The Ferrari Tipo 045 is a 3,496 cc, 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine introduced in 1993 as the powerplant for the 456 GT grand tourer. It features quad-camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic fuel injection, producing 300 kW (408 PS). This engine was engineered for refined high-speed cruising and effortless power delivery, marking Ferrari's transition to modern engine management while retaining front-engine GT heritage.
Fitted to the 456 GT and 456M, the Tipo 045 was designed to deliver smooth, linear performance with improved emissions compliance over its predecessor. The all-alloy construction and dry-sump lubrication ensured reliability under sustained load, while the use of individual throttle bodies per cylinder enhanced throttle response. Most European-market units met Euro 2 standards through precise lambda control and catalytic converter efficiency.
One documented design update occurred in 1996 with the 456M facelift, which revised intake manifolding and engine management software to improve low-end torque. This update, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin FEB-96-03, required new camshaft profiles and ECU calibration. The Tipo 045 represents the final evolution of Ferrari’s 65° V12 architecture before the adoption of the 66° F133 series.
Production years 1993–1995 meet Euro 2 standards; 1996–1996 models meet Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4563).
The Ferrari Tipo 045 is a 3,496 cc 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for front-engine grand touring applications (1993–1996). It combines a lightweight alloy block with individual throttle bodies and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-revving performance and long-term durability. Designed to meet Euro 2–3, it balances traditional V12 character with improved emissions compliance and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 65° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 300 kW (408 PS) @ 7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 505 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1993–1995); Euro 3 (1996) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Single-circuit liquid cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (dual overhead cam per bank) | |
| Oil type | Ferrari 10W-60 (API SL, ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Dry weight | 223 kg |
The DOHC V12 design provides smooth, high-revving performance but requires strict 30,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Ferrari 10W-60 oil is essential for high-temperature stability in the dry-sump system and camshaft lubrication. Extended idle periods should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on injectors and intake ports. The individual throttle bodies demand regular synchronization and airflow calibration to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Cooling system integrity is critical; any loss of coolant must be investigated immediately to prevent warping of the alloy cylinder heads. Pre-1995 units have known water pump degradation—inspections per FEB-95-02 are recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 specification (Ferrari SIB 07 08 93). Supersedes API SL and ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1993–1995 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4563). Euro 3 applies to 1996 456M variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Output assumes clean air filter, fresh fuel system calibration, and correct ignition timing (Ferrari TIS Doc. F045-012).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F045-001, F045-003, F045-005, FEB-96-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4563)
UN Regulation No 85 (R85) - Power Measurement
The Ferrari Tipo 045 was used across Ferrari's 456 platform with longitudinal front mounting and shared with no other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-a revised exhaust manifold in the 456M and upgraded ignition in late 456 GT models-and from 1996 the launch of the 456M marked the introduction of the F133 series with larger displacement, creating no direct predecessor interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the left-side engine block near the front-mounted timing cover (Ferrari TIS F045-015). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for Tipo 045 series). All Tipo 045 engines feature a central intake plenum with dual distributors (one per cylinder bank) and individual throttle bodies. Critical differentiation from later F133 engines: Tipo 045 has a 3.5L displacement with 65° V-angle; post-1996 F133 uses a 5.5L configuration with 66° layout and revised intake. Service parts require model-year verification—ignition components (distributors, coils) are not interchangeable between 456 GT and 456M without recalibration (Ferrari SIB 09 05 96).
The Tipo 045's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age-related cracking, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Ferrari service reports from 1997 noted belt degradation in units exceeding 5 years, while UK DVSA data shows minimal emissions-related failures due to stable Motronic control. High-temperature operation and infrequent use increase rubber compound aging, making proactive replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1993-1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-045.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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