Although also known for supplying engines to other brands of the former FIAT group, such as Alfa Romeo or Maserati, the truth is that Ferrari engines are not something that abounds out there; on the contrary, they practically only appear with the rest of the car attached!
However, this time, the case changes (a lot!), with auctioneer RM Sotheby’s announcing that it will auction not a Ferrari 458 Italia, but the engine used in this model — a 4.5 liter naturally aspirated V8, with 570 hp and 540 Nm of torque.
To make things even more interesting, it should be noted that the block in question has never been used, that is, it is in a completely new state. Why? Because it is a unit built with the sole and simple purpose of being exposed.
And if you're already thinking that, after all, the mountain gave birth to a mouse, and that the engine in question is just a model or toy, you're wrong! Because, according to Sotheby's, the thruster has all the components and is fully operational. Which leads to believe that, whoever buys it, can take it off the display and install it… in whatever way they want!
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One of the last of a distinguished lineage
Also in favor of this engine, the fact that it is one of the last examples of a long lineage of naturally aspirated V8s — would even appear the most special V8 of the 458… Speciale. The arrival of the 488 GTB meant the end of the naturally aspirated V8 in Ferrari, debuting a new block at the same time with eight cylinders in a V, but now with a pair of turbochargers.
With 4.5 liters of capacity, the V8 in question has direct injection, four valves per cylinder — 32 valves in total —, variable valve timing and dual camshafts. Solutions that, among other arguments, allow you to announce performances that go through 325 km/h of maximum speed, as well as accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h in no more than 3.4 seconds; this, of course, as long as the bodywork it is mounted on is a Ferrari 458 Italia…
Auction takes place within a month
If you are already imagining everything you can do with an engine like this, just two more facts: the auctioneer does not advance any base bid amount for this V8 and the auction will take place on May 12, 2018, in Monaco .
However, any bid can also be made through the official RM Sotheby's website.