The F50 V12...

The innovation behind the Ferrari V12 design

The hallmark of a well-built engine has always been in the balance between performance and reliability. In the case of Ferrari with their F50-based, 4.7 liter V12, this balance is established through advanced valvetrain design.

Paolo Martinelli, who during the early ‘90s was the head of Ferrari’s engine development and worked in the racing department, was the individual in charge of tuning the F1-inspired engine for street use. According to Martinelli, one of the key differences between the F40 and the F50 is in the use of a naturally-aspirated, as opposed to a twin-turbo configuration. This philosophy made the most sense, because with the F40’s twin-turbo V8 there was always the possibility of breaking the car loose on the racetrack, this being caused by the sudden power surge produced by the exhaust-driven turbos.

The V12 found in the F50 was identical to the racing units used in such Formula One models as the F92A, except that the F50’s engine had been bored-out considerably, from 3.5 to 4.7 liters. These street-legal dimensions were perfect for the V12, considering the motor was tached-out at 8500 Rs, while max power was available around 8000. The F50 was very-much capable of running in the 9000 RPM range, though the car’s standard, fuel shut-off switch would never allow the engine to rev that high.

Though slightly detuned for road use, the F1-inspired, 4.7 liter V12 found in the legendary F50 still managed to outperform other road cars of its time and performance class, including Acura’s NSX and MacLaren’s F1. Though Carlo della Casa, in charge of the F50’s suspension and brakes, had predicted that a car like the F50 would never be produced again because of increasing emissions control, the very design of its powerplant still stands as a tribute to ground-breaking, F1 track-inspired tech and know-how, along with the very best in forced induction technology.