Ferrari 458 Italia’s V8 engine gets the ‘2011 Best Performance Engine’ award

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s 4499 cc V8 engine won the Best Performance Engine award at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards. There are numerous powerhouses in the world but Ferrari had been able to create a package that combines drivability, refinement, performance, and economy. In addition, the jury admired the 458 Italia’s engine for its distinctive sound. The awards jury is composed of 76 motoring journalists from 36 countries who evaluate each aspect of the engine.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. Like most racing engines, it has a very low piston compression height that helps it achieve its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Racing technology, F1 specifically, has influenced the design of the engine components. The engine, which features the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, has an output of 570 hp at 9000 rpm and imposes a new benchmark for Ferrari’s entire range throughout history.

It also does the same for the entire market segment by attaining a power output of 127 hp per liter. Its maximum torque is 540 Nm (398 lbs-ft) at 6000 rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/liter. The V8 now features the HELE (High Emotions Low Emissions) system, making it achieve a best-in-class 275 g/km of CO2. It also has a fuel consumption rating of only 11.8 l/100 km or about 20 mpg (ECE + EUDC combined cycle).[via - 4wheelsnews]