Ferrari the automaker came to prominence by selling V12-powered gran turismos with engines derived from the Prancing Horse's race cars. Although the V12 is no longer used in F1 and the WEC, the Italian manufacturer still offers a V12 in many high-end models because nothing comes even close to the aural pleasure of such an engine.
F140 is the internal codename of the Italian company's 65-degree V12, a high-revving marvel of engineering that Ferrari premiered more than 20 years ago in the limited-run Enzo. Initially a 6.0-liter motor, the F140 was enlarged to 6.3 liters for the FF, then to 6.5 liters for the 812 Superfast.
With the 812 series getting on a bit, enthusiasts and prospective clients will be presented with a brand-new flagship gran turismo in May 2024. Enter the F167, which the Prancing Horse continues testing like there's no tomorrow. In the video below, three distinct prototypes can be seen, beginning with an F167 that looks more Roma than Superfast.
The other two are closer to the real thing. Ferrari expert Marcel Massini has it on good authority that F167 will premiere on May 2, prior to the Grand Prix weekend in Miami. Participants in the Ferrari Cavalcade International USA 2024 are invited to the reveal event, and participants can spend a further *checks notes* $35K for an F1 experience package in addition to the Cavalcade's $58K entry fee.
Look beyond the wrap and thicker camouflage, and you'll notice an 812-like footprint. However, a closer look reveals larger fenders up front and – quite possibly – a wider track as well. It's widely believed the F167 will feature rear-wheel steering à la the 812 Competizione, as well as quite a few electronic aids. Think Side Slip Control version who keeps count, working in conjunction with the electronic rear diff, F1-Trac traction control system, SCM-Frs magnetorheological dampers, and FDE brake pressure control, among others.
Photo: Varryx on YouTube
Obviously enough, the F167 will use an evolution of the F140 engine. Rather than hybridizing or enlarging the V12 even further, hearsay suggests minor improvements for 850-odd metric ponies. In old money, that would be 838 mechanical horsepower. The rumor mill also suggests more revs to play with. Considering that Gordon Murray's T.50 packs a 12,100-rpm V12 from Cosworth, the F140 could be pushed over 9,500 rpm.
Due to increasingly stringent emission and fuel economy regulations, the long-anticipated F617 should cost a bit more than its predecessor. Between 2024 and 2030 something, you can bet your sweet bippy that Ferrari and everyone else will charge an arm and a leg for V12-powered automobiles.
Even Ferrari understands that synthetic fuels may not be a viable solution to saving large displacement engines. To this effect, Ferrari will introduce its first series-production EV in 2025 for the 2026 model year. 40 percent of the brand's 2030 sales will comprise all-electric vehicles. Four in five vehicles will be electrified in some way by then, and chances are the V12 will eventually go hybrid as well.
For the time being, Ferrari hybrids comprise the V6-engined 296 series and the V8-engined SF90 series. After the F167 goes official, the Prancing Horse will premiere a V6-powered LaFerrari successor with a degree of electrification. The so-called F250 is expected to lap the Fiorano circuit faster than every other series-production Fezza. For the time being, the SF90 XX Stradale is the fastest of the bunch, moving the yardstick to 1 minute 17 seconds.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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