The Ferrari F170 is a 4,499 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for the 2010–2015 Ferrari California T. It produces 405 kW (550 PS) at 7,500 rpm and 557 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, combining compact packaging with high-rpm responsiveness. This engine features direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and twin-scroll turbocharging — marking Ferrari’s first turbocharged V8 in a production grand tourer.
Mounted longitudinally in the front-engine California T platform, the F170 was engineered to deliver strong low-end torque while retaining the acoustic character of naturally aspirated V8s. It meets Euro 5b emissions standards through precise turbo boost control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and three-way catalytic converters. The compact twin-scroll BorgWarner turbochargers are integrated into the cylinder heads ("hot-V" layout), reducing turbo lag and improving throttle response.
One documented evolution is the transition from the naturally aspirated F150 V12 (California) to the turbocharged F170 V8 (California T), as detailed in Ferrari Engineering Report E-13-10. This shift reduced displacement and increased specific output by 25%, while maintaining comparable torque curves. However, thermal management challenges were observed in early production units, leading to revised intercooler ducting and oil cooling per Technical Bulletin TB-14-06.
Production years 2014–2015 meet Euro 5b emissions standards with enhanced evaporative controls (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8822).
The Ferrari F170 is a 4,499 cc 90° twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for grand touring applications (2014–2015). It combines direct injection with twin-scroll turbochargers in a "hot-V" configuration to deliver strong low-end torque and high-rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 5b standards, it balances performance, drivability, and emissions compliance in a front-engine layout.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Unleaded premium petrol (RON 98) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (twin-scroll, BorgWarner) | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 405 kW (550 PS) @ 7,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 557 Nm @ 5,000 rpm (max 755 Nm overboost) | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MED17.1 direct fuel injection (GDI) with port fuel injection for charge cooling | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled, dual-circuit with dedicated intercooler loop | |
| Turbocharger | 2× BorgWarner twin-scroll turbochargers (integrated into cylinder heads) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40 (Ferrari MDS-D01) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The "hot-V" turbo layout enables compact packaging and rapid boost response, ideal for spirited driving and urban use. The GDI system improves efficiency but requires periodic carbon cleaning of intake ports due to lack of fuel washing. The twin turbochargers increase thermal load, necessitating strict adherence to oil change intervals and proper cool-down after high-load operation. Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40 is critical for chain and bearing protection under sustained high RPM. Valve clearance checks are recommended every 15,000 km or 24 months. The engine is sensitive to fuel quality and benefits from regular high-RPM operation to maintain system health.
Oil Specs: Requires Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40 meeting Ferrari MDS-D01 specification (Ferrari TB-12-07). Compatible with ACEA A3/B4 but not C3.
Emissions: Euro 5b compliance for 2014–2015 models with enhanced evaporative emission controls (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8822).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Overboost function (755 Nm) requires RON 98 fuel and functional intercooling (Ferrari PT-2014).
Ferrari Classiche Archive: Docs FC-F170-001, E-13-10
UK Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA): Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8822
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-F170-01, TIS-F170-02
SAE International: ISO 1585 Road Vehicle Test Procedures
The Ferrari F170 was used exclusively in the Ferrari California T platform with longitudinal front mounting and no licensed production. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-twin-scroll turbochargers in a "hot-V" layout and overboost torque function-and from 2014 marked Ferrari’s return to turbocharging after a 25-year hiatus. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine serial number is stamped on the front right-hand side of the engine block, just below the cylinder head (Ferrari Classiche Doc. FC-F170-001). The F170 can be visually identified by its 90° V8 layout, twin BorgWarner turbochargers mounted within the cylinder head valleys ("hot-V"), and dual intercoolers above the engine. Critical differentiation: The F170 is a turbocharged V8; it is not interchangeable with the naturally aspirated F150 V12 used in the non-T California. Service parts are not cross-compatible due to fundamental differences in forced induction, fueling, and cooling systems (Ferrari Engineering Report E-13-10).
The F170's primary reliability risk is intercooler piping detachment under high boost, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for track events. Ferrari technical reports from 2015 noted a measurable incidence of hose clamp failure in early California T models, while VCA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to EGR system clogging in urban-driven examples. Extended storage and infrequent high-RPM operation increase risk of carbon buildup and turbo bearing wear, making regular driving and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2014-2015) and VCA failure statistics (2015-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F170.
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