Ferrari 458 Italia powerplant is 2011's Best Performance Engine

Lovers of the Prancing Horse rejoiced in unison when Ferrari’s latest mid-engined sportscar was launched, and validation of just how fantastic the 4.5-litre V8 engine that powers the car is, came from the car picking up not just the award in its own large-displacement category, but also taking home the Best Performance Engine of the Year award.

The last time Ferrari won an award for its engine was way back in 2001, when the 5.5-litre V12 that powered the 550 Maranello Grand Tourer was launched. Since then, various new performance engines have taken the award home – most recent was the German muscle 6.3-litre V8 that propels the Mercedes-Benz AMG cars. This year’s competition for the Performance Engine of the Year was tough too, with the likes of the 3.8-litre V8 from the McLaren MP4-12C and Porsche’s 3.8-litre Boxer six that is seen on the new 911 GT3 RS.

What sealed the award in the Ferrari’s favour was the high level of technology packed into the sweet Italian V8, which is superfluous with an output of 562bhp but remains emissions-conscious at 312 g/km of carbon emissions. Most of this is thanks to the race-inspired high compression ratio, and use of direct petrol injection. Oh, and did we mention that almost all of the judges voted this as one of the most responsive and sweet sounding mill ever made? Well, performance of the year, indeed – and for more years to come hopefully.