The new V8 has drawn heavily on F1 technology with its short block, integrated dry-sump pump and small clearances between the crank and the bottom of the sump. 'It is clear,' says Rioli, 'that this activity will be applied to Ferrari engines.'

The next Ferrari V8 could share the same bore-centres as the new Maserati engine which started development in 1996. Internal dimensions are in proportion to the existing 3.5-litre, 90 degree V8 of the 360 Modena engine which has a bore of 79mm compared to 80mm for the Maserati. Producing a shorter stroke 3.5-litre version would therefore be relatively simple but the engine characteristics will probably remain quite different. In a classic GT car like the Maserati, the emphasis is on torque, the 4.2-litre V8 developing 333lb ft at 4500rpm.

The current Ferrari engine is smaller and more peaky, producing 400bhp at 8000rpm and 276lb ft at 4750rpm. As a result, next- generation Ferrari engines are likely to stick with deep-breathing five-valves-per-cylinder heads rather than the four valves of the Maserati.

Ferrari is researching direct injection but Rioli claims that supercharging isn't an option. 'I think supercharging will end fairly soon,' he says, 'as efficiency is lower than with turbochargers.' But Ferrari is unlikely to return to turbos either, at least in the near future: 'You have to drop the compression ratio significantly and you lose efficiency.' However, turbocharging may one day be considered in conjunction with direct injection, which would allow a higher compression ratio off-boost. If the trend towards ever higher ouputs continues, Ferrari is ready to consider all options.