Ferrari is considering replacing the V12 in its flagship Enzo replacement with a V8, it has been reported.
The decision could send shock waves through the ranks of Enzo drivers who believe the ultimate Ferrari should have a V12 soundtrack.
The new car is due in 2012 and it is believed the decision to revert to a twin-turbo V8, last seen in a top end Ferrari supercar in the F40, could be down to the company’s decision to lessen its carbon footprint.
Speaking to AutoWeek, Ferrari GT technical director Roberto Fedeli confirmed that the Italian sports-car maker is investigating both V12 and V8 options for its Enzo successor, insisting that Ferrari was no longer interested in power wars.
‘For us, it's not just a question of power,’ he said.
‘We have to choose whether we maintain the shape of the weight-to-power curve of the Enzo with more power or with less weight.
‘If we do a car with the same weight-to-power ratio as the FXX, then you want to save the maximum weight. The best packaging for that kind of car is an eight-cylinder turbo. That would have to be an all-new V8.’
The FXX is being used to test some innovations for the new car, added Mr Fedeli.