The Engine - Ferrari 499P Le Mans

The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) on the 499P

Power – The internal combustion engine (ICE) is capable of delivering a maximum power output at the wheels of some 500 kW (680 hp) which, when added to the 200 kW (272 hp) guaranteed by the electric unit, enables the Ferrari 499P’s Power Unit to have around 1000bhp.

Knowledge – The Ferrari 499P that won the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans, is a race car that brings onto the track several technologies that represent cutting edge development. The internal combustion engine which is made up of around 500 components is part of a new V6 platform developed for road cars first, and then for race cars. The key aim on the 499P engine design was to ensure that the components added were extremely light weight using materials that would allow for the best relationship between strength and lightness.

With the FIA WEC’s regulations, power delivery is limited at any one time to 500kW overall. With the four wheel drive activated, performance is very much maximised on the car during a race.

‘HOT V’ setup – the 499P features a 3 litre, six cylinder, 120 degree banked engine with turbochargers arranged with the two banks. The engine within the 499P is a load-bearing engine which means it is an essential part of the vehicle chassis setup.

For more information on the Ferrari 499P innovation and design cues, have a look at the About section of this site.