Last month, new market data revealed a growing acceptance, and even popularity, of turbocharged powerplants. In recent years, automakers have perfected a turbo system that allow smaller displacement engines to attain better fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance. A win-win for consumers, 3.2 million turbocharged vehicles are expected to be sold in the United States in the year 2012, a staggering 1 million unit increase over the 2.2 million turbo vehicles sold in 2011, according to a study conducted by turbo manufacturer Honeywell.
Early June, Fiat revealed that Ferrari will spearhead the turbo market as well, as the Italian automaker will invest €50 million ($62 million) to develop an all-new bi-turbo V6 engine for a line of next-generation Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia vehicles.
No stranger to turbocharging, Ferrari developed its 126 C Formula 1 car for the 1981 season. Featuring a 1.5 liter engine stacked with twin KKK turbochargers, the 126 C was capable of an astronomical 600-hp. Eventually in 1987, Ferrari's racing technology trickled to its road cars and the Prancing Horse revealed the turbocharged, 8-cylinder F40 supercar to the world.
It's been 25 years since Ferrari had applied turbochargers but now it's coming back with a vengeance. Spotted lapping on Ferrari's Fiorano test track by YouTube channel Marchettino, a prototype Ferrari California was producing an uncharacteristic engine note that included tell tale "whines" of forced induction.
Engine spec details are limited but AutoGuide suggests that the engine might only be used in future Maserati or Alfa Romeo models. However, if applied to Ferrari's road cars, this marks one of many significant departures set to introduce an all-new era for Ferrari. Other than the latest development rumors on turbocharging, Ferrari also confirmed continuing development of a HY-KERS electric hybrid system for future road cars.
A rare combination of both heritage and innovation, we are excited to see what lies ahead for Ferrari.
Watch the video on the turbocharged Ferrari California lapping Fiorano below:
