Ferrari Patents Radical Engine Design to Preserve Combustion Power
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Ferrari has filed a patent for a revolutionary internal combustion engine, featuring oblong-shaped pistons in a compact powertrain, signaling the automaker's ongoing commitment to high-performance combustion technology despite the industry's shift toward electrification.
The patent, published through the European Patent Office, describes an engine design that differs dramatically from traditional round-piston setups used in virtually all gasoline engines. The proposed oblong cylinders resemble the shape of an oval racing circuit, offering potential advantages in reducing friction and enhancing combustion efficiency. These innovations could lead to improved power output and fuel economy while retaining the visceral appeal of Ferrari's high-revving engines.
This unconventional design is not entirely new to the automotive world. Honda previously experimented with oval pistons in Formula 1 and motorcycle racing to maximize airflow and accommodate additional valves per cylinder. Mazda's Wankel rotary engines also deviated from conventional piston shapes, although Ferrari's approach appears distinct from both.
Industry analysts speculate that this patent could be part of Ferrari's strategy to maintain internal combustion engines in future supercars while meeting tightening emissions regulations. As hybrid and electric technology become increasingly dominant, Ferrari may be exploring ways to keep its signature performance characteristics alive without fully abandoning combustion engines.
The move aligns with Ferrari's engineering ethos of continuous innovation. Known for pushing the boundaries of performance, the company remains a leader in combustion engine development, even as it simultaneously invests in hybrid and electric models.
While Ferrari has not yet confirmed production plans for this engine, the patent filing suggests that the Italian automaker is actively seeking alternatives to preserve the driving experience that has defined its brand for decades.
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