The Ferrari Tipo F134 is a 3,902 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2009 and 2019. It features a flat-plane crankshaft, dual overhead camshafts per bank, and variable valve timing, delivering high-revving performance with linear power delivery. In its final application, the engine produced 449 kW (610 PS) in the California T, with peak torque of 755 Nm available at 5,750 rpm.
Fitted to the Ferrari California and California T, the F134 was engineered as a grand tourer powerplant combining refinement with strong mid-range torque and high-end power. It was the last naturally aspirated V8 in Ferrari’s front-mid-engined lineup before being succeeded by the turbocharged F154/F167 series. The engine met Euro 5 and later Euro 6c emissions standards through precise lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and catalytic converters.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing chain tensioners, particularly under high-thermal-load conditions. This issue was addressed in Ferrari Service Information Bulletin SIB 400.02.012 (2015), which introduced revised tensioner materials and updated inspection intervals. Later production units (post-2016) incorporated these changes, reducing incidence of chain-related faults.
Production years 2009–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6c (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/FER/6789).
The Ferrari Tipo F134 is a 3,902 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for front-mid-engined GT applications (2009–2019). It features a flat-plane crankshaft, DOHC valvetrain, and variable valve timing 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 | 3,902 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 70.0 mm | |
| Power output | 402–449 kW (547–610 PS) | |
| Torque | 740–755 Nm @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (150 bar), port injection (secondary) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6c (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled, single-circuit | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (twin-chain, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI), API SM | |
| Dry weight | 205 kg |
The naturally aspirated design and flat-plane crankshaft deliver high-revving performance with immediate throttle response, but demand 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 dual-chain system is robust but requires inspection of tensioners and guides per SIB 400.02.012, especially on pre-2016 units. Post-2016 revisions feature improved tensioner materials to reduce wear under thermal cycling.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI) specification (Ferrari SIB 400.02.012). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 and API SM.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2009–2014 models (VCA/FER/6789). Euro 6c compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 449 kW output in California T achieved via revised intake and valve timing (Ferrari TIS FT-7760).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FT-7721, FT-7740, FT-7750, SIB 400.02.012
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/FER/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ferrari Tipo F134 was used across Ferrari's front-mid-engined platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—higher compression in the California T and revised intake manifolds—and from 2015 the introduction of Euro 6c compliance brought updated EGR and lambda control strategies, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the left-side engine block near the cylinder head (Ferrari TIS FT-7705). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for F134 series). California (2009–2014) models feature a silver intake manifold; California T (2015–2019) units have a black composite manifold with revised runner length. Critical differentiation: F134 in California T includes revised valve timing and higher compression (11.3:1 vs 11.0:1 in early units). Service parts require model and production date verification—timing kits for pre-2015 units are not compatible with post-2015 engines due to tensioner redesign (Ferrari SIB 400.02.012).
The F134's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressively driven vehicles. Internal Ferrari service reports from 2017 noted a subset of pre-2016 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 (2009–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-F134.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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