Next Ferrari California May Be Automaker's First Turbocharged V8 Since Legendary F40

In 1987, Ferrari unveiled the F40, a radical turbocharged mid-engine V8 sports car built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Prancing Horse. When the Ferrari F40 debuted, it was easily the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive production vehicle that Ferrari had ever sold. In fact, it was the first production car to exceed the 200 mph+ mark.

Now, Ferrari is mulling a new turbocharged V8 powerplant for its next-generation California, the company's entry-level 2-door GT convertible. According to Autocar, the new forced-induction engine will allow Ferrari to meet future emission regulations.

In fact, Ferrari has already begun the development of the next-generation California and is slated to officially unveil the sports car as early as 2014. However, the sports car firm has yet to settle on the specific powertrain it will use. That said, if a turbocharged V8 mill is given the "okay," the next-generation California will likely share an engine similar to the new Maserati Quattroporte's 3.8 liter V8.

While the new Maserati four-door will be the first vehicle to sport the new V8, rest assured that the design and development is all exclusively Ferrari so that the California will remain a true Ferrari, unlike the Dino. Details on the new engine's power output is limited but given the inherent benefits found in forced-induction, it will likely reach well over 500-hp. The engine may also be bored for larger displacement in the California.

We expect the next-generation Ferrari California GT sports car to schedule a global unveiling as soon as late 2014.