Ferrari’s Technological Innovations Part 8: Engines Unleashing Creativity Without Limits

For Ferrari, working on engines and creating unprecedented solutions has always been part of its history: from the original 12-cylinder V engines to the compact and lightweight 4-cylinder World Champions, the 65- and 120-degree V6 engines that lowered the center of gravity, and the introduction of direct injection in very small cylinders, Ferrari has continuously innovated. Among the challenges was the application of direct injection, with the support of Bosch, to the Formula 1 V8 engine with a cylinder capacity of just 186 cm³. Although very complex, the operation was successful and delivered excellent results. However, when the flat V12 1500cc engine for Formula 1 debuted in 1964, with pistons as small as 124 cm³ (equivalent to those of a Vespa at the time), the task seemed impossible. Yet, with the support of experienced engineer Michael May, Ferrari succeeded. The reward was tangible: John Surtees’ World Championship victory.

John Surtees with the Ferrari 158 at the 1964 Mexican Grand Prix, where he won the World Championship.

The successes of the small 12-cylinder engine, named 512 F1, didn’t stop at single-seaters. The engine was enlarged to two liters for use in sports cars of that category. Notably, in 1969, the engine powered a Dino built for the European Hill Climb Championship. Driven by Peter Schetty, the car won nine out of twelve races, easily claiming the championship title. The engine delivered 290 horsepower at 11,800 rpm with an unforgettable sound, yet another demonstration of Ferrari’s ability to excel in every category.

The Ferrari 212 E that dominated the 1969 European Hill Climb Championship, winning nine out of twelve races with Peter Schetty.

But Ferrari continued to amaze. With Formula 1 regulations changing in the early 1970s, a new three-liter engine was required. Enzo Ferrari tasked Mauro Forghieri to work in utmost secrecy with a small team of technicians at the old Corso Trento Trieste factory in Modena to develop something truly innovative, suitable for both sports prototypes and Formula 1.

The flat 12-cylinder engine designed by Forghieri, one of the most advanced of its time.

The goal was to create an engine with the lowest possible center of gravity. This gave rise to one of Ferrari's most famous and successful engines: the Tipo 001 of the 312 B. The 180-degree flat V engine not only had this advantage but also featured an exceptionally detailed study of internal combustion dynamics, achieving up to 520 horsepower at 12,800 rpm. Its successes in both Formula 1 and the World Sports Prototype Championship, where it literally dominated, will be revisited.

The Ferrari 312 B, which won four Formula 1 races in 1970 and contended for the Drivers’ Title with Jacky Ickx until the final moments.