Ferrari Patented a Triple-Charged Engine Design

The automaker has proposed a new forced-induction system using one turbocharger and two electric compressors.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring stylized geometric mechanical components including compressors and a central turbine. — Ferrari has filed a patent for a new engine system that integrates two electric compressors and a turbocharger to optimize power output. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ferrari has filed a patent for a novel triple-charged engine design that aims to enhance power delivery and throttle response. The system uses two electric-powered compressors for low RPM performance, supplemented by an exhaust-driven turbocharger as speeds increase.

Why it matters

The design seeks to overcome typical turbo lag by using electric assistance at lower engine speeds to maintain power consistency. This technology represents a significant step in optimizing engine output without sacrificing the responsiveness enthusiasts expect.

The system architecture would likely require at least a 48V electrical network to power the compressors. For performance context, the 4.0-liter 849 Testarossa engine produces 820 horsepower.

The players

Ferrari

Ferrari is a prominent Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance engines and racing heritage.

BMW

BMW is a global automotive manufacturer that previously utilized a three-turbocharger setup in its N57S diesel engine.

The details

The design utilizes a computer-managed system where electric motors drive compressors to provide immediate boost at low revolutions. As the engine RPM climbs, the traditional exhaust-driven turbocharger takes over to sustain high-end power output.

September 2026: CarBuzz reported on the new Ferrari patent.

Roadmap

This innovation signals a broader industry shift toward integrating electrification into traditional combustion systems to meet efficiency and performance targets. By adopting electric-driven compressors, Ferrari continues to compete against rivals by pushing the physical limits of internal combustion.

Future Ferrari models equipped with this technology will likely offer more consistent power delivery across all driving speeds for the owner. Drivers should anticipate that such high-tech induction systems will require more sophisticated electrical infrastructure maintenance compared to older models.

The takeaway

This patent demonstrates that electrification can be used to refine combustion engines rather than just replacing them. Drivers looking for the latest in automotive engineering will likely see these systems integrated into future luxury performance lineups.