Ferrari files patent for a V-twin engine

In other interesting news, Ferrari has applied for a patent for ‘an internal combustion engine having two cylinders, which are arranged in V configuration’. Yep, you read that right. Ferrari is planning to build a V-twin motor. While the Italian exotic car manufacturer has never been averse to different engine configurations — the Testarossa had a flat-12 engine, and in recent times Ferrari has explored the hybrid arena with the 950bhp LaFerrari. What interests us is the number of cylinders-or rather the lack of it and the possible applications for what might possibly be the smallest engine in the range.

The way we see it, Ferrari has two ways to go with the V-twin on their hands. Option one, would be a small car with a possible hybrid powertrain, around the size of the BMW i3. But the future for a small car coming from an exotic car manufacturer does look a little dicey (remember the ill-fated Aston Martin Cygnet).

Option two, would be a low volume-high performance motorcycle. As it stands, V-twin engines are the flavour of the moment for limited production exotics, case-in-point Confedrate motorcycles, Lotus, and most recent, the Ronin 47. There is definitely a niche for a low-volume, high-cost bespoke motorcycle from an equally hallowed marque. And who doesn’t like Italian?