For the fourth year running a Ferrari engine has triumphed in two categories of the prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards – Performance Engine of the Year and the Above 4-litre class. The winner on this occasion is the naturally-aspirated 4.5-litre V8 engine that equips the 458 Italia and 458 Spider and, in its most powerful guise, the 458 Speciale.
The V8 won both awards two years running in 2011 and 2012, and with the company’s naturally-aspirated, 740-hp 6262cc V12 that equips the critically acclaimed F12berlietta taking the same accolades in 2013, Ferrari’s award count is now an impressive eight in four years.
The international judging panel includes journalists from 35 nations and all praised the Ferrari V8’s unassailable blend of sophisticated engineering, power, throttle response, precision, performance and efficiency along with its peerless soundtrack.
Vittorio Dini, Ferrari’s powertrain department head, was on hand to receive the awards and commented, “This is a fantastic result for everyone at Ferrari and reflects our commitment to continually developing our engines. The 4.5-litre in the new 458 Speciale has the highest specific output ever achieved with a naturally-aspirated, road-going engine – 135 hp per litre – along with even better efficiency and the razor-sharp performance our clients expect.”
Ferrari’s V8 has reached the pinnacle of development in the 458 Speciale where the naturally-aspirated 4.5 litre develops 605 hp at 9000 rpm. As with all Ferrari special series models, the 458 Speciale boasts an array of technological innovations designed for owners looking for an even more focused sports car that offers extreme driving emotions. The innovations span the entire car and include both Ferrari patents and world firsts in engine technology, active aerodynamics and electronic controls. These characteristics, along with the finely-tuned handling balance, enable the car to reach the highest performance levels of any Ferrari V8.
Source: Ferrari