Ferrari 458 Italia Engine

By Author: P. Rossa
Total Articles: 42
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The carry-over of technologies from Formula One and the racing world played an important role in the Ferrari 458 Italia development with the aim to achieve top performances, maximum fluid-dynamic efficiency and fuel consumption objectives whilst complying with the most stringent emissions regulations. Like in the racing engines, the 458 Italia’s piston compression height and the thickness of the compression rings have been reduced in order to minimize friction-related leaks between piston and liner. For the same reason, a graphite coating was applied to the piston skirt.

Following the Ferrari engines tradition, the new V8 is equipped with continuously variable timing on both, inlet and exhaust cams. The aluminum intake manifold has been further lightened by reducing the wall thickness. It carries short, almost straights inlet tracts to reduce losses and a system that varies the geometry of the manifold, optimizing volumetric efficiency throughout the rev range. The central section between the two plenums incorporates three pneumatic throttle valves activated by the engine control unit. The engine mapping involves four ...
... different valves configurations with the aim to provide optimal torque values at all revs. Despite the 458 Italia’s increased engine capacity and power, the vehicle’s reduced internal friction in its different components has allowed cutting fuel consumption levels by 13 per cent compared to the F430 ones. The result is a significant achievement in terms of emissions’ reduction as well as improved vehicle dynamics. Fuel tank capacity is also reduced, which ultimately decreases the car total weight whilst still improving its range and running time.

The cylinder block has four scavenge pumps and the engine oil pressure pump features variable displacement geometry which contribute in reducing the amount of power absorbed at high revs. Lowering the pump’s displacement increases the power available in the crankshaft for the same amount of fuel used.

The piston skirts are Graphal®-coated and the thickness of the compression rings has been reduced in order to significantly limit friction between piston and liner which again optimizes performance and fuel consumption. The camshafts are subjected to a finishing process aimed to reduce the surface roughness (Ra) and to minimize the friction coefficient between the cam lobes and tappets.

The use of GDI with Split Injection improves engine performance thanks to the combined effect of the fuel vs. air mix cooling in the combustion chamber, an increased compression ratio and the volumetric efficiency boost.

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