It’s hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since the Ferrari Enzo ended its tenure as the Prancing Horse’s all-conquering flagship. But in the last few years Ferrari has dropped a handful of hints about what to expect from its predecessor, and this week’s Beijing Motor Show played host to the heart of Ferrari’s next world-beater. And unsurprisingly, it’s packing hybrid power.

Two years ago Ferrari showed off a 599 GTB concept packing its Hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System at the Geneva Motor Show, and this latest iteration of the HY-KERS-equipped V12 has been modified for a mid-rear engine layout expressly designed for the Enzo’s successor.

The system – originally developed for its Formula One efforts – consists of two electric motors: one mounted between the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and sending electrically juiced boost to the rear wheels, and another powering the supercar’s auxiliary systems, including the power steering, air conditioning, brake servos and other on-board electrical systems.

Power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the centerline of the car for optimal weight distribution, with electrons being fed into the cells during braking.

When the driver mashes the throttle, the primary, performance-enhancing electric motor shuffles power to one of the two clutches in the transmission, providing a seamless wave of torque and an estimated 0-60 mph time well below three seconds. The electric motor is also expected to form the foundation of a new torque-vectoring differential, incorporating traction control and electronic brake force distribution to maximize grip through the corners.

The adoption of the hybrid system will simultaneously boost overall output and performance while reducing emissions, and Ferrari claims that the HY-KERS-equipped coupe will generate 10 percent more power while reducing emissions by 40 percent when compared to a non-hybrid equipped V12. Just as importantly, Ferrari is inching ever closer to its goal of adding 1.34 horsepower for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of motor and battery it adds. Couple the V12 – estimated to displace over 7 liters and produce nearly 800 hp – with the electric motor outputting around 120 electrified ponies, and you’ve got a 900+ hp supercar which Ferrari claims will be both its fastest and cleanest vehicle ever when it debuts later this year and goes on sale in limited quantities in early 2013.