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Best Ferrari Engines Ever Made

There’s no denying that a Pininfarina-designed silhouette is what often defines a Ferrari car. Such a predisposition is ultimately good for selling those posters that ended up plastered on our bedroom walls – the same ones which reminded the younger versions of ourselves to keep dreaming of one day owning one. As we matured and gained more perspective on what makes these cars so special, we began to understand that it’s really the engines that have made these automobiles into the legends they’ve become.

While Ferrari cars are undoubtedly works of art in and of themselves, they’re automobiles first a foremost. They still need to move us in the most literal of ways – as much (if not more) as they do emotionally – to truly become masterpieces. It’s the power plants that are responsible for injecting soul and essence into these iconic Ferraris.

Here are the Best Ferrari Engines Ever Made.

Ferrari Colombo V12Ferrari Colombo V12 Engine

Originally designed by Gioacchino Colombo, this engine can trace its roots back to the very first Ferrari-branded model designed by Ferrari Enzo – the 1947 Ferrari 125 S – where it debuted as a 1.5L V12. The core design of the engine would persevere for more than 4 decades, growing in size, having various levels of forced induction, and becoming a dual-overhead-cam configuration with EFI along the way. Many credit the motor’s longevity to its reputation for being bulletproof.

Successful in both road-going and race track derivatives, the list of Ferrari cars this engine has graced has no shortage of automotive icons; the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Ferrari 250 GTO, and Ferrari 365 GTB/4, just to name a few.

Colombo V12 Models:

Ferrari F140

Ferrari F140 Engine

Ferrari F140 Engine

If the F140 had only powered the (2002-2005) Ferrari Enzo – the first Prancing Horse model where it featured – it would have been no less significant or legendary than it is today. The 65-degree V12 engine debuted on the Enzo as a 6.0L naturally-aspirated V12 unit which produced a staggering 651 hp @ 7,800 rpm and 458 lb-ft of torque @ 5,500 rpm. Over the years, 6.3L versions of the F140 have powered the likes of the hybrid LaFerrari and the F12berlinetta.

It has since evolved to its current peak as a 6.5L power plant – dubbed the F140 GA – which produces 819 hp @ 9,250 rpm and 510 lb-ft of torque @ 7,000 rpm in the 812 Competizione; this makes it the most powerful naturally-aspirated production car engine ever produced to this day. This could likely be one of the final generations of Ferrari V12 engines – whether it be naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or even hybridized – so appreciate it while it’s still around!

F140 Models:

Ferrari F106

Ferrari F106 Engine

Ferrari’s F106 V8 engine dates as far back as 1973, where it first featured in the Dino 308 GT4. Right from the get-go, it produced an impressive 250 hp from a 2.9L naturally-aspirated engine, which featured a flat-plane crank and dual-overhead cams.

Such was the longevity and capability of the F106 unit that it continued to be used – with significant updates and revisions along the way, including electronic fuel injection and multi-valve heads – for more than 30 years. Notable models which were equipped with the engine include the F355, 360 Modena, and arguably the most famous Ferrari of them all; the Ferrari F40, which fashioned a twin-turbocharged version of the F106 producing 471 hp.

F106 Models:

Ferrari F136

Ferrari F136 Engine

The F136 succeeded the legendary F106, first appearing as a 4.3L naturally-aspirated engine in the 2004 Ferrari F430, producing 483 hp. Like the F106, the F136 would see widespread application throughout the Ferrari lineup; however, it was also featured on a number of Maserati models in concert with the relationship between the two marques.

Most notably, a 454 hp, 4.7L version of the F136 featured on the Maserati GranTurismo and is widely regarded as having one of the best engine/exhaust notes to come out of the V8. The F136 would reach its zenith in the Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale, where it cranked out a massive 597 hp from its 4.5L naturally-aspirated power plant.

Perhaps the most significant (and regretful) fact about the F136 is that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari would ever produce. It was replaced by the twin-turbocharged F154 V8 engine in 2015, where it debuted on the Ferrari 488 GTB.

F136 Models:

Ferrari F163

Ferrari F163 Engine

As the newcomer on this list, there is understandably a lot less that is known or proven about Ferrari’s new F163 engine. In fact, the model it’s going to debut in – the mid-engined Ferrari 296 GTB – won’t begin its production run for at least a few more months (as of the time of this writing). But with everything we do know at this point, there’s every indication that declaring the F163 as one of the greats is by no means speculative. It promises to be something very special, and for so many reasons.

First off, the F163 is a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid. So while that may suggest that the new power plant is a one-off deal from Ferrari, it actually bears some relation to the F154 V8, as well as Alfa Romeo’s variant known as the 690T, which also happens to be a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6. Being hybridized via the use of electric motors, one could also look at the 296 GTB as the SF90 Stradale’s little brother. Despite its differences, the F163 should ultimately feel familiar and comfortable within the Ferrari line-up – and that can only be a good thing.

Amicably referred to as the “little V12” internally, this new powerplant utilizes a 120-degree V-angle, which Ferrari says was the “best compromise of power, weight, and packaging.” Not only did this allow the engineers to mount the turbos as close to the exhaust outlets as possible – thereby improving throttle response – but it also lowered the center of gravity as well. We’ll have to wait and see as to whether a V6 hybrid engine could possibly be as symphonically gifted as the other engines we’ve listed, but Ferrari has promised a “satisfying sound.” Expect to see the F163 serving a variety of Ferrari models down the line; I wouldn’t be surprised to see some version of this engine in Ferrari’s upcoming Purosangue SUV model, for starters.

F163 Models:

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB Unveiled

Ferrari ‘F171’

Around one week ago, Ferrari had publicly announced that they would be unveiling a brand new model on June 24, 2021 via livestream on social media problems. Since then, Ferrari has been mostly coy about details regarding their “new revolutionary Prancing Horse sports car”, though they did provide a teaser video on Facebook a day before the official reveal. It provides the first real glimpses of the car – in its entirety – while it gets driven in the countryside by Scuderia Ferrari Ambassador and F1 Client Driver Coach, Marc Gené.

Most rumors were suggesting that it would be a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid supercar, and prototype/mule car spy shots have been assigned with the codename ‘F171’. It was also suggested that this new Ferrari will slot in under the F8 Tributo, becoming the company’s latest ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar. This primed the car to become a number of different things, which included:

  • The possible revival of the Ferrari Dino. This is getting a lot of airtime amongst Ferrari’s most hardcore fans, who have been longing for the return of this legendary badge. Although the new car will be a hybrid, it is the first time since the Dino that Ferrari has used a V6 engine. Hmmmm!
  • Direct competition for the recently released McLaren Artura, which also interesting features a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid drivetrain. As 6-cylinder platform, it is likely that Ferrari also has its sights aimed on other similarly-propelled models such as the Porsche 911 Turbo/Turbo S.
  • The second Ferrari hybrid car – after the SF90 Stradale hypercar – which is also capable of moving on the power of its electric motors alone (albeit for limited distances).

It’s June 24: Here’s What We Now Know For Sure

Official Name

Ferrari 296 GTB

Sorry, Dino romantics. It just wasn’t meant to be. The ‘296’ in the name represents the car’s 2.9L displacement via a 6-cylinder layout for the internal combustion component of its hybrid drivetrain. ‘GTB’ stands for ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’, a traditional Ferrari moniker reserved for some of its finest rear-mid-engine 2-seaters in the past, with the 296 GTB therefore a continuation of that lineage.

Where It’s Positioned In The Ferrari Roster

The Ferrari 296 GTB is not a replacement for any models formerly or currently in its product range, with Ferrari stating that it is “creating its own segment”. As we already knew, the 296 GTB is indeed billed as the new ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar and is being touted as the automaker’s latest ‘gateway’ to experiencing Ferrari’s race-bred DNA.

During the livestream unveiling, Ferrari went straight to the point, immediately comparing the rear-wheel driven 296 GTB to none other than the brand’s range-topping Ferrari SF90 hypercar. This is an apples-to-apples comparison after all, as the SF90 also has a hybrid powerplant and is only one of two such cars with the 296 GTB now part of the family.

Something along the lines of how the SF90 is for those who want to experience the “peak of performance”, while the 296 GTB gives drivers the opportunity to reach the “peak of emotion”. Basically a clever way of saying that it’s not as fast and not as expensive – but for most people, probably just as good. Plus you don’t have to be Sainz or Leclerc to fully enjoy it.

Ferrari reiterated this by going as far as saying that it believes it to be the “most fun car to drive in our product range”, both on track and on normal roads.

Their “Fun to Drive” philosophy has always been a key component of any Ferrari car, and the 296 GTB is further emboldened by it”. Three ingredients are required to make this happen per Ferrari. The first is ‘sound’ – the symphony provided by the engine. The Second is ‘perceived acceleration’ – not just 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, but also how the car transmits the sensation of speed to the driver. The third is ‘go-kart feeling’ – how well the car responds to driver input and its connection to the road.

The epitome of sportiness, performance, and driving thrills at their best. Best in-class performance. Absolute fun to drive. “The best way to explain it, is to drive it”, Ferrari states. Valid point.

And, there’s more!

Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano

Also available is a more hardcore version of the car known as the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano, which is named after the company’s iconic test circuit. Not many specifics were revealed about this version, but we were told that it will feature the extensive use of carbon fiber to further reduce the weight. In addition, it will be equipped with a race-derived suspension – for more extreme handling abilities – and racing harnesses. The Assetto Fiorano also gets its own special livery.

Specifications

Engine

  • 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine mounted in 120 degree “hot V” configuration
  • 663 hp produced from petrol engine
  • 830 hp combined total with electric motor
  • Almost zero ‘turbo lag’ and instant response from throttle
  • Most powerful drivetrain in its segment, producing 221 hp per liter – a new world record.
  • 8-speed dual clutch transmission which is ‘fastest shifting’ in the market
  • Lightweight 7.45 kWh battery provides ~25 km of range when car is powered exclusively by electric motor
  • 0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
  • 0-200 km/h: 7.3 seconds

Chassis

  • New vehicle dynamic controls
  • Reduced weight as much as possible – achieves a 1.77 kg per hp ratio
  • Wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than the Ferrari F8 Tributo – less inertia and more agility
  • 6 sensors to help control better the car – includes ABS ‘Evo’ system, which helps to reduce braking distance by almost 10%
  • Light, sleek and compact architecture

Design

  • Modern interpretation of classic Ferrari DNA
  • Rear: Kammtail design with jewel-like tail lights integrated with active rear spoiler. Centrally-positioned tailpipe.
  • Front: Air intakes integrated with modernized ‘tear-drop’ headlights. Suspended front splitter, similar to that of F1 cars.
  • More compact than any other Ferrari available right now because of its short-wheel base
  • Interior: Same design language as exterior – perfect marriage between sportiness and elegance. Ergonomics spot-on. Classic “canceletto” center console. Carbon-fiber bucket seats. Lots of carbon-fiber, metals and high quality leathers.

Pricing & Availability

We’re expecting the first examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB to be delivered in early 2022. No specific word on pricing yet, though it is expected to hover around the F8 Tributo’s base MSRP of US$277,000.

We will provide updates on pricing when more information is available, as well as an in-depth review of the car once journalists have a turn at it.

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