When somebody brought up a statement like Ferrari using V-6 engines, they’d probably be met with either bewilderment, hysterical laughter, or maybe a combination of both. But times have changed in the auto industry and no more is that evident than a recent report indicating that Maranello is seriously contemplating a V-6-powered entry-level super car.
Sources told Car Magazine that Ferrari->ke252 is currently developing a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that will be used for future sports cars, specifically a more affordable version of the 458 Italia->ke3479, considered as the incumbent “mainstream” super car. Details behind the planned engine are still being kept under wraps, but there’s reason to believe that somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque is achievable.
The rumored V-6 super car isn’t so much an admission from Ferrari that it wants to start catering to mass market consumers. Instead, it could be the next step in the company’s efforts to offer more sustainable products that can adhere to emissions regulations now and in the future.
A V-6-powered Ferrari that people can somewhat afford is definitely an interesting proposition if you think about it. Such a scenario would’ve been impossible in the past.
But times are definitely changing and we could be looking at the Prancing Horse beginning its evolution in front of our eyes.
Note: Photo is of the Ferrari 458 Italia
Click past the jump to read more about the Ferrari 458 Italia
Why It Matters
Talks of a V-6-powered Ferrari has been bubbling in the surface for a few months now and yet, every new development is met with nervous anticipation on what the car is going to look and how it's going to perform.
We understand the rationale behind a shift in business objectives. We're just hoping that this V-6 Ferrari continues the tradition its predecessors have built.
Ferrari 458 Italia
It's hard to believe that the Ferrari 458 Italia is already more than four years old. But time flies as fast in the auto industry as a 458's 0 to 60 mph lap time.
The 458 Italia will likely be insulted if you call it an old head. But it is the oldest of the current Ferrari lineup, which goes to show how long it's been since the supercar first entered our lives.
Despite its age, the 458 Italia is still a force to be reckoned with. It's powered by a 4.5-liter, V-8 engine that pumps out 562 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed automated manual transmission and pushes the sports car from o to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds to go with a top speed that pushes just past 200 mph.
The 458 has also spawned many iterations and special editions, including the Challenge and the Speciale. It's also been developed for racing purposes, having successfully raced in FIA-sanctioned GT2 and GT3 races.