The Ferrari Tipo 052 is a 4,943 cc, 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 1996. It features a quad-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder design with Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine management, delivering high-revving performance and strong mid-range torque. In its application in the 456 GT and GTC, it produced 338 kW (460 PS) at 6,250 rpm, with peak torque of 540 Nm available at 4,500 rpm.
Fitted to the Ferrari 456 GT and GTC grand tourers, the Tipo 052 was engineered as a front-mid-engined powerplant emphasizing smooth power delivery and long-distance refinement. It succeeded the Tipo 044/1 and was the first V12 in Ferrari’s 2+2 lineup to feature a flat-plane crankshaft variant in competition form. The engine met Euro 2 emissions standards through precision lambda control and catalytic converters, while retaining a naturally aspirated character and 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission options.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing chain tensioners under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in high-mileage examples. This issue was addressed in Ferrari Service Information Bulletin SIB 400.02.004 (1994), which introduced revised materials and updated inspection intervals. Later production units (post-1994) incorporated these changes, reducing incidence of chain-related faults.
Production years 1992–1996 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/FER/3456).
The Ferrari Tipo 052 is a 4,943 cc 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for front-mid-engined GT applications (1992–1996). It features a longitudinal mounting configuration, DOHC valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-revving performance and linear throttle response. Engineered to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances grand touring comfort with track-capable dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,943 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 65° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 68.0 mm | |
| Power output | 338 kW (460 PS) @ 6,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M2.7, sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled, single-circuit | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (quad-chain, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI), API SL | |
| Dry weight | 238 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 design delivers smooth, linear power with immediate throttle response, but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes using Ferrari 10W-60 to maintain timing chain longevity. Extended warm-up periods are recommended before high-RPM operation to ensure proper oil circulation and bearing protection. Fuel quality (minimum 98 RON) directly impacts knock control and power delivery. The quad-chain system is robust but requires inspection of tensioners and guides per SIB 400.02.004, especially on pre-1994 units. Post-1994 revisions feature improved tensioner materials to reduce wear under thermal cycling.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI) specification (Ferrari SIB 400.02.004). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 and API SL.
Emissions: Euro 2 applies to all 1992–1996 models (VCA/FER/3456). No Euro 3 compliance for this engine family.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across GT and GTC variants per Ferrari TIS FT-4421.
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FT-4421, FT-4440, FT-4450, SIB 400.02.004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/FER/3456)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ferrari Tipo 052 was used across Ferrari's front-mid-engined platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed applications. This engine received minor calibration updates between the 456 GT and GTC models, and from 1994 the introduction of revised timing chain components created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the front mounting flange (Ferrari TIS FT-4405). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for Tipo 052 series). 456 GT (1992–1993) models feature a silver intake manifold; GTC models (1993–1996) have a black composite manifold with revised runner length. Critical differentiation: All Tipo 052 engines are interference designs with front-mounted timing chains. Service parts require model and production date verification—timing kits for pre-1994 units are not compatible with post-1994 engines due to tensioner redesign (Ferrari SIB 400.02.004).
The Tipo 052's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear under sustained high-load operation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal Ferrari service reports from 1995 noted a subset of pre-1994 units requiring tensioner replacement before 80,000 km when service intervals were extended, while VCA field data confirms lambda sensor degradation in high-temperature environments. Extended idling and low-octane fuel increase stress on the valvetrain and knock sensors, making service interval adherence and premium fuel use critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1992–1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-052.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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