Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Ferrari flat-12 engine
View on Wikipedia| Tipo 207/232/001/015 | |
|---|---|
Ferrari 1512 Tipo 207 engine | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Designer | Mauro Forghieri |
| Production | 1964–1980 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 180° Flat-12 |
| Displacement |
|
| Cylinder bore |
|
| Piston stroke |
|
| Cylinder block material | aluminum |
| Cylinder head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Cooling system | Water cooled |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ferrari Colombo engine |
| Successor | Ferrari V12 F1 engine |
The Ferrari flat-12 engine family is a series of flat-12 DOHC petrol engines produced by Ferrari from 1964 to 1996. The first racing Ferrari flat-12, the Mauro Forghieri-designed Tipo 207, was introduced in the Ferrari 1512 F1 car in 1964. Later flat-12 racing engines were used in Ferrari Formula One and sports racing cars from 1968 until 1980, including the 212 E Montagna, 312 B series, 312 PB and 312 T series. The roadgoing flat-12 engines were introduced with the 365 GT4 BB and were produced in various versions until the end of F512M production in 1996.
Configuration and nomenclature
[edit]
Ferrari flat-12 engines have two banks of 6 cylinders oriented at 180 degrees from each other in a horizontally opposed or "flat" layout. This layout was first utilized in a Ferrari engine by engineer Mauro Forghieri in the 1964 Ferrari 1512 Formula One racing car, which was the first flat-12 car of any type to race.[1]: 6 Ferrari had previously only manufactured engines with V or straight cylinder layouts. The flat-12 engine was initially developed for use in Ferrari racing cars because the shape of the engine resulted in a lower center of gravity, which improved various handling dynamics. In the later 312 B and 312 T F1 cars, the low height of the flat-12 was aerodynamically advantageous, as it allowed additional airflow to reach the rear spoiler.[2]
All Ferrari flat-12 engines have a crankshaft design where each pair of opposing connecting rods use the same crank pin, a trait shared with earlier Ferrari V12 engines. This distinguishes this engine design from a boxer engine. According to engine designer Forghieri:
“Please, don’t call it boxer. Technically, it is correct to say that this engine is a flat-12, or has 12 cylinders with the heads at a vee angle of 180°. The difference between this engine and a true ‘boxer’ is that on the Ferrari engine the corresponding connecting rods of each bank are coupled on the same crankpin, so the two pistons move in the same direction, whereas in a true boxer engine (for example the flat-six Porsche engine) the pistons move in opposite directions.”
— Mauro Forghieri, quoted in Ferrari Engines by Reggiani and Bluemel
Three names for the Ferrari flat-12 engines are in common use: "flat-12", "180° V12" and "boxer." "Flat" does not specify crankshaft design and therefore can refer to either a non-boxer engine like the Ferrari or a true boxer engine like a Porsche flat-6. Alternatively, some sources prefer to call Ferrari flat-12 engines a "180° V12", referring to the V12-derived crankshaft design and the 180° angle between cylinder banks.[3]: 60 [4]: 8 Other sources refer to them as "boxer" engines. Despite the technical inaccuracy of "boxer", this term is widely used both in the press[1] and official Ferrari publications, including the factory-issued specifications of the 312 B F1[5] and sales brochures for the BB 512 road car.[4]: 195
Racing engines
[edit]Tipo 207
[edit]Ferrari's first flat-12 engine design was the 1.5-liter Tipo 207, used in the 1964-65 Ferrari 1512 Formula One car (also known as the 512 F1).[6] The Tipo 207 flat-12 engine was designed by Mauro Forghieri and displaced 1,489.63 cc (90.903 cu in) with a bore and stroke of 56.0 mm × 50.4 mm (2.20 in × 1.98 in) and a compression ratio of 9.8:1. The crankcase was cast from aluminum alloy. The crankshaft ran in seven main bearings. Four gear-driven overhead camshafts operated one intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder. The ignition system used twin distributors (chain-driven off the timing gears) and a single spark plug per cylinder. Ancillary components such as the alternator, fuel pump and injection pumps were placed on top of the engine. The first version of the Tipo 207 engine, presented to the press at Ferrari's December 1963 press conference, was equipped with an indirect fuel injection system manufactured by Lucas. This was changed to a full Bosch injection and ignition system prior to the car's competition debut in 1964. In 1965, the engine was revised with a new cylinder head design and revised injection trumpets.[1]: 8–13
The engine developed 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) at 12,000 rpm,[7] compared to the 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 11,000 rpm of the 158's V8 engine. This power output made it one of the most powerful contemporary 1.5-litre Formula One engines, possibly surpassed by Honda's RA271 V12.[8] However, the engine's torque curve was not broad enough to provide a significant advantage over other cars and the 1512 was not competitive by the end of the 1965 season.[1]: 13
Tipo 232
[edit]The 2-liter Tipo 232 flat-12 engine was developed for the 1968 Ferrari Sport 2000 (later called 212 E Montagna) sports racing car. The engine was designed by Ferrari engineer Stefano Jacoponi, based on the earlier Forghieri-designed Tipo 207 flat-12. Overall capacity of this engine was 1,990.08 cc (121.442 cu in), bore and stroke was 65 mm x 50 mm and the compression ratio was 11:1.[9][10] The crankcase was aluminum alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners. While the displacement was increased over the Tipo 207, the Tipo 232 was more compact. It had four main bearings (instead of the seven used on the earlier engine), the 27° included angle between the intake and exhaust valves was narrower and ancillary ignition/fuel injection components were mounted lower. Like the Tipo 207, the engine used four gear-driven overhead camshafts, but now operating two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. Fuel was delivered by a Lucas indirect injection system. A Magneti Marelli transistorized ignition system was equipped, using a single spark plug per cylinder. [1]: 14, 18, 169
When first installed in the Sport 2000, the engine produced 290 bhp (220 kW) at 11,500 rpm. Later during the 1969 racing season the engine was further developed and the compression ratio increased to 11.3:1. and could produce 315–320 bhp (235–239 kW) for short bursts and 295 bhp (220 kW) consistently. The engine was specialized for the short courses of the European Hill Climb Championship (where it was extremely successful in 1969) and was not intended for endurance events, although sufficient water and oil cooling systems were incorporated to prevent frequent engine rebuilds.[1]: 14, 18, 169
Tipo 001
[edit]
The Tipo 001 was a 3-litre flat-12 used in 312 B Formula One cars and 312 PB sports racing cars between 1970 and 1974. Designed by Mauro Forghieri, this engine was intended to replace the aging Colombo V12 used in the 312 F1 and 312 P sports racing cars. The Tipo 001 was the first Ferrari F1 engine funded by Fiat, after Fiat took a 50% stake in the company in 1969. Fiat's restructuring of the racing program and additional funding led Forghieri to create a new, separate R&D department where the 312 B F1 car and Tipo 001 engine were developed. Forgheri was strongly influenced by the Cosworth DFV V8 engine when designing the Tipo 001, particularly in how the movement of oil inside the crankcase was optimized to reduce oil pumping losses and the design of the combustion chamber.[11]: 139–144 [2][12]
The overall capacity of the engine was 2,991 cc (182.5 cu in), with a bore and stroke of 78.5 mm x 51.5 mm and a compression ratio of 11.8:1. Later versions used in the 312 B2 and B3 had a bore and stroke of 80 mm x 49.6 mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The aluminum alloy crankcase (with cast iron liners) was made in two pieces, with a vertical split at the center of the case. In order to reduce weight, shot-peened titanium connecting rods were used. The one-piece machined crankshaft ran in four main bearings and was coupled to the flywheel with a rubber coupling (developed by Pirelli) that reduced stress on the crankshaft, preventing breakage. Like the previous Tipo 232, four overhead camshafts were driven by gears and operated two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. The included angle between the valves was further reduced to 20°. Lucas indirect fuel injection and single-plug Marelli transistor ignition were equipped. The overall engine height was reduced compared to the earlier Tipo 207 F1 engine and the engine was only 15 kg (33 lb) heavier than the rival Cosworth DFV V8, despite having 4 additional cylinders and larger overall dimensions.[1]: 20, 22, 170–173 [2]
Ferrari initially reported the Tipo 001 produced a power output of 455 bhp (339 kW) at 11,500 rpm, which exceeded the power output of both the earlier 312's V12 and the DFV by almost 20 bhp (15 kW).[1]: 22 By the end of the 1970 Formula One season, further development increased the Tipo 001's output to 480 bhp (360 kW) at 12,600 rpm.[2] In its final version in the 1974 312 B3, the engine produced 485 bhp (362 kW) at 12,500 rpm.[1]: 173
Alongside the engine's use in the 312 B F1 cars, a detuned version of the Tipo 001 was used in 1971-1973 312 PB sports racing cars. This version initially produced 440 bhp (330 kW) at 10,800 rpm, increasing in 1973 to 470 bhp (350 kW) at 11,500 rpm.[13]
Tipo 015
[edit]The 3-liter Tipo 015 flat-12 engine was used in the Ferrari 312 T series of Formula One cars between 1975 and 1980. It was heavily derived from the Tipo 001, but was adapted to fit the 312 T's new transverse gearbox. The overall capacity of the engine was 2,991 cc (182.5 cu in) with a bore and stroke of 80 mm x 49.6 mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1.[1]: 175 The engine's design was continuously improved during its years of competition, including increased use of lightweight magnesium and titanium components and refinements to the cylinder heads, combustion chambers and intake ducting.[3]: 60–62 The first 312 T engines produced approximately 500 bhp (370 kW) at 12,200 rpm.This increased to 510 bhp (380 kW) at 12,200 rpm in the 1978 312 T3 and finally 515 bhp (384 kW) at 12,300 rpm in the 1979 312 T4.[1]: 175–178
The Tipo 015 was succeeded by the Tipo 021 turbocharged V6 in the 1980 126C. The Tipo 015 was Ferrari's last naturally aspirated engine until 1989.
Roadgoing engines
[edit]| F102, F110, F113 | |
|---|---|
Ferrari F102 A engine in a 365 GT4 BB | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Designer | Giuliano De Angelis |
| Production | 1973–1996 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | Flat-12 |
| Displacement |
|
| Cylinder bore |
|
| Piston stroke |
|
| Cylinder block material | Silumin |
| Cylinder head material | Silumin |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Cooling system | Water cooled |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ferrari Colombo engine |
| Successor | Ferrari F133 engine |
Ferrari introduced a roadgoing flat-12 engine with the 1973 365 GT4 BB. This engine was further developed for use in 512 BB, 512 BBi, Testarossa, 512TR and F512M models, remaining in production until 1996.
Tipo F102A
[edit]The Tipo F102A engine was the first flat-12 cylinder configuration fitted in a Ferrari road car, the 1973-1976 365 GT4 BB.[14] Design and development of the new engine was overseen by Ferrari engineer Giuliano de Angelis and Angelo Bellei.[14] The F102A engine's was derived from the Tipo 001 Formula One engine[15]: 127 as well as earlier Ferrari Colombo V12 engines. The engine's displacement, bore & stroke, rods and pistons were the same as the Tipo 251 60° V12 Colombo engine powering the 365 GTB/4 Daytona it replaced.[16]: 21 The F102A had two valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts per bank, although these were now belt driven, instead of by chain as on earlier Ferrari 12-cylinder engines. Belt drive was chosen to reduce noise, improve reliability and reduce manufacturing and servicing costs.[16]: 25 The engine fitted with two banks of two triple-choke Weber 40IF3C carburettors and an electronic Magneti Marelli "Dinoplex"[17] ignition system.[18] In contrast to both the Tipo 251 and the Tipo 001, the spark plugs enter the combustion chamber from the top, rather than the sides.[16]: 32 The block and cylinder heads were constructed from Silumin light alloy, with Borgo light alloy pistons, shrunk-in cast iron cylinder liners and a cross-plane, forged steel crankshaft.[15]: 128 As was standard Ferrari practice, the crankshaft was machined from a single billet of steel, which was aged prior to machining in order to improve structural stability.[16]: 22 The engine was lubricated by a wet sump with a capacity of 12 litres (13 US qt) and twin oil filters.[15]: 127, 131
According to de Angelis and Bellei, the first prototype F102 A engine produced 380 bhp (280 kW) at 7,100 rpm and propelled the prototype to 302 km/h (188 mph) during testing.[16] Some Ferrari sales materials quote this 380 bhp figure, while others reported the production version of the F102 A engine produced 360 bhp (268 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 311 ft⋅lb (422 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500 rpm.[19] Figures reported in other factory and press publications vary, with the owner's manual reporting 344 PS (253 kW; 339 hp) at 7200 rpm.[20]
Tipo F102B
[edit]In 1976 Ferrari launched a revised version of the BB, the BB 512. This car was equipped with a Tipo F102B flat-12 engine, based on the preceding F102A but enlarged to 4942 cc. Bore and stroke were now 82 mm x 78 mm and the compression ratio was increased to 9.2:1.[21] Camshaft timing was also altered.[4]: 43
Ferrari initially claimed a peak power output of 360 bhp (270 kW) at 6800 rpm and 331 lb⋅ft (449 N⋅m) of torque. Later Ferrari publications revised this to 340 bhp (250 kW).[4]: 43 Despite the loss in peak power, the flatter torque curve of the 4.9 liter engine provided a smoother and more user friendly power delivery. The larger displacement engine also allowed Ferrari to meet more stringent pollution and noise regulations without losing performance.[16][19][4] A dry sump lubrication system was now used to prevent oil starvation and surge issues, which were exacerbated by the higher cornering forces generated by the BB 512's wider tires.[4]: 43
The F102B engine was also used in 512 BB LM racing cars. In series 1 cars, the engines were modified with new pistons, camshafts and carburetors, resulting in a power output of approximately 400 bhp (300 kW). Series 2 cars also had a Lucas mechanical fuel injection system, fed by dual Turolla fuel pumps. In this form, the engine generated approximately 475–480 bhp (354–358 kW)[4]: 85, 87
Tipo F110A
[edit]In 1981 the BB 512 was replaced by the BB 512i, powered by the Tipo F110A engine. This engine was based on the F102B but was now equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. It had the same dimensions and overall capacity as the F102B. The fuel injection system allowed Ferrari to meet stricter emissions regulations. Overall power output was now 340 bhp (250 kW) at 6,000 rpm. The Dinoplex electronic ignition system now had a built-in rev limiter that activated at 6,600 rpm.[4]: 55–56
- Ferrari F110 A Engine
-
F110 A engine, with Bosch K-Jetronic air/fuel metering unit visible at left
-
F110 A engine with covers partially cut away to show timing belt arrangement
-
F110 A engine in a BB 512i
Tipo F113A/B/D/G
[edit]The Testarossa was introduced in 1984, replacing the BB 512i. It was equipped with the Tipo F113A engine. This engine was the first roadgoing Ferrari flat-12 engine with four valves per cylinder. The power output was 390 PS (287 kW; 385 hp), making it the most powerful engine mounted on a production sports car at the time of its launch. The bore and stroke and 4942 cc cubic capacity was identical to the preceding F110A engine.[22] The F113A was fitted with a Marelli Microplex MED120 electronic ignition system and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Export versions for United States, Canada and Japan had catalytic converter and KE-Jetronic fuel injection. European versions got those features in 1986 and the revised engine was known as F113B.[23]
The 1991 512 TR was equipped with the Tipo F113D engine. This was an upgraded version of the F113A in the Testarossa, maintaining the same cubic capacity of 4.9 L. Changes were made to the porting, with redesigned inlet plenums and larger valves providing more efficient fuel/air mix ingress, whilst the fuel injection and ignition system were changed to a combined Bosch Motronic M2.7 system.[24] The engine was further improved with new shallow-skirt pistons and a modified crankshaft design. This engine produced 422 bhp (315 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 362 lb⋅ft (491 N⋅m) at 5,500 rpm.[15]: 188–191
For the 1994 F512M the engine was further upgraded and designated Tipo F113G. This engine had a lightened crankshaft, titanium alloy connecting rods, new pistons and a stainless steel low backpressure exhaust system.[25] The compression ratio increased to 10.4:1. The F113G produced 434 bhp (324 kW) at 6,750 rpm.[15]: 196
The flat-12 production ceased with the F512M, being replaced by the front-engined 550 Maranello which featured the new 65° V12 F133 engine.[15]: 196
- Ferrari F113 A Engine
-
Right side of a F113 A engine
-
Left side of a F113 A engine
-
F113 A engine in a Testarossa
Aircraft engine
[edit]In the late 1960s, Ferrari was approached by Franklin Engine Company with an order for an engine that could be installed in a small twin-engined aircraft. Mauro Forghieri began adapting a flat-12 engine design for this purpose, as this configuration would fit within a wing. However, the project was quickly cancelled when Franklin entered receivership. Forghieri's design work on the aircraft engine was incorporated into the 1970 Tipo 001 racing flat-12 engine.[2][12][5][11]: 141
Specifications
[edit]| Eng. code | Displ. | Bore × stroke | Years | Usage | Peak power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F102 A | 4.4 L (4,390 cc) |
81 mm × 71 mm (3.2 in × 2.8 in) |
1973–1976 | 365 GT4 BB | 344 PS (253 kW; 339 hp) at 7200 rpm[20] | wet-sump, carburettors |
| F102 B | 4.9 L (4,943 cc) |
82 mm × 78 mm (3.2 in × 3.1 in) |
1976–1981 | 512 BB | 340 PS (250 kW; 340 hp) at 6200 rpm[26] | dry-sump, carburettors |
| F110 A | 1981–1984 | 512 BBi | 340 PS (250 kW; 340 hp) at 6000 rpm[27] | dry-sump, K-Jetronic fuel injection | ||
| F113 A | 1984–1986 | Testarossa (European markets) | 390 PS (290 kW; 380 hp) at 6300 rpm[28] | |||
| F113 A 040 | 1984–1991 | Testarossa (North America and Japan) | 385 PS (283 kW; 380 hp) at 5750 rpm[29] | dry-sump, KE-Jetronic fuel injection, catalytic converters | ||
| F113 B | 1986–1991 | Testarossa (European markets) | 390 PS (290 kW; 380 hp) at 6300 rpm | |||
| F113 D | 1991–1994 | 512 TR | 428 PS (315 kW; 422 hp) at 6750 rpm | dry-sump, Motronic fuel injection, catalytic converters | ||
| F113 G | 1994–1996 | F512 M | 440 PS (320 kW; 430 hp) at 6750 rpm |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Thompson, Jonathan W. (1981). Boxer, the Ferrari flat-12 racing and GT cars. Costa Mesa, Calif.: Newport Press. ISBN 0-930880-05-6. OCLC 9154375.
- ^ a b c d e Hughes, Mark (2021-09-28). "The flat 12 engine that powered Ferrari to '70s F1 triumph". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ a b Garton, Nick (2016). Ferrari 312T Owners' Workshop Manual. Sparkford: Haynes. ISBN 978-0-85733-811-2. OCLC 953857583.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Beehl, Nathan (2007). Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer : the road and race legends. [Luton]: Fiorano Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9555643-0-7. OCLC 276644766.
- ^ a b Blanfuney, Arnaud (February 2010). ""Confused? Me Too"". Cavallino (175): 52–55.
- ^ "Ferrari 512 F1". F1Technical. Archived from the original on 29 April 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ^ "Ferrari 512 F1". formula1.ferrari.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
- ^ Nye, Doug (2018-09-20). "The Ferrari 1512 is the 1.5-litre Flat-12 you need to know about". www.goodwood.com. Archived from the original on 2018-11-06. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ Thompson, Jonathan (November 1978). "212 E Montagna". Cavallino (2): 28–31.
- ^ Rees, Chris (27 March 2019). "It's Got to Be Perfect". The Official Ferrari Magazine. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
- ^ a b Forghieri, Mauro; Buzzonetti, Daniele (2013). Forghieri on Ferrari : 1947 to the present. Vimodrone: Giorgio Nada Editore. ISBN 978-88-7911-565-0. OCLC 796758017.
- ^ a b "Cuore da Corsa: Incontro di BOXER". Autosprint (in Italian). 2010-06-01. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23.
- ^ Cruickshank, Gordon (2006). "Profile: Ferrari 312PB". Motor Sport Magazine. 82 (11): 45–50.
- ^ a b "Velvet glove with knock-out punch: Berlinetta Boxer". The Auto Channel. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f Reggiani, Francesco; Bluemel, Keith (2018). Ferrari Engines Enthusiasts' Manual. Sparkford: Haynes Publishing. pp. 124–137. ISBN 978-1-78521-208-6. OCLC 1064893046.
- ^ a b c d e f Nichols, Mel (1979). Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, 365 & 512 series. London: Osprey Publishing Limited. ISBN 0-85045-326-7. OCLC 6426229.
- ^ Le Hanne, Adrian. "Magneti Marelli Dinoplex, SAE701 and Microplex Repair and Restoration Documents". dinoplex.org. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
- ^ "Ferrari 365 GT4 BB". Ferrari. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ a b Nowak, Stanley, ed. (1984). "The Berlinetta Boxer - A History and Appreciation". Cavallino (22): 18–35.
- ^ a b Ferrari 365 GT4 BB Instruction Book. Ferrari. 1973.
- ^ "Ferrari BB 512 (1976)". ferrari.com. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
- ^ "Ferrari Testarossa". Ferrari. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Testarossa versions". red-headed.com. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Ferrari 512 TR". Ferrari. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Ferrari F512M". Ferrari. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ Ferrari BB512 Instruction Book. Ferrari. 1980.
- ^ Ferrari BB512i Owner's Manual. Ferrari. 1981.
- ^ Ferrari Testarossa Owner's Manual. Ferrari. 1985.
- ^ Ferrari Testarossa U.S. version Owner's Manual. Ferrari. 1985.
Ferrari flat-12 engine
View on GrokipediaDesign and configuration
Configuration
The Ferrari flat-12 engine employs a 180° V12 layout, in which the two cylinder banks are positioned at 180 degrees to each other in a horizontally opposed configuration, resembling an open book rather than a traditional vee formation. This arrangement features six cylinders per bank, with the crankshaft having six throws, each shared by two connecting rods from non-opposing cylinders, similar to a conventional V12 engine. Unlike a true boxer engine, where pistons directly oppose each other and fire alternately to cancel vibrations, the flat-12's pistons do not oppose directly but instead follow the firing order of a V12, resulting in a design that prioritizes compactness over inherent balance from opposition. The valvetrain utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) setup for each bank, enabling precise control over the four valves per cylinder to support high-revving performance demands.[1] This configuration was engineered by Mauro Forghieri, Ferrari's technical director, in the late 1960s to meet Formula 1 regulations limiting engine height and weight while maximizing power output. The core structure consists of an aluminum block and cylinder heads, which contribute to the engine's lightweight construction, often paired with titanium connecting rods for further mass reduction. Fuel delivery systems evolved from carburetion in initial racing applications to electronic fuel injection in later iterations, though the fundamental mechanical layout remained consistent to accommodate these advancements without major redesigns. The use of only four main bearings—made of bronze—supports the shared crankpins, streamlining the crankshaft and enhancing overall rigidity compared to traditional seven-bearing V12 designs.[1] The primary engineering rationale for this layout centered on achieving a low center of gravity, approximately 3.5 cm lower than contemporary V8 competitors, which improved vehicle handling and chassis balance in mid-engine applications. Its compact packaging allowed for better weight distribution and easier integration into low-profile racing chassis, while the flat orientation facilitated smoother airflow over the engine bay, providing aerodynamic benefits such as enhanced downforce at the rear wing. These attributes made the flat-12 particularly suited for high-speed racing environments, where stability and efficiency were paramount. This 180° arrangement results in secondary imbalances and a rocking couple vibration, which were managed through careful engine mounting and chassis integration.[1][2]Nomenclature
The term "flat-12" is a colloquial and marketing designation applied by Ferrari to its 180° V12 engines, referring to the horizontally opposed cylinder arrangement that resembles an open book layout, which helps lower the center of gravity and improve vehicle balance compared to traditional V engines.[2] However, this configuration is not a true flat or boxer engine, as the opposing pistons are phased 180° apart on the crankshaft and reach top dead center alternately (one at TDC while the other at BDC), resulting in unbalanced rocking forces, unlike a genuine boxer where each opposed piston pair moves in phase on offset crankpins for better inherent balance.[10] The nomenclature arose from the engine's visual flatness and racing heritage, but it has led to common misconceptions, such as confusing it with actual boxer-12 designs (which Ferrari never produced) or flat-plane crankshaft V12s, the latter typically referring to crank throw arrangements rather than bank angle.[6] Ferrari employs an internal "Tipo" system for designating engine projects, where "Tipo" simply means "type" in Italian, followed by unique codes to identify variants. Racing flat-12 engines receive purely numeric codes, such as Tipo 207 for the inaugural 1.5-liter unit introduced in 1964, reflecting their experimental and performance-focused development.[11] In contrast, roadgoing versions use alphanumeric prefixes like "F" for Ferrari-specific applications, as seen in the Tipo F102 series powering the Berlinetta Boxer models from 1973 onward. This distinction underscores the separation between competition-oriented and production engines within Ferrari's engineering catalog. The flat-12 nomenclature evolved alongside Ferrari's shift from the iconic 60° Colombo V12, which featured a narrower vee angle for compactness and was predominantly front-mounted in grand tourers like the 250 series, to the wider 180° layout better suited for mid-engine placement and lower profiles in sports prototypes.[6] For road cars, the "Berlinetta Boxer" moniker was officially adopted for the 365 GT4 BB and successors, combining "Berlinetta" (a closed two-seater coupe style) with "Boxer" to evoke the engine's opposed-cylinder aesthetic, despite the technical inaccuracy— a poetic choice that masked an internal nickname inspired by actress Brigitte Bardot.[12] This terminology persisted through the 512 BB and Testarossa lineage, emphasizing marketing appeal over strict engineering precision, while avoiding overlap with the Colombo's more conventional V layout.[13]Development history
Origins and early racing applications
The Ferrari flat-12 engine originated in the early 1960s as part of Scuderia Ferrari's efforts to regain competitiveness in Formula 1 under the 1.5-liter displacement regulations introduced for the 1964 season. Conceived by chief engineer Mauro Forghieri between 1963 and 1964, the engine was developed as an innovative alternative to the prevailing V8 and V12 configurations used by rivals like BRM and Coventry Climax. Forghieri aimed to address limitations in packaging and balance, designing the flat-12 to allow for a lower mounting position in the chassis, which enabled reduced hood lines for improved aerodynamics and a more centralized weight distribution to enhance handling stability compared to taller V12s or narrower V8s.[14][15] Initial development focused on bench testing in 1964, where the engine demonstrated promising power output while Forghieri's team refined its boxer-style layout with opposed cylinders for inherent balance. Prototypes were soon integrated into the Ferrari 1512 F1 chassis, an evolution of the earlier "Aero" spaceframe design, where the flat-12 served as a stressed structural member to support the rear suspension and optimize overall rigidity. These early tests highlighted the engine's potential to bridge Ferrari's traditional V12 heritage with a new era of compact, high-revving powerplants, influencing the company's mid-1960s racing strategy toward more versatile and aerodynamically efficient designs.[14][16] The flat-12 made its public debut during practice sessions at the 1964 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, mounted in the first 1512 prototype chassis, though development delays prevented its use in the race itself. It achieved its competitive racing premiere later that year at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, where it powered the 1512 alongside Ferrari's V8-equipped cars. Early deployments revealed initial reliability challenges, including vibration and cooling issues inherent to the novel configuration, but Forghieri's iterative refinements resolved these by the 1965 season, allowing the engine to contribute to stronger performances, such as a second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. This progression solidified the flat-12's role in Ferrari's shift from V12 dominance to a more balanced engineering approach in motorsport.[14][17][16]Aircraft engine project
In the late 1960s, Ferrari embarked on a collaborative project with the American Franklin Engine Company to adapt its emerging flat-12 engine configuration for aviation use, specifically targeting propulsion for light aircraft.[1] The initiative, overseen by engineer Mauro Forghieri, sought to leverage the engine's compact 180-degree layout to enable installation within an aircraft wing, addressing spatial constraints in aviation design.[1][18] The targeted displacement was 3.0 liters, drawing from early racing prototypes to balance power output with the reliability demands of prolonged flight operations.[1] Development began in 1969, incorporating aviation-specific considerations such as enhanced durability and adaptations for propeller-driven applications, while building on the flat-12's low center-of-gravity advantages already proven in motorsport.[1][18] Only prototypes were tested, primarily through parallel efforts in Ferrari's racing program, as the project never advanced to full production.[1] The venture was abruptly halted in 1969 when Franklin entered receivership amid financial collapse, rendering the partnership untenable.[1][18] Despite its short duration, the aircraft-oriented design work influenced subsequent Ferrari engines, particularly the Tipo 001 flat-12 used in the 1970 Formula 1 312B, where elements like optimized oil flow and structural robustness from the aviation adaptations enhanced overall performance and longevity.[1]Racing engines
Tipo 207
The Tipo 207, Ferrari's inaugural flat-12 racing engine, was designed by Mauro Forghieri and introduced in the Ferrari 1512 Formula 1 car during the 1964 season.[19] This 180° V12 layout, distinct from a true boxer configuration, displaced 1,489.63 cc with a bore of 56.0 mm and stroke of 50.4 mm, delivering 220 PS at a redline of 12,000 rpm.[20] Featuring gear-driven double overhead camshafts operating two valves per cylinder and indirect fuel injection via Lucas system, the engine emphasized high-revving performance while incorporating seven main bearings for enhanced rigidity compared to typical racing V12s of the era.[21][22] A key innovation of the Tipo 207 was its flat-12 architecture, which allowed for a lower center of gravity in the mid-engined 1512 chassis, improving handling in open-wheel racing applications.[19] The engine made its initial appearance during practice sessions for the 1964 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, marking Ferrari's exploration of the configuration under the new 1.5-liter Formula 1 regulations.[23] Its competitive debut came at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, where reliability concerns limited results, but it showed promise in the season finale at the Mexican Grand Prix, where Lorenzo Bandini secured third place and effectively clinched the Drivers' Championship for teammate John Surtees.[19][20] In the 1965 season, the Tipo 207 continued in the 1512 alongside the V8-powered 158, powering entries to a fourth-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix (Bandini) and other mid-pack results, though without outright victories.[19] The engine's contributions in high-speed circuits like Monza and Spa proved competitive against rivals like the Lotus-Climax.[23] However, the Tipo 207 faced challenges including vibration from its wide 180° layout and occasional engine failures, issues that influenced subsequent refinements in later flat-12 variants for better smoothness and durability.[19]Tipo 232
The Tipo 232 was a 2.0-liter flat-12 engine developed by Ferrari in 1968 for sports car racing applications, particularly under the Sport 2000 regulations.[24] It featured a displacement of 1,990 cc, achieved through a bore of 65 mm and a stroke of 50 mm, with a compression ratio of 11:1.[25] Power output ranged from 290 bhp initially to 320 bhp at 11,500 rpm in its evolved form, delivered via a 48-valve DOHC configuration, dry-sump lubrication, and Lucas indirect fuel injection.[26] This engine powered the unique 212 E Montagna prototype, a lightweight racer built on a modified Dino 206 S chassis.[24] Evolving from the 1.5-liter Tipo 207 used in Formula 1, the Tipo 232 incorporated bore increases and minor stroke adjustments to reach the 2.0-liter capacity required for prototype and hillclimb events, while retaining the predecessor's aluminum crankcase with cast-iron liners and four main bearings.[27] Improvements included refined Lucas fuel injection for better throttle response and efficiency over the Tipo 207's system, which had faced reliability challenges in high-revving F1 duty.[27] Gear-driven overhead camshafts and Magneti Marelli transistorized ignition further enhanced performance, positioning the Tipo 232 as a more robust unit for non-F1 racing.[24] The Tipo 232 saw primary use in hillclimb competitions and prototype testing, with the 212 E Montagna serving as its main platform in the 1969 European Hill Climb Championship.[26] Driven by Peter Schetty, the car debuted successfully at events like Ampus and Volterra, leveraging the engine's high-revving nature for short, intense ascents.[24] Although considered for endurance prototypes, its application remained limited to hillclimbs due to early reliability concerns in longer races, with no direct Formula 1 deployment.[26] Key achievements included sweeping all nine rounds of the 1969 championship, securing the title with 56 points and setting multiple course records, such as at Trento-Bondone (10:58.61) and Cesana-Sestriere.[24] These successes highlighted reliability gains over the Tipo 207, including enhanced cooling systems with improved radiators and airflow management to sustain output during repeated high-load runs.[25] The engine's design also proved influential, serving as a testbed for Ferrari's later flat-12 applications in sports prototypes and grand touring models.[24]Tipo 001
The Tipo 001 was a 3.0-liter flat-12 engine with a displacement of 2,991 cc, designed primarily for Formula 1 and sports prototype racing applications between 1970 and 1974.[3] It powered the Ferrari 312 B F1 car and the 312 PB prototype, delivering power outputs ranging from 455 to 485 bhp at engine speeds of 11,500 to 12,600 rpm, depending on the tune and year.[28][29] This configuration featured a 180-degree V12 layout with a flat-plane crankshaft, where opposing connecting rods shared crank pins, enabling high-revving performance while maintaining a low center of gravity for better handling.[28] Key design features included refinements to the flat-plane crankshaft for enhanced durability, drawing briefly from Ferrari's prior aircraft engine project to improve structural integrity under extreme loads.[28] Innovations such as Lucas mechanical fuel injection replaced earlier carburetion, providing more precise fuel delivery and contributing to the engine's smooth power curve, while four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts supported elevated rev limits beyond 12,000 rpm.[28] These advancements marked a shift toward greater efficiency in the 3.0-liter Formula 1 formula, allowing the Tipo 001 to compete effectively against V8 rivals like the Cosworth DFV. In racing history, the Tipo 001 propelled the 312 B to multiple Grand Prix victories in 1970, including wins at the Austrian, Italian, Canadian, and Mexican GPs, helping Ferrari secure a strong constructors' standing that season despite not clinching the drivers' title.[28][30] The engine also excelled in sports prototypes with the 312 PB, dominating the 1972 World Sportscar Championship through victories at Monza, Spa, the Nürburgring, Watkins Glen, and Brands Hatch, showcasing its prowess in sprint-oriented endurance events.[31] However, challenges arose in balancing reliability between short sprints and longer endurance races, as the high-revving design prioritized outright power over sustained durability, leading to occasional failures in extended outings like the 1973 Le Mans 24 Hours where the 312 PB finished second but suffered mechanical setbacks.[32][33]Tipo 015
The Tipo 015 represented the pinnacle of Ferrari's flat-12 engine development for Formula 1, evolving from the earlier Tipo 001 with refinements aimed at higher power and better integration into chassis designs. It displaced 3.0 liters (2,991 cc), producing between 500 and 515 brake horsepower at peak revs of 12,200 to 12,300 rpm, and powered the Ferrari 312 T series from 1975 to 1980. This configuration allowed the engine to maintain Ferrari's competitive edge in the 3.0-liter naturally aspirated era of F1 regulations. Key design advancements in the Tipo 015 included its transverse mounting orientation, which improved weight distribution and packaging within the 312 T's monocoque chassis, alongside advanced electronic ignition systems that enhanced reliability and throttle response under high-stress racing conditions. Innovations such as lightweight materials in the cylinder heads and crankcase contributed to a reduced overall weight while pushing power outputs to their limits before the flat-12's obsolescence. In racing, the Tipo 015 propelled Ferrari to multiple Formula 1 victories, including the 1975 Drivers' Championship for Niki Lauda and Constructors' titles in 1975, 1976, and 1979, with notable wins at circuits like Monza and Silverstone during those seasons. Its deployment marked the transition toward impending turbocharged regulations in 1981, after which Ferrari shifted away from the flat-12 layout. The Tipo 015 thus served as the last flat-12 engine in F1 by 1980, closing a dominant chapter in Ferrari's racing heritage.Roadgoing engines
Tipo F102 A and B
The Tipo F102 A and B engines represented Ferrari's initial adaptation of flat-12 architecture for roadgoing mid-engine grand tourers, debuting in the 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer in 1973. These engines were derived from the racing Tipo 015 flat-12 used in Formula 1, but significantly enlarged and detuned for street use, with a focus on balancing high performance and drivability while meeting emerging emissions standards. The F102 A displaced 4,390 cc (bore x stroke: 81 mm x 71 mm) and produced 360 PS (265 kW) at 7,500 rpm, paired with six Weber 40 IF3C/3 carburetors for fuel delivery.[7][34] It powered the 365 GT4 BB from 1973 to 1976, a Pininfarina-styled coupe emphasizing the "Berlinetta Boxer" moniker—despite the engine's 180-degree V12 layout rather than true opposed-piston boxer configuration—to evoke its low center of gravity and compact packaging.[35] In 1976, Ferrari introduced the evolved Tipo F102 B for the 512 Berlinetta Boxer, increasing displacement to 4,943 cc (bore x stroke: 82 mm x 78 mm) through a longer stroke and slight bore enlargement, prioritizing enhanced low-end torque over peak power. This variant delivered 360 PS (265 kW) at 6,800 rpm, maintaining the carbureted setup with minor compression ratio adjustments to 9.2:1 for improved mid-range response and emissions compliance, particularly for U.S. markets.[36] The 512 BB remained in production until 1981, serving as the pinnacle of the early Boxer series with its rear-mid-engine layout contributing to agile handling in a grand touring context.[37] Both engines enabled impressive performance for their era, with the 365 GT4 BB achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 6 seconds and a top speed exceeding 170 mph (300 km/h), while the 512 BB offered similar acceleration but with greater torque (around 451 Nm) for more effortless cruising.[38] These adaptations from racing heritage underscored Ferrari's engineering philosophy of refining competition-derived technology for refined road use, establishing the flat-12 as a hallmark of the Berlinetta Boxer lineage.[2]Tipo F110 A
The Tipo F110 A was a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine with a displacement of 4,943 cc, producing 340 PS (250 kW) at 6,000 rpm.[39][40] It powered the Ferrari 512 BBi, a mid-engine grand tourer produced from 1981 to 1984, with a total of 1,007 units built.[39] The engine maintained the bore and stroke dimensions of 82 mm × 78 mm from the preceding F102 B series, ensuring continuity in the Berlinetta Boxer's mechanical architecture.[41] A key design upgrade in the Tipo F110 A was the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic continuous injection system (CIS), a mechanical fuel injection setup that replaced the four triple-choke Weber 40 IF 3C carburetors of the prior model.[39][41] This change, accompanied by revised cam timing and ignition mapping, improved throttle response and power delivery smoothness compared to the carbureted F102 B, while achieving a compression ratio of 9.2:1.[35][40] Introduced at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Tipo F110 A addressed tightening emissions regulations, particularly in the United States, by enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust pollutants without significantly altering the BB chassis or overall performance envelope.[42][43] The engine delivered a top speed of approximately 280 km/h (174 mph) and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 5.8 seconds, offering drivability refinements that bridged the carbureted era to the forthcoming Testarossa lineup.[39][44] As the final evolution of the Berlinetta Boxer's powerplant, it marked Ferrari's transition to injection technology for road cars before the wider adoption in subsequent models.[41]Tipo F113 variants
The Tipo F113 engine family represented the culminating development of Ferrari's roadgoing flat-12 architecture, powering the later iterations of the Testarossa lineage with refinements aimed at enhancing power, efficiency, and compliance with evolving emissions regulations.[6] This 4.9-liter (4,943 cc) unit maintained the horizontally opposed 12-cylinder layout with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, building on the dry-sump lubrication and mid-engine placement established in prior designs.[45] The initial variants, designated F113A and F113B, delivered 390 PS (287 kW) at 6,300 rpm in European specification (US: 380 hp), powering the standard wide-body Testarossa from 1984 to 1991.[45][46] These engines featured Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, a 9.2:1 compression ratio, and a focus on mid-range torque for grand touring performance.[47] Subsequent evolutions included the F113D in the 512 TR (1991-1994), which boosted output to 428 PS (315 kW) at 6,750 rpm through revisions to the intake and exhaust systems, larger valves, and the adoption of Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection for improved throttle response and efficiency.[48][6] The final iteration, F113G in the F512 M (1994-1996), further increased power to 440 PS (324 kW) at 6,750 rpm via a lighter crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, higher 10.2:1 compression, and optimized cylinder heads, while incorporating catalytic converters across all late variants to meet stricter emissions standards.[9][6][49] These progressive tuning measures—encompassing revised intake manifolds for better airflow, exhaust revisions for reduced backpressure, and the integration of catalytic converters—elevated the engine's balance of performance and drivability without altering its core 180-degree flat-12 configuration.[6] The F113 series drew brief technical continuity from the preceding F110 engine's injection principles, adapting them for higher outputs in the Testarossa family.[47] Installed longitudinally behind the driver in the wide-body Testarossa, 512 TR, and F512 M models, the F113 variants propelled these grand tourers through a five-speed manual gearbox, marking the end of flat-12 production for Ferrari road cars in 1996.[9] Performance benchmarks reflected these advancements, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in approximately 5 seconds for the base Testarossa and as quick as 4.7 seconds for the F512 M, alongside top speeds reaching up to 195 mph (314 km/h).[50][9] As the last naturally aspirated flat-12 in Ferrari's roadgoing lineup, the F113 variants bridged the era of boxer-derived powerplants to the marque's shift toward longitudinal V12 engines in subsequent models, leaving a legacy of refined high-revving character and iconic presence in 1980s and 1990s supercars.[6]Technical specifications
General parameters
The Ferrari flat-12 engines utilize an aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads, often constructed from Silumin light alloy in roadgoing versions, with cast iron cylinder liners integrated for enhanced strength and heat dissipation. The crankshaft is forged from steel, supported by main bearings designed to withstand high rotational speeds and loads.[15] These engines incorporate a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain arrangement, featuring four valves per cylinder to optimize airflow and high-revving performance, with timing chains or belts providing drive to the camshafts, depending on the application (chains in racing versions, belts in most road-going versions).[15][34] Fuel delivery and ignition systems progressed from multi-carburetor setups paired with mechanical distributors in early iterations to electronic fuel injection and advanced coil-pack systems in later developments, improving efficiency and power delivery across the engine family's lifespan.[15] Road-going variants featured oversquare bore-to-stroke ratios around 80-82 mm bore and 70-78 mm stroke, contributing to displacements from 4.4 to 4.9 liters, while racing versions had smaller dimensions such as 56 x 50.4 mm for the 1.5 L Tipo 207 and 78.5 x 51.5 mm for the 3.0 L Tipo 001. Approximate dry weights vary significantly: around 170-180 kg for racing variants and 250-300 kg for road-going versions including ancillary components.[15][1][5]Variant comparisons
The Ferrari flat-12 engines spanned a wide range of displacements from 1.5 liters in early Formula 1 applications to 4.9 liters in grand touring models, reflecting adaptations for both high-revving racing demands and road usability. Power outputs evolved from approximately 220 PS in the 1.5-liter Tipo 207 used in the 1964 Ferrari 1512 F1 car to over 515 bhp in the 3.0-liter Tipo 015 powering the 1970s 312T series F1 chassis. Rev limits similarly varied, reaching 12,600 rpm in advanced racing variants like the Tipo 001 for the 312B F1 car, while roadgoing engines such as the 4.9-liter F113 in the Testarossa were tuned for lower peaks around 6,300-6,750 rpm to balance performance and longevity. Applications ranged from pure Formula 1 racers to mid-engine grand tourers like the Berlinetta Boxer and Testarossa, showcasing the layout's versatility in lowering centers of gravity for improved handling. Racing variants typically used dry-sump lubrication and four main bearings for compactness, with compression ratios around 11:1-11.5:1, whereas road engines featured wet-sump or dry-sump systems and lower ratios (e.g., 9.7:1 in the Testarossa) for emissions compliance and durability.| Variant | Displacement | Power Output | Rev Limit | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tipo 207 | 1.5 L | 220-250 PS | 12,000 rpm | F1 (Ferrari 1512) |
| Tipo 001 | 3.0 L | 450-490 bhp | 12,600 rpm | F1 (Ferrari 312B) |
| Tipo 015 | 3.0 L | 495-515 bhp | 12,200 rpm | F1 (Ferrari 312T series) |
| F102 A/B | 4.4-4.9 L | 340-380 PS | ~6,500 rpm | GT (Berlinetta Boxer) |
| F113 (variants) | 4.9 L | 385-422 PS | 6,300-6,750 rpm | GT (Testarossa, 512 TR) |