Ferrari: We’ll keep making V12 engines until they're banned
Ferrari will keep the V12 engine alive for as long as possible
The V12 engine may be falling out of favor for some brands as most automakers now opt for downsized turbocharged (and electrified) engines in the name of electrification. But for The Prancing Horse, the 12-cylinder engine will not be going away anytime soon.
According to Ferrari’s Global Marketing Director Emanuele Carando, they will continue making the V12 engine for as long as legally possible. Speaking with Australian publication Car Expert, Carando mentioned that they will keep the V12 as pure as possible without any sort of hybrid assistance.
“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.
While the brand is already offering electrified vehicles in the form of the 296 and SF90 which come with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, Ferrari still believes that a non-assisted 12-cylinder engine must remain pure.
Just last month, Ferrari unleashed the 12Cilindri which uses the F140 engine, a 6.5-liter V12 that dates back more than two decades when it was first used in the Ferrari Enzo. Since the F140’s debut, Ferrari has continued to refine the V12 in an effort to meet Europe’s stricter emission regulations while still keeping the 12-cylinder alive and powerful.
Carando even mentioned that Ferrari did consider using an electrified powertrain for the 12Cilindri but opted to keep the V12 all-natural without any form of electrical assist.
“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.
Ferrari is not alone in their fight to keep the V12 engine alive. Earlier this year, Aston Martin vowed to keep making engines until they say stop. Heck, the brand even delayed its switch to go full electric by rededicating its efforts to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles - much like what Ferrari and McLaren are doing.
In addition, the Gaydon-based automaker teased the next-generation Vanquish which will be powered by a new twin-turbo V12 that will generate 835 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. While it may not be naturally aspirated, the fact that the 12-cylinder benefits from forced induction means it’s a force to be reckoned with.
With Ferrari dedicated to keeping the V12 alive in the age of electrification, the Maranello-based brand will continue churning out thoroughbreds that will be available with 12 cylinders arranged in a V under the hood.
