Ferrari 12Cilindri – A Closer Look

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In accordance with the Ferrari LaFerrariThe new Ferrari 12Cilindri has a rather unique name and shares a very similar and self-explanatory nomenclature. Honorably referred to as Twelve cylinders—anglicized as Twelve cylinders—As the name suggests, it is Ferrari’s latest example of the car manufacturer’s signature 6.5-liter V12 engine.

For marketing reasons – and because it fits better on a badge – this name was shortened to the more common form: ’12 cylinders’. The same simplicity is also reflected in the general automotive philosophy of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, with the exotic minimalism of its Naturally aspirated engine with 820 hp at the center of his identity.

A literal 12-cylinder and yet so much more

It was never Ferrari’s intention to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, and enthusiastic Ferrari fans will quickly point out glaring similarities to its predecessor – the Ferrari 812 Superfast– and his own version of the venerable F140 V12 engineBoth have the same displacement of 6,496 cc and put out roughly the same power, with the 12-cylinder engine producing more horsepower but less torque.

The most notable development between the two platforms is one of character rather than peaking. The 12Cilindri’s V12 extends its rev limit to an astronomical 9,500rpm – a solid 1,000rpm more than the Super Grand Tourer that succeeds it. Likewise, the new car produces those peaks further up the rev range, which, despite the other similarities between the two cars, is sure to provide a transformative driving experience.

Performance & Drive

More on that big V12 engine – and what a beautiful specimen it is. A bit of drama is also part of the package, with the 6.5-litre engine mounted further behind the front axle than in the 812 Superfast. This allows the engine in the 12Cilindri to be presented with even more wow factor, as it is under a breathtaking ‘Kofango’ Engine Hood.

Ferrari has been absolutely right about staying true to the original philosophy of the F140 engine. The spirit of its naturally aspirated engine remains fully intact, with the Italian automaker eschewing any hybridization – or even the installation of turbochargers – which is currently the default setting in order to comply with the latest emissions regulations and the like.

The higher Speed limit at 9,500 rpm is a real pleasure to listen to and thanks to lighter titanium connecting rods and forged pistons, drivers can take part in this special Italian symphony. Taking all the changes into account, the 12Cilindri is slightly more torquey than its predecessor, with 500 lb-ft maximum torque generated at 7,250 rpm (instead of 530 lb-ft in the 812 Superfast).

However, this is all just semantics. Ferrari claims that Most torque is available from 2,500 rpmwhich means you don’t have to be constantly on edge to make practical use of the car’s power. There’s plenty of that, of course, and coupled with 820bhp of peak power – generated at 9,250rpm – 0-60mph sprints can be completed in just 2.8 seconds. Top speed is claimed at 217mph. Not bad for an NA engine, but then again… it’s a Ferrari, mate.

In keeping with the overall purity of the engine itself, a Updated 8-speed dual clutch transmission In this latest interpretation of the Prancing Horse’s super grand touring masterpiece, power continues to be sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Ferrari claims that it switches 30% faster than the previous car.

Handling and chassis

Ferrari claims the chassis is now 15% stiffer compared to the 812 Superfast. Considering that the 12Cilindri is not a track-focused tool, this improvement provides more precise handling, complementing the refined characteristics for which the latest supertourer will probably become best known.

The entire chassis is still made of aluminum, so the 12Cilindri remains relatively light considering its dimensions and overall sales. Admittedly, it weighs more than the 812 Superfast, Weight approx. 1,560 kg. That represents a weight increase of about 35 kg, largely due to the larger 21-inch wheels, larger bonnet and active aerodynamics. With that in mind, I challenge anyone to name a notable sports car model that is lighter And an improvement over its direct predecessor.

Most of the suspension and chassis technology from the 812 Superfast has been transferred to the 12Cilindri, although features such as rear-wheel steering and brake-by-wire have been recoded for use on the new platform. With the active aerodynamic parts in use, up to An additional 50 kg of downforce is generated at the rear. This is hardly a complex design by today’s standards, but a Ferrari super tourer is always expected to have an acceptable level of practicality, so a huge wing was never an option.

Overall, the driving experience will most likely be exactly what you’d expect from a car like this – and in a true Ferrari super tourer, that never hurts. It’s comfortable and refined around town, and a performance maestro when the opportunity demands the very best from this uncompromising Italian V12.

Design & Interior

Ferrari’s modern line of supertourers has always been exceptionally bold in its design language – but never vulgar – and it’s clear that the new 12Cilindri isn’t far from that pedigree.

You could probably say that it is the most radical design to date and that Ferrari has taken more liberties than usual to express itself with this car. However, this is more because it is strikingly retro, with key design features based on the famous Ferrari of the past. Attentive enthusiasts will immediately notice a redesigned headlight and a new hood design that clearly from the 60s Ferrari 365 Daytona.

In line with other modern Ferrari models, the 12Cilindri is all about minimalist futurism when it comes to the cabin. This means a wealth of digital touchscreens and the absence of traditionally tactile buttons. The idea is to achieve a certain standard of cleanliness and rigor, in some cases even at the expense of sensitivity – ergo, the constant need to wipe away annoying fingerprints.

Still, I think it all fits in with both what the new super tourer is about and Ferrari’s contemporary brand and philosophy. Finally, there are still plenty of nods to the company’s heritage through the use of familiar finishes and decorative design options for the interior. Inside and out, the new Ferrari 12Cilindri definitely looks the way it should.

Prices and availability

There is no official announcement yet regarding pricing for US customers, but based on current exchange rates, starting prices are expected to be around 440,000 USD for the coupe And 470,000 USD the spider which will be available for purchase and delivery later this year.

Yes, you heard right. The convertible version of the 12Cilindri will be available from the start, unlike the more traditional route that sees Ferrari launch it a few months after the debut of the fixed-roof version. The former is equipped with a motorized hardtop mechanism that takes about 14 seconds to deploy and retract.

Verdict

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You can never get tired of staring at a beautiful Ferrari super tourer, and just when you think you might, they’ve already built a newer, bolder, better model. It’s easy to forget just how incredible the performance of the new Ferrari 12Cilindri is, and since it’s not recognized at any level as a track-focused supercar, it can easily fly under the radar.

But that’s the point, I guess. Although the 12Cilindri has 820bhp on tap from its mighty F140 V12 engine, it exudes class rather than pep. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t outshine most cars on an enthusiastic drive along the back roads if its driver accidentally runs late for his next start time…

Stay tuned for our next review when the car is in the hands of automotive journalists.