A Granturismo boat powered by a Ferrari [NYSE:RACE] F430 V8 engine has established two new world water speed records on Lake Como in Italy. At the helm was Eugenio Molinari, who navigated the boat in two separate categories, managing the fastest average speeds for the running kilometer both times. In the 1,100kg weight division, Molinari managed an average speed of 123.3km/h. For the heavier 1,450kg class, the boat needed to be weighed down with ballast but still managed an average speed of 122km/h.
The boat was running a production version of the 4.3L V8 engine from the Ferrari F430, but with slight modifications to enable it to be used on water. Displacing exactly 4308cc, the mid-mounted engine develops 490bhp at a lofty 8,500rpm with max torque of 465Nm at 5,250rpm.
At the end of the event, 71 year old Molinari dedicated the achievement to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo and the brand’s 60th anniversary.
Ferrari engines have been used to power boats as early as 1953, when a 375 F1 engine was fitted to a watercraft. Main rival Lamborghini is another manufacturer that boat developers consider when choosing a powerplant for their creations.
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