Ferrari ‘patents V-twin engine’

FERRARI has patented a V-twin engine, according to British automotive publication Autocar.The move throws up tantalising possibilities, including the chance of a Ferrari motorcycle to challenge the likes of Ducati, or perhaps a twin-cylinder lightweight sports car like the revolutionary Volkswagen XL Sports unveiled overnight on the eve of the Paris motor show.

In the VW case, the XL Sports is powered by a 147kW 1200cc Ducati 1199 Superleggera engine, regarded as the world’s most powerful mass-produced twin-cylinder motorcycle powerplant (see separate story).

Ducati is now owned by Audi, which in turn is part of the giant VW Group – the main rival of Ferrari parent company Fiat Chrysler.

Autocar reports that the Ferrari patent documents show the engine installed in a cruiser-style motorcycle, but adds: “This may purely be for demonstrative purposes.”“Ferrari's patent also explores the vibrational forces in a V-twin engine and describes how the crankshaft could be balanced to negate them,” Autocar reports.

“Doing so would avoid the need to use balancing shafts, which have several drawbacks including packaging and weight compromises.”Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who recently replaced Luca Montezemolo as Ferrari chairman, reportedly is keen for Ferrari to milk its brand with new products.

There is no guarantee that the engine design will lead to a production vehicle of any description, but clearly engineers at the Prancing Horse brand have been putting some brain power to the project.

In parallel with the patent lodgement, Ferrari also has made a trademark application for the name Cavallino – Italian for pony – with documents indicating it is for use on a vehicle.