Ferrari has been busy working on a part-time 4WD system designed for both its mid and front-engined models for years now. Ferrari has named the new technology ‘Insertable 4×4’ and it has remained a bit of an enigma till now. A recent search of the European Patent Office revealed that the Italian carmaker applied for a new patent back in February for a 4WD system with hybrid propulsion.

The filing describes the system as being primarily intended to “improve the drivability of a sports car in conditions of poor grip.”

Ferrari’s design eliminates the associated heavy weight of 4WD vehicles by using two powerplants in the car – each to drive a separate pair of wheels – which in turn eliminates the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases and driveshafts. In all the designs, however, the engine is matched to an axle via a locking differential.

The design is similar to Citroen’s hybrid system in that it separates the roles of the engine and electric motor. Furthermore, Ferrari has submitted six different layouts for the patent, with some of them sitting the electric motors within the wheels instead of on a conventional axle.

No launch date has been revealed for the system but it looks like a lot of further work is required so don’t expect to see any 4WD hybrid Ferraris for some time yet.