F12 Berlinetta, 458 Italia, FF, California. All Ferraris, all incredibly expensive, all incredibly fast and all naturally aspirated. Despite not having a turbo to give their cars a hefty boost, Ferrari has managed to bring out some of the most amazing performers that money can buy today. However, tightening emission norms, high gas prices and tax on fuel guzzling vehicles has made Ferrari join the engine downsizing bandwagon. All future Ferrari cars are going to feature turbo-chargers. Several exotic car makers are not only downsizing their engines, but are also making high speed hybrids in order to make them greener.
Due to the recent alternations in norms, even F1 cars require 1.6-litre turbocharged engines much to the annoyance of many petrol-heads who believe the 2.4-litre V8 was small enough. Ferrari engine characteristic was moulded greatly by the fact that the engines were naturally aspirated. Anyone who has driven a Ferrari or even seen a video of one being driven from the inside would know how much the Italian speed demon loves the redline. The introduction of a turbo could mean that V12 engines are moving closer towards their demise. With large, raw and more crude engines making way for well refined and more frugal engines, many are asking if supercars will start losing out on their individualistic character.
The Ferrari F40 that was at one point the fastest and most expensive Ferrari sold in the late 1980’s, featured a 3.0-litre twin-turbo motor. However, the 4.7-litre V12 F50 had better emotional appeal to Ferrari loyalists as it didn’t face the turbo intervention that the F40 did. Rest assured it is a guarantee that the Italian stallion will continue to make the most reputable cars to ply the roads. What remains to be seen is, if the introduction of the turbocharger will have an impact on the driving experience that the future models will offer and if Ferrari will just make fast cars or fast cars with character.
– Tushar Kamath