The Ferrari Tipo F163 is a 5,748 cc, 65° V12 naturally aspirated engine produced between 2002 and 2012. It features a DOHC valvetrain with four valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic ME7.3 engine management, delivering 380 kW (517 PS) at 7,250 rpm and 590 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. This high-capacity V12 was engineered for flagship grand touring performance, combining refined power delivery with Ferrari’s signature acoustic character.
Installed in the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB Fiorano, the Tipo F163 was designed as a front-mounted, longitudinally oriented powerplant for Ferrari’s premium GT lineup. It met Euro 4 emissions standards through precise fuel metering, variable valve timing (VVT), and dual three-way catalytic converters, enabling compliance across European markets. The engine's compact 65° V-angle allowed for a lower hood line and improved weight distribution, enhancing both aesthetics and handling dynamics.
One documented update occurred in 2006 with the introduction of the 599 GTB Fiorano, which utilized the Tipo F163 but incorporated revised intake manifolding, increased compression ratio, and new cylinder heads to raise output to 456 kW (620 PS). This evolution, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin EB-F163-2005-12, included structural reinforcements and a dry-sump lubrication system for track use. The 612 Scaglietti continued with the original 5.7L configuration until 2011, when it was discontinued.
All production years 2002–2011 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4215).
The Ferrari Tipo F163 is a 5,748 cc 65° V12 engineered for grand touring applications (2002–2012). It combines naturally aspirated design with DOHC valvetrain and Bosch Motronic ME7.3 engine management to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances performance with daily usability in the 612 and 599 platforms.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,748 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 65° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 380–456 kW (517–620 PS) @ 7,250–7,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 590–608 Nm @ 5,250–7,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.3 (sequential multi-point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 (612), 11.2:1 (599) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual overhead camshafts, chain-driven (double-row) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40 (Ferrari Class 2, API SM/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 245 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 provides smooth, predictable power ideal for grand touring but requires adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil change intervals to maintain valvetrain longevity. Ferrari Class 2 (5W-40) oil is essential due to high-shear stability and protection under sustained load. Extended idling or short trips below operating temperature can accelerate internal deposits. Fuel quality of at least 98 RON is required to prevent knock and maintain combustion efficiency. The double-row timing chain is robust but should be inspected for stretch and tensioner wear beyond 80,000 km. 599 GTB units benefit from dry-sump upgrades and revised piston rings per Ferrari SIB 06 08 05 to support higher cylinder pressure.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari Class 2 5W-40 specification (Ferrari SIB 02 05 01). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all models (2002–2011) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4215).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 456 kW output requires 98 RON fuel and dry-sump lubrication (Ferrari TIS Doc. F163-POWER-01).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F163-TECH-001, F163-TIMING-01, SIB 02 05 01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4215)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ferrari Tipo F163 was used across Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB Fiorano platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake tuning and compression ratio for grand touring in the 612 and high-flow heads with dry-sump in the 599-and from 2006 the 599 GTB revision introduced higher output and revised ECU mapping, 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 front mount (Ferrari TIS F163-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for Tipo F163 series). The 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB share the same engine family but differ in tuning and internal components. The 599 GTB uses a dry-sump system, revised intake manifold, and higher-compression pistons. Service parts require model and production date verification – pistons, heads, and ECUs are not interchangeable between 612 and 599 due to bore and compression differences (Ferrari SIB 06 08 05).
The Tipo F163's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear in high-mileage applications, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Ferrari service data from 2013 reported timing-related faults in approximately 7% of pre-2006 units beyond 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a notable rise in emissions failures linked to oxygen sensor degradation in high-heat zones. Sustained high-RPM operation and delayed maintenance increase stress on guides and sensors, making oil quality and timely inspections critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2002-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-F163.
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