEGAL requirement for a percentage of zero-emissions driving capability, what sort of future beckons for the mid-engined sports car and supercar? 'Niche' would be a fair assumption, 'bleak' another outlook if we're being pessimistic. 'Mixed' would be a middle ground we can work with.

The traditional protagonists who operate within this sector are already committed to midship engine placement. Over 6000 of Ferrari's 13,663 total sales in 2023 were of the 296 and SF90, both hybrid models and both laying the foundations for what's to come, including a replacement for the hybrid-powered LaFerrari and Lewis Hamilton's first company car when he moves to Maranello in 2025. Ferrari's first all-electric car will be both frontand rear-engined, with motors on both axles and a battery in the floor, the vacated engine bay perfect for some tailored luggage.

If you still pine for a pure petrol-powered Ferrari, you'll need to find your way onto the special customers list and hope the mid-rear-engined Daytona SP3 leads to further V12-engined specials.