The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

bitecars FERRARI F80 Jada Brookes marvels at the LaFerrari successor, F80, which packs a hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine and electric motors. T he V12 engine has been Ferrari’s heart since Enzo Ferrari asked Gioacchino Colombo to design a small powerhouse for his rac- ing and road cars. Colombo's silicon-al- uminium 60-degree 1.5-litre V12 was first used in the Tipo 125, 159, and 166 sports cars and powered classic icons like the 250 Testa Rossa, 250 GTO, and Daytona. It revved to 7,000 rpm in high compression 118 bhp form. The short block reached the crank- shaft centre line, and each cylinder head had a single chain-driven camshaft. Although the engine was adapted for racing to pro- duce 230 bhp, then 315 bhp when twin camshafts were added, more was needed to bring consistent success. Enzo turned to Aurelio Lampredi to create a naturally aspirated 3.3-litre V12, which first raced at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1950. The engine capac- ity increased to 4.1 litres, producing 335 bhp at 7,000 rpm, with more power than any Ferrari built at the time. However, chassis improvements were needed to make its power practical. Lampredi also developed the de Dion axle with par- THE NEW SUPERCAR