Ferrari’s Technological Innovations Part 12: The Dawn of the Turbo

For Enzo Ferrari, the engine was always paramount, as he had proven starting with his first: the 1500 cc V12 in 1947. For those who might argue that Ferrari's real first engine was for the Auto Avio Costruzioni in 1940, we confirm this and highlight its brilliance. Thus, it’s no surprise that the 1966 Formula 1 regulation, allowing either a naturally aspirated 3000cc engine or a supercharged 1500cc one, intrigued him. However, the challenge came in July 1977 when Renault unveiled its 1500cc turbocharged single-seater at Silverstone. What seemed eccentric—high power but fragile—was an opportunity in Enzo Ferrari's eyes: to attempt it and win. Renault’s success suggested a promising path.

The Renault RS01 of 1977, the first Formula 1 car with a turbo engine.

The French chose turbocharging to minimize energy loss, as the turbine operated using exhaust gases. Enzo Ferrari took a different path, attempting to revive mechanical supercharging, which reduces turbo lag. This system was developed with Swiss company Brown Boveri, utilizing a belt-driven Comprex supercharger connected to the crankshaft. The 6-cylinder V-engine, named 126 CX in this version, improved throttle response but suffered frequent belt failures. Ferrari simultaneously developed a twin-turbo version, the Tipo 021, installed in the 126 CK single-seater.

The Ferrari 126 CX with its V6 engine featuring a Comprex supercharger, which proved unreliable.

At the 1981 American Grand Prix in Long Beach, Villeneuve and Pironi drove the Comprex car, with a third car equipped with the twin-turbo engine. However, the 126 CX lacked reliability, leading Ferrari to convert a car on-site to twin-turbo. The decision was clear. By the sixth race, the Monaco Grand Prix, the turbocharged Ferrari 126 CK, driven by Gilles Villeneuve, achieved victory.

Ferrari adopted twin turbochargers for the 126 CK, chosen for the 1981 season.

This marked the beginning of an era where turbocharged engines were also introduced in Ferrari road cars. At the 1982 Turin Motor Show, the Ferrari 208 GTB Turbo debuted, leading to iconic models like the 288 GTO and F40, to be discussed in coming weeks. In Formula 1, Ferrari, in partnership with AGIP, pioneered water injection in turbocharged engines. By mixing fuel with 10% water, they significantly reduced air temperature in combustion chambers, enhancing efficiency. This innovation helped Ferrari win the Constructors' Championship in 1982 with the 126 C2 and in 1983 with the 126 C3.

Ferrari won the 1982 and 1983 Constructors' Championships with the 126 C2 and 126 C3, shown here.