Ferrari has just filed a patent for an engine unlike anything we’ve seen before
- Ferrari has submitted a patent for a radical engine design
- The new engine features an innovative piston arrangement
- It could be a move to retain combustion power in its supercars
Published on Mar 14, 2025 at 11:37 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 14, 2025 at 11:38 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Ferrari has filed an interesting patent for an engine unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
The Italian supercar maker is recognized for being at the forefront of engine development, and this new patent is no exception.
The plan calls for a smaller powertrain than we currently have and redesigned pistons that could increase the power of their supercars.
It’s one way Ferrari could ensure we can all have internal combustion-powered supercars long into the world of electrics and hybrids.
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What makes the new Ferrari engine patent so special
The new patent has revealed a smaller, more tightly packaged engine featuring new oblong-shaped pistons.
Those new cylinders differ from the traditional round ones seen in pretty much every other engine throughout history.
Don’t get confused into thinking they are like those from Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine, as they differ even from that.
The oval pistons could lower friction within the engine and combustion chambers, which could improve a supercars efficiency and power.
Ferrari would be keen to see both of those things happen.
Its staple product is fast, loud, and exciting performance cars, and it won’t want to lose them to the electric revolution.
The patent reveals the cylinders look like a top-down view of a NASCAR oval circuit, which adds to their strange design.
Oblong-shaped pistons are not a new design
This isn’t the first time oblong pistons have been used inside a combustion engine.
Mazda’s Wankel rotaries had similar-shaped pistons, while Honda has also tried oval pistons in the past.
It did this as it tried to push the boundaries of its Formula 1 engine, and it even briefly utilized the technology inside its motorcycles.
While Ferrari’s pistons look quite short, Honda instead wanted to use very long oval-shaped pistons.
That would mean they could fit eight valves in every cylinder instead of the usual four.
That effectively created a radical motorcycle with four pistons, creating a V8.
It will be a massive challenge for Ferrari to perfect this technology, should they push ahead with their design.
However, if any manufacturer can make this work, it’s Ferrari.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
