Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Ferrari Turbocharged Engines To Make A Return?
Engines come in two basic forms, naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged/supercharged) and turbocharged. The benefit of adding turbochargers and superchargers to an engine is that they extract more power out of a standard engine. The basic formula is to get more power out of the engine by forcing more air into it.
This means, a turbocharged V8 engine can generate more power than a naturally aspirated V8. However, there are a few disadvantages. First is the turbo lag (slight delay in power delivery) that is generated. This is caused due to delay in engagement of the turbo blades by the exhaust after application of the pedal. Second, turbochargers tend to mute the natural exhaust note, robbing the driver off the ‘music' generated by the engine.
Image: Ferrari 288 GTO
Now, Ferrari, for most part of history, has stuck to naturally aspirated engines. One reason why Ferrari is a darling of the automobile world. But even Ferrari is not immune to changes related to emissions. Rumour has it that next generation of Ferrari models will all use turbocharged engines.
If the rumor is true, the first of the new Ferraris to transition to turbo engines will be the California, that is due for a replacement next year.
Eventually, every new model that comes out of Maranello will come fitted with turbocharged engines. The 458 Italia is likely going to be the second model.
Ferrari F40
It might more time than expected, but Ferrari would be forced to take this path eventually as emission norms around the world become ever tighter.
The naturally aspirated V8 engines would make way for a turbocharged V6. These would deliver the same amount of power as the V8, perhaps even more, but with lower emission and better fuel economy.
A Mercedes turbo V6 Formula 1 engine
Another reason why Ferrari is more likely to switch to turbos soon is due to change in F1 rules. From 2014 F1 racers will be seen running on turbo V6 instead of the existing naturally aspirated V8s.
Ferrari fans would feel angry, even betrayed, but it may not turn out to be as bad as one might think. History has shown that turbo charged Ferrari have done well in the past. The examples are the historical and highly popular Ferrari F40 and the 288 GTO.
Continue with Google