The International Engine of The Year awards have a special class devoted to the all-out performance engine and this year, the trophy went to a prancing horse. The engine that can be seen under the beautiful rear hatch of the 458 Italia was hands-down rated number one by a jury of automotive journalists.
The 4.5 liter DOHC V8 is an all alluminum design with direct injection and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. That is enough to make a staggering 562 horsepower at a spine-tingling 9,000 rpms. That number is extremely impressive considering the 458’s engine is naturally aspirated and at 4.5 liters, isn’t that large. That number gives the 458 125 horsepower per liter.
Another factor that was taken into account to award the 458 best perfomance engine is it’s soundtrack. “One of the best sounding engines out there,” commented Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the Awards.
