Ferrari 550 Barchetta Drivetrain

The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina uses the same 5474cc 65 degree V12 as the 550 Maranello. The engine produces 485bhp at 7000rpm, with a maximum of 420lb-ft of torque on tap at 5000rpm. The cylinder block, cylinder heads and sump are all in light alloy with Nikasil-coated aluminum wet liners. The con rods are in Ti6a14V titanium alloy for maximum reliability at high revs during lengthy high-speed running. The four-valve heads incorporate hydraulic tappets.

Intake:

The design of the inlet and exhaust runners is derived directly from those used on the cylinder heads in Formula 1, providing the optimum balance between volumetric and combustion efficiency. Variable intake geometry helps increase torque and power curves. Ferrari's patented system incorporates a third plenum in the intake manifold which varies the fluid dynamic characteristics. Air is taken in via 12 electropneumatic throttle valves governed by the engine's CPU. This control ensures optimum performance at all engine speeds, guaranteeing excellent torque delivery throughout the rev range.

Transmission:

The 6-speed gearbox is mounted at the rear in unit with the limited-slip differential for ideal weight distribution. The engine is connected rigidly to the gearbox via a steel tube and contains the three-bearing driveshaft that carries drive to the gearbox from the clutch.