Ferrari Developing 4-Cylinder Performance Engine

Ferrari SpA has filed a patent application in Europe for an advanced 4-cylinder engine with an electrically operated turbocharger, AutoGuide reports.

The engine features an exhaust-driven turbine that spins a generator, similar to the MGU-H (motor-generator unit-heat) setup used in Formula One cars. The generated electricity powers an electric motor that drives an electrically assisted compressor in the engine’s intake manifold. The system, which forces more air into the engine, virtually eliminates turbo lag while boosting power, according to Ferrari’s patent.

Ferrari says the system also can be used to generate a throatier engine sound by precisely controlling the speed of the turbine wheel.

The supercar maker previously used a range of 4-cylinder engines in some of its race cars in the 1950s. But AutoGuide speculates that the new four-bangers under development may be intended for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles.