In the midst of a global shift towards electric vehicles, Ferrari remains resolute in preserving its iconic V-12 engine, epitomized in its latest masterpiece, the 12Cilindri. Emanuele Carando, Ferrari’s head of Product Marketing, reaffirmed the company’s commitment in an interview with Car Expert, asserting that Ferrari will continue crafting naturally aspirated V-12s until regulations dictate otherwise.
Carando articulated Ferrari’s stance with clarity, emphasizing their dedication to serving enthusiasts who cherish the visceral experience of a V-12 engine. He expressed optimism about future legislative frameworks potentially supporting sustainable petrol alternatives, which could sustain the production of these legendary powertrains.
The 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider models showcase Ferrari’s engineering prowess, featuring a 6.5-litre V-12 capable of reaching an impressive 9,500 rpm, with a technical capability to hit 10,000 rpm. Ruggero Cevolani, overseeing Ferrari’s V-12 program, explained that the decision to cap the engine at 9,500 rpm optimizes power delivery, ensuring a seamless acceleration experience without sacrificing performance.
While Ferrari’s V-12 tops out at 9,500 rpm, it falls short of record-holding engines like Gordon Murray Automotive’s T.50 and Aston Martin Valkyrie, which reach up to 12,100 rpm and 11,100 rpm respectively. Despite this, Ferrari’s focus remains steadfast on engineering excellence and delivering unparalleled driving dynamics.
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Acknowledging the evolving automotive landscape, Ferrari anticipates a shift in sales dynamics with the launch of its first electric vehicle in 2025. By 2030, Ferrari aims for electric and hybrid vehicles to collectively constitute 80% of its deliveries, underscoring a strategic move towards sustainability while preserving its heritage.
CEO Benedetto Vigna underscored the enduring role of internal combustion engines (ICE), stressing that despite advancements in electric powertrains, ICE engines still possess substantial untapped potential. He hinted at Ferrari’s exploration of sustainable fuels as a pathway to prolonging ICE’s relevance in the long term.
“We will produce naturally aspirated V12s until the law [no longer] allows us to. We hope the law in the future will continue to show opportunities, probably working on new petrol which is more sustainable. We believe it’s important to give to our clients who love this engine, both in the present and probably in the future,” said Carando.
Ferrari isn’t alone in championing the V-12 legacy; Aston Martin is set to unveil its Vanquish with a turbocharged V-12, boasting higher power outputs compared to Ferrari’s 12Cilindri. This competition underscores the enduring allure of large-displacement engines, albeit in varied technological formats.
While acknowledging the advantages of turbocharged V-8 engines in terms of efficiency and performance, Ferrari Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of the V-12. He affirmed Ferrari’s commitment to “fight for this engine,” aiming to preserve its emotive appeal amidst evolving market preferences.
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“We wanted to be true to our roots. A naturally aspirated engine with a combination of electric components, according to our feeling, adds weight without really improving the performance so much, especially for this kind of car,” added Carando.
As Ferrari navigates the electrification era, it continues to refine its hybrid offerings, recognizing the dual challenge of enhancing performance while managing additional weight from hybrid components. This delicate balance reflects Ferrari’s ongoing pursuit of technological excellence without compromising its legacy of delivering unparalleled driving experiences.
Carando mentioned, “A naturally aspirated engine with a combination of electric components, according to our feeling, adds weight without really improving the performance so much, especially for this kind of car.”
