Ferrari Engineers Assert V-6 in F80 Concept Superior to V-12 Alternatives
MARANELLO, ITALY – 2024/07/26 14:35:00 CEST – Internal Ferrari engineering assessments of the unreleased F80 concept car reveal a surprising conclusion: the proposed twin-turbocharged V-6 engine was deemed fundamentally superior to a customary V-12 for the envisioned hypercar, despite the company’s historical reliance on twelve-cylinder powerplants. Documents circulating among automotive enthusiasts and confirmed by sources within Ferrari detail a rigorous comparison focusing on weight distribution, turbocharger response, and overall performance potential. The findings, dating back to the F80’s growth phase between 2014 and 2016, underscore a willingness within Ferrari to radically rethink powertrain strategy in pursuit of ultimate driving dynamics.
The F80 project, ultimately shelved in favor of the LaFerrari, aimed to create a track-focused hypercar celebrating Ferrari’s 80th anniversary. The debate between a V-6 and V-12 centered on achieving the desired power-to-weight ratio and responsiveness. Engineers argued the lighter V-6, coupled with advanced turbocharging technology, would deliver quicker transient response and superior handling characteristics compared to a heavier V-12, even one employing similar forced induction. This internal assessment highlights a shift in Ferrari’s engineering philosophy, prioritizing agility and technological innovation over traditional engine configuration. The decision to abandon the F80, and with it the V-6 engine, remains a point of contention among Ferrari aficionados.
according to the internal reports, the proposed 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 was projected to produce over 700 horsepower and 588 lb-ft of torque. Crucially, the engine’s compact dimensions allowed for a more central mass distribution, improving the car’s balance and cornering ability. Engineers specifically cited the V-6’s potential for faster turbocharger spool-up, minimizing turbo lag and providing more immediate power delivery – a critical factor for a track-focused machine. The V-12, while capable of generating higher peak power, was considered to suffer from inherent weight and inertia disadvantages.
The F80’s development was led by ferrari’s then-Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, though the specific engine comparison was conducted by a dedicated powertrain team.While the LaFerrari ultimately proceeded with a V-12 hybrid powertrain, the F80’s V-6 assessment foreshadows Ferrari’s later embrace of smaller-displacement, turbocharged engines in models like the 488 GTB and the 296 GTB. The internal documents serve as a reminder that even iconic manufacturers like Ferrari are constantly evaluating and challenging their own established norms in the pursuit of performance.
