The Ferrari Tipo 315 is a 3,494 cc, 75° V12, naturally aspirated racing engine developed for Formula One competition during the 1994 and 1995 seasons. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), five valves per cylinder (three inlet, two exhaust), and Lucas electronic fuel injection, producing approximately 588 kW (800 PS) at 15,800 rpm. The high-revving architecture enabled exceptional power density and throttle response, critical for circuit performance.
Fitted to the Ferrari 412 T1 and 412 T2 chassis, the Tipo 315 was engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and chassis integration. The narrow 75° V12 configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity and tighter sidepod packaging, enhancing downforce and cooling efficiency. Emissions compliance is not applicable as a racing engine, but the design adhered to FIA Formula One Technical Regulations (1994 Edition), including fuel flow and noise limits.
One documented evolution was the transition from the Tipo 043 to the Tipo 315, which included revised cylinder head porting and a new intake plenum to improve high-RPM airflow. This update, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Report FR-94-06, contributed to improved power delivery across the rev range. The engine also received internal balancing revisions to withstand sustained operation above 15,000 rpm, a requirement under the 1994 FIA engine durability rules.
Production years 1994–1995 comply with FIA Formula One Technical Regulations (1994–1995 Editions) (FIA Doc. F1/TECH/1994).
The Ferrari Tipo 315 is a 3,494 cc 75° V12 racing engine engineered for Formula One competition (1994–1995). It combines DOHC, five-valve heads with Lucas EFI to deliver extreme high-revving performance. Designed to meet FIA 3.5L naturally aspirated regulations, it prioritizes power output and chassis integration over longevity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,494 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 75° V12, DOHC, 60-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 48.4 mm | |
| Power output | 588 kW (800 PS) @ 15,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 14,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection (Lucas ECU) | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (racing engine) | |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Racing-grade synthetic (Shell 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The high-revving V12 layout delivers extreme power ideal for Formula One but demands rebuilds every 800–1,000 km due to stress on rotating components. Correct oiling and cooling are critical to prevent bearing and piston failures under sustained high loads. The narrow 75° V12 configuration enhances chassis stiffness and aerodynamic efficiency. Fuel mixture and ignition timing require constant adjustment based on track conditions and ambient temperature. The engine's design prioritizes performance over longevity, with typical rebuild intervals of every 800–1,000 km. Post-season analysis (Ferrari Engineering Report FR-94-06) confirmed the design's success in achieving competitive balance and reliability within the 1994–1995 championship.
Oil Specs: Requires high-temperature synthetic racing oil (Ferrari Team Technical Bulletin 1994/11). Mineral oils not used in period.
Emissions: Not applicable to racing engines. Compliance governed by FIA noise and fuel flow regulations (FIA Doc. F1/TECH/1994).
Power Ratings: Measured on chassis dynamometer under FIA supervision. Output varies with fuel blend and atmospheric conditions (SAE Paper 950018).
Ferrari Historical Archive: Docs FA-T315-001, FR-94-06
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): Formula One Technical Regulations 1994–1995
SAE International: Paper 950018 - 'High-Performance V12 Racing Engine Design'
Ferrari Team Technical Bulletins (1994–1995 Season)
The Ferrari Tipo 315 was used exclusively in the Ferrari 412 T1 and 412 T2 Formula One chassis with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received race-specific adaptations-tuned intake manifolds and exhaust systems for each Grand Prix circuit-and from mid-1995, minor ECU revisions improved throttle mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the rear of the engine block near the gearbox flange (Ferrari TIS FA-T315-001). The chassis number is linked directly to the engine serial number in official race records. Pre-1995 units have a magnesium alloy block with exposed camshaft housings; 1995 units feature minor casting revisions. Critical differentiation from Tipo 043: Tipo 315 uses a 75° V12 configuration versus Tipo 043's 65° layout. Service parts require exact race-date matching - cylinder heads and fuel injection components from early 1994 races are not compatible with late-season units due to port and calibration changes (Ferrari Team Bulletin 1994/12).
The Tipo 315's primary reliability risk is connecting rod fatigue under sustained high RPM, with elevated incidence in endurance circuits. Internal Ferrari race logs from 1995 noted several retirements due to rod failure, while FIA post-race inspections identified oiling inconsistencies in early builds. High engine load and thermal cycling make precise assembly and oil pressure management critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1994–1995) and FIA race inspection reports (1994–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO315.
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