Ferrari F40
Ferrari is hard at work trying to refine the turbocharging process so that future products will use the high-horsepower, low emissions (and low weight) technology. According to a report in the U.K.’s Autocar, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques His confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the efforts of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.
Conventionally, turbos take time to spool up to full power, but that doesn’t suit the Ferrari way of doing things. Instead, Ferrari has traditionally opted for naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged or supercharged) engines that deliver better throttle response and a more linear delivery of power. His told Autocar that a delay of any sort in the power delivery was simply unacceptable.
A few years ago Porsche introduced variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbos that helped reduce turbo lag significantly, but apparently even that impressive technology is not enough for Ferrari. The company has also dismissed using Fiat Group’s new MultiAir variable valve system, finding that it wouldn’t work at the kinds of revs and horsepower outputs at which Ferrari engines operate.
Ferrari has used turbos sparily across its model range over the years, including most recently-during the turbo era in F1, the iconic F40 supercar (pictured above), which was last made in 1992 (and the 288 GTO before it) which were powered by a twin-turbo V8s. The legendary F40 supercar has a 2.9L turbo V8 that produces 478 hp with 16 psi of boost and sends it to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the mid-three second range.
Another bit of info gleaned from the interview is that Ferrari’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which debuted in the Ferrari California, is suitable for V12 engines since they can operate up to 10,000 rpm, meaning that we’re likely to see this new technology arrive in the successor to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and other future V12 models.
What do you think about a turbocharged Ferrari?
Join the discussion. Please leave a comment.
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Source: autoguide.com, autoblog.com and wot.motortrend.com
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- Ferrari is testing hybrid cars
6 Responses
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Here you can see a schematic from the turbo engine:
http://www.sub5zero.com/auto-news/ferrari-turbocharged-v8-engine-in-the-works
Hello laatste man,
It’s good to hear from you.
I checked out the article on sub5zero.com and read it. I thank you for the information and commenting on my blog. You can keep me up to date on the news over there in Europe because you’re closer to Ferrari. I appreciate the scoop.
Another thing I have been thinking about what you said that a Ferrari is out of your reach in a earlier email. I’ve been going to business seminars for quit some time now and the one thing that I’ve learned that is to get paid for what your worth, you need to start your own company in real estate or some kind of business. All great entrepreneurs started from the bottom of the barrel. I have started businesses before and I’ve failed sometimes. You have to try and do it until you succeed. The average time entrepreneurs fail at starting a business is 3.2 times. If you want to make more money, you need to start your own business. Start off small and work your way up. I’m no expert, but I’m constantly learning and trying to do things by following successful people and not trying to reinvent the wheel. Work with your strengths and your passion, following your dream. Go for it!
Take care and I wish you well.
Hey Rick,
Thanks for the encouragement
But I don’t just don’t think that that’s the way to go for me. I’m more a family man… Nice wife, baby on the way, lots of friends, nice job (doesn’t pay bad but no Ferrari’s in reach 
,… I think I like the dream of a owning a Ferrari better than actually proceeding it.
By the way another interresting Ferrari patent: http://v3.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?FT=D&date=20091021&DB=EPODOC&locale=nl_nl&CC=EP&NR=2110276A1&KC=A1 (note that the Ferrari engineers have used an Astin Martin drawing )
I think this could be used for the Enzo successor. Defentitly with a mid-engine where the screen is nearly on top of the front wheels.
Found an article: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/
Hello laatste man,
Thank you for getting back with me. I appreciate the websites that you sent. They are very interesting. I don’t think I heard about the new door opening from Ferrari. Like I’ve said before, you seem to get the news a day earlier than we do here for Google Alerts.
Take care and I wish you well.
Hello laatste man,
I haven’t heard from you in awhile. I hope you are doing well. Did you have your baby yet? If so, congratulations.
May Ferrari be in your dreams.
Take care and I wish you the best.
Cheers,
Rick