Ferrari’s New Flagship GT Car: The 12Cilindri
Ferrari recently unveiled its latest flagship GT car, the 12Cilindri, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history. The car, revealed on the sidelines of the Miami Grand Prix to celebrate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the US, is the most powerful pure-combustion vehicle the Italian automaker has ever produced. Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, described the 12Cilindri as opening a new chapter in Ferrari history.
The 12Cilindri succeeds the 812 Superfast and brings with it increased power, a bold new design language, and several new technologies. Notably, Ferrari has chosen to stick with its 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, despite investing heavily in making it compliant with new emissions regulations. Galliera explained that the engine is already compliant with Euro 6e emission standards, allowing Ferrari to continue selling the car worldwide.
The design of the 12Cilindri represents a departure from previous generations, particularly the 812 Competizione. Ferrari’s chief design officer, Flavio Manzoni, stated that the goal was to create a cohesive whole that integrates technical devices and aerodynamic needs into a clear vision. The car features a sharp wraparound band at the front, reminiscent of the legendary Ferrari 365 GTB/4 from 1968. However, Manzoni emphasized that this design choice was not a nostalgic approach but rather a forward-thinking one.
The 12Cilindri boasts an impressive powertrain, with its V12 engine producing 819bhp and 500lb ft of torque. This power allows the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of over 211mph. Ferrari has made several enhancements to the engine, including lighter pistons, a lighter camshaft, and shorter manifold tracts, enabling a higher redline of 9500rpm.
In terms of chassis and handling, the 12Cilindri features a 20mm reduction in wheelbase compared to the 812 Superfast, resulting in increased agility and responsiveness. Rear-wheel steering comes as standard, enhancing cornering behavior and straight-line stability. The car also benefits from newly developed tires from Michelin and Goodyear. Torsional stiffness has been increased by up to 15%, and the introduction of brake-by-wire technology allows for varying brake force across all four wheels.
Despite these enhancements, the 12Cilindri weighs around 35kg more than its predecessor. Ferrari’s chief product development officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, explained that this increase in weight was necessary to create a versatile car that combines elegance, comfort, and performance. The interior of the 12Cilindri is designed with a near-symmetrical layout, featuring separate digital displays for the driver and passenger. The car includes a central infotainment touchscreen and various capacitive controls on the steering wheel.
Overall, the Ferrari 12Cilindri represents a significant step forward for the brand. It showcases Ferrari’s commitment to the V12 engine and its ability to adapt to changing emissions regulations without compromising performance. The car’s bold design, powerful engine, and advanced technology make it a worthy flagship GT car for Ferrari.
