Ferrari wants to revolutionize the V12 with an idea from elsewhere—And no one saw it coming…
Are combustion engines doomed to disappear in the face of electrification? Ferrari doesn’t seem to think so. The legendary automaker is working on a rather unexpected project: oval pistons. This innovation could allow the brand to make its future engines more compact, especially to integrate hybrid systems more efficiently without significantly increasing the size of the block. And that’s not the only surprise hidden in this patent recently filed by the Prancing Horse.
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Ferrari’s patent for oval pistons
Traditionally, pistons are round, which makes it easier to maintain a proper seal and smooth movement inside the cylinder. Ferrari, however, is imagining a very different approach: stadium-shaped pistons—longer than they are wide, with rounded ends. The goal? To optimize engine bay space. By positioning these pistons perpendicular to the crankshaft, Ferrari could shorten the overall engine length without reducing displacement. And considering the brand’s commitment to keeping its iconic V12 alive while incorporating increasingly complex hybrid systems, this idea makes perfect sense.
A new take on connecting rods
Another surprising detail in Ferrari’s patent concerns the connecting rods—the components linking the pistons to the crankshaft. Instead of a traditional setup where each piston has its own separate connecting rod attached to the crankshaft, Ferrari envisions a system where the rods are linked together. Essentially, the bearing cap of one connecting rod would be formed by the base of the opposite rod, with a flexible joint allowing movement. The advantage? A reduction in engine size and potentially improved mechanical efficiency by decreasing the weight of moving parts.
A first that’s not really a first
Ferrari isn’t the first manufacturer to experiment with rethinking piston design. In the 1970s, Honda tested a similar concept in Grand Prix motorcycle racing with the NR500, a V4 engine featuring oval pistons. The goal was to fit eight valves per cylinder to improve airflow and performance. However, technical challenges—especially sealing issues—led Honda to abandon the concept in competition. Still, the technology showed enough promise that Honda later released a road-going version, the NR750, in the early 1990s.
Hybrid future for the V12?
Why is Ferrari taking this gamble now? The answer likely lies in the brand’s next generation of hypercars. The LaFerrari already introduced hybridization to Ferrari’s supercar lineup, but its V12 wasn’t specifically optimized for that architecture. With this new technology, Ferrari could design a more compact engine that’s better suited for advanced hybrid systems while preserving the mechanical purity of a 12-cylinder powertrain. Given the current trends, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this system appear in future models like the 12Cilindri or even the Purosangue. While Ferrari’s the new F80 now features a twin-turbo V6 hybrid similar to its endurance race cars, Ferrari remains committed to preserving the V12, which has been at the core of its heritage and identity from the very beginning.
This article explores Ferrari’s innovative strategy with its patent for oval pistons and linked connecting rods. By reducing engine size without compromising performance, the Italian automaker is preparing its future models for hybridization while staying true to its DNA. The big question now is whether this radical idea will make it to production and power the Ferraris of tomorrow.
