Ferrari's V12 Engines Are Here to Stay: Discover How They're Defying the Electric Wave
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Ferrari has long been heralded as the epitome of luxury and performance in the automotive world. Now, as the industry is increasingly shifting towards electric power, you might wonder if the revered V12 engines are a thing of the past. Fear not, V12 aficionados! Ferrari has assured us that they'll keep the naturally-aspirated V12 engines roaring, for as long as regulations will permit.
Electrification Meets Tradition
Ferrari's entry-level model might be a V6-electric plug-in hybrid, but the iconic brand is not about to let go of its prestigious 12-cylinder engines. "We will produce naturally-aspirated V12s until the law [no longer] allows us to," confirmed Emanuele Carando, Ferrari's global marketing director, during an interview with CarExpert. He even hinted that synthetic fuels could help extend the V12 engine's lifespan. Rest assured, the soul of Ferrari remains very much in the combustion era, even as it toes the line of modern regulations.
The Rivals and Regulatory Hurdles
Ferrari isn't alone in its quest to keep the V12 spirit alive. Rival Lamborghini is equally committed to its naturally-aspirated V12s. However, the landscape is changing fast. In the European Union, the sale of new piston-powered cars will be banned by 2035. While some exemptions might be made for synthetic fuels, it's a ticking clock. The United Kingdom has adopted a similar timeline, and though the U.S. market isn't there yet, stricter emissions regulations are on the horizon.
Why Ferrari Kept the 12Cilindri Pure
In an interesting reveal, Carando noted that Ferrari considered hybridizing the 12Cilindri, its new V12-powered GT. Yet, purism won out. "We wanted to be true to our roots," Carando stated, adding that a hybrid system would add weight without significantly enhancing performance. This sentiment captures Ferrari's approach: technology should enhance, not compromise, the driving experience.
The Imminent Arrival of Ferrari's First Electric Car
None of this means that Ferrari is shunning electric power entirely. The marque is deep into developing its first series-produced electric car, expected to debut by the end of 2025. Despite the electric transition, Ferrari remains firm that any EV carrying the prancing horse logo will stay true to the brand's identity. Carando shared that Ferrari's focus isn't on making the fastest EV but on crafting a vehicle that is agile, fun, and quintessentially Ferrari.
Sound Matters
One distinctive feature of Ferrari EVs will be their sound. While many brands use electric drivetrains' silence as a selling point, Ferrari is taking a different route. Their EVs will produce an "authentic" noise specific to the electric drivetrain, not a synthetic mimicry of a V12 or V8. The details remain under wraps, but it's a testament to Ferrari's commitment to an engaging driving experience, even without a combustion engine.
The Future is Diverse
Ferrari is not diving headfirst into 100% electrification. By 2030, the company expects its sales to consist of 40% EVs, 40% plug-in hybrids, and 20% gasoline-powered cars. This balanced approach allows them to cater to a diverse customer base, offering everything from pure ICE engines to plug-in hybrids and full EVs. "It's going to be the clients who decide whether to buy an internal-combustion natural [non-hybrid] engine, a plug-in hybrid, or an EV," said Carando.
In a world veering towards electric, Ferrari is keeping its V12 passion alive. As they work on electric models, Ferrari continues to prove that there's room for tradition amidst innovation, ensuring the heart-pounding roar of a V12 doesn't become silent too soon.