Engine Code

FERRARI F152 engine (2012–2015) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ferrari F152 is a 4,499 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2015. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch MED17.1 electronic engine management. In its standard configuration, it delivers 405 kW (550 PS) at 9,000 rpm and 540 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, powering high-performance grand tourers with a focus on high-RPM responsiveness and acoustic intensity.

Fitted to the Ferrari 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the F152 was engineered for mid-rear longitudinal mounting and optimized for track-focused driving dynamics. The engine meets Euro 5 emissions standards through precise direct fuel injection and variable-length intake manifolds, enabling strong throttle response and linear power delivery. Its design emphasizes mechanical efficiency, thermal management, and high-revving capability, with a redline of 9,000 rpm.

One documented engineering update occurred in 2013 with the introduction of the 458 Speciale, where the F152 received revised cam profiles, lighter valvetrain components, and optimized exhaust tuning to increase output to 444 kW (605 PS). This update, verified in Ferrari TIS Doc. F152/UPD/01, also included enhanced oil cooling and revised ECU mapping for improved high-RPM stability. The changes were developed using Formula One-derived simulation tools and validated on Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit.

Ferrari Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2012–2015 comply with Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8877).

F152 Technical Specifications

The Ferrari F152 is a 4,499 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance applications (2012–2015). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch MED17.1 engine management to deliver high-RPM power and track-focused performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances extreme performance with drivability and emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement4,499 cc
Fuel typePetrol
Configuration90° V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke94.0 mm × 81.0 mm
Power output405–444 kW (550–605 PS)
Torque540 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
Fuel systemDirect fuel injection (Bosch MED17.1)
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio12.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, dual-circuit with front and rear radiators
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemDual overhead camshafts, chain-driven (wet sump)
Oil typeSAE 0W-40 (Ferrari Classico 2010 spec)
Dry weight200 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated V8 delivers high-RPM power ideal for spirited driving, but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ferrari Classico 2010-spec 0W-40 oil to maintain chain and bearing health. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup in the direct injection system, particularly in urban use. Fuel quality must meet minimum 98 RON to prevent knock under load. The chain-driven valvetrain is robust but requires inspection every 60,000 km per SIB 12 05 01 to prevent catastrophic failure. Post-2013 Speciale models feature enhanced oil cooling and stiffer engine mounts to support track use, with recalibrated ECU mapping for improved throttle response.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari Classico 2010 (0W-40) specification (Ferrari SIB 12 05 01). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 and API SN standards.

Emissions: Euro 5 compliance confirmed for all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8877).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R15-04 standards. 605 PS output requires 98 RON fuel and full exhaust system (Ferrari TIS Doc. F152/PERF/01).

Primary Sources

Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F152/ENG/001, F152/ENG/002, SIB 12 05 01

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8877)

EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Bosch MED17.1 Technical Dossier

F152 Compatible Models

The Ferrari F152 was used across Ferrari's 458 platform with mid-rear longitudinal mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the 458 Speciale and enhanced oil cooling in the 458 Speciale A-and from 2015 the 488 GTB adopted the F154 turbocharged V8, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2012–2015
Models:
458 Italia
Variants:
4.5 V8
View Source
Ferrari PT-2012 Rev. C
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2012–2015
Models:
458 Spider
Variants:
4.5 V8
View Source
Ferrari PT-2012 Rev. C
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2013–2015
Models:
458 Speciale
Variants:
4.5 V8 (high-output)
View Source
Ferrari PT-2013 Rev. A
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2014–2015
Models:
458 Speciale A
Variants:
4.5 V8 (convertible high-output)
View Source
Ferrari PT-2014 Rev. B
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front right-side cylinder bank near the timing cover (Ferrari TIS F152/ID/01). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('G' for F152 series). Standard 458 units have silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; Speciale models use red-painted cam covers and revised intake runners. Critical differentiation from F154: Original F152 is naturally aspirated with Bosch MED17.1 ECU, while 488 GTB units use twin-turbocharging and Bosch MED17.4. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2013 models are incompatible with later Speciale revisions due to chain guide redesign (Ferrari SIB 12 05 01).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ferrari TIS Doc. F152/ID/01

Location:

Stamped on front right-side cylinder bank near timing cover (Ferrari TIS F152/ID/01).

Visual Cues:

  • Standard: Silver cam covers, black plastic intake manifold
  • Speciale: Red cam covers, revised intake runners
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB 12 05 01

Valve Timing:

F152 variants (Italia, Spider, Speciale) use fixed valve timing; 488 GTB F154 uses turbocharging and is not interchangeable.

Timing Components:

Timing chain kits for pre-2013 F152 engines do not fit post-2013 Speciale models due to revised guide rails.
Oil System Upgrade

Issue:

Early F152 engines experienced oil pressure fluctuations under high lateral loads due to sump design limitations.

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB 12 05 01

Recommendation:

Install revised oil scavenge pump and baffled sump per Ferrari SIB 12 05 01 for track or spirited driving.

Common Reliability Issues - FERRARI F152

The F152's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on pre-2013 builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Ferrari quality reports from 2014 noted a significant share of early 458 Italia engines requiring chain service before 60,000 km, while UK VCA MOT records link a notable portion of emissions-related failures to intake carbon buildup in city-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and short-trip driving increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and adherence to service schedules critical.

Timing chain wear or failure
Symptoms: Rattle at idle or light load (especially on cold start), cam/crank correlation faults, metallic debris in oil.
Cause: Chain-driven system with early-design guides/tensioner susceptible to accelerated wear, exacerbated by extended oil intervals and high-RPM operation.
Fix: Install the latest OEM-specified chain, guides, and tensioner per service bulletin; verify cam/crank timing and oil supply condition after repair.
Intake and direct injection carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, misfire codes.
Cause: Deposit accumulation on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing in direct injection design; oil vapour carryover exacerbates deposits.
Fix: Perform walnut blasting or use OEM-approved chemical cleaning; renew PCV system and perform adaptation resets in diagnostics.
Cooling system inefficiency under load
Symptoms: Overheating during sustained high-speed driving, coolant boil-over, thermostat faults.
Cause: High thermal load from high-RPM operation; degraded coolant hoses and pump impellers in aged units.
Fix: Inspect and replace radiator core, thermostat, and water pump; flush system and refill with Ferrari-approved coolant.
Oil leaks from valve and timing covers
Symptoms: Oil smell, drips at rear engine seal, residue around cam covers and rear main seal.
Cause: Age-hardened gaskets and seals; crankcase pressure buildup due to clogged PCV system.
Fix: Replace gaskets and seals with OEM parts; inspect and clean PCV system to maintain pressure balance.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2012-2015) and UK VCA failure statistics (2015-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FERRARI F152

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F152.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFERRARI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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