Ferrari’s New 12Cilindri: A Pricey Addition to the Lineup
Ferrari has announced that its new 12Cilindri will be one of the most expensive series production cars in the company’s history, with a base price of £336,500 in the UK. However, with various options and customizations, the price can easily exceed £400,000. The convertible version, known as the 12Cilindri Spider, adds an additional £30,000 to the list price, making it one of the most expensive convertibles on the market.
Customers have the option to further personalize their 12Cilindri by choosing the color of the brake calipers, tinting the rear windows, adding ventilated and massaging front seats, and swapping various interior and exterior trim pieces for carbon fiber alternatives. Additionally, Ferrari offers a Personalization Pack, allowing owners to specify bespoke colors and materials for different surfaces, at an additional cost of £14,074. Opting for a special exterior color on demand is the most expensive option, adding £39,624 to the price.
Despite the high price tag, Ferrari is offering a four-year warranty in the UK, compared to three years in other markets, and will cover routine servicing for the first seven years of the car’s life. The first deliveries of the 12Cilindri are expected to begin early next year in the UK.
Fierce Rivalry: Aston Martin’s New Vanquish
Shortly after Ferrari unveiled the 12Cilindri, Aston Martin introduced its direct competitor, the new Vanquish. Powered by an 824bhp V12 engine, the Vanquish aims to compete with Ferrari’s latest offering in terms of performance and power. While the technical differences between the two cars lie in the turbocharging of Aston Martin’s V12, the Ferrari 12Cilindri remains the most powerful naturally aspirated car produced by the Italian automaker.
The introduction of the Vanquish showcases the fierce rivalry between Ferrari and Aston Martin, with both companies vying for the top spot in the luxury sports car market. Each brand brings its own unique design language and technological advancements to create a compelling choice for enthusiasts.
Design: A New Era for Ferrari
The 12Cilindri marks the beginning of a new era for Ferrari, both in terms of design and technology. According to Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, the 12Cilindri represents a departure from previous generations and introduces a new design philosophy. While retaining iconic Ferrari features such as a low, probing bonnet and muscular haunches, the 12Cilindri incorporates a sharp wraparound band at the front, reminiscent of the legendary Ferrari 365 GTB/4.
The focus on visual drama is evident throughout the car’s design, with features such as a backward-opening bonnet, unfinished carbon fiber body elements, and larger wheels for a more purposeful stance. At the rear, integrated flaps enhance downforce at high speeds while maintaining a clean look when stationary. The overall design philosophy emphasizes Ferrari’s commitment to form following function, avoiding unnecessary or fake elements.
Pure Power: The V12 Engine
Under the hood, the 12Cilindri boasts a powerful and refined V12 engine. With outputs boosted to 819bhp and 500lb ft of torque, the ‘F140HD’ V12 propels the car from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 211mph. Ferrari has made significant enhancements to the engine, including lighter pistons, camshafts, and conrods, resulting in a higher redline of 9500rpm.
Despite the growing interest in electrification and tightening emission regulations, Ferrari remains committed to its V12 engine. The company’s chief product development officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, stated that Ferrari believes in the possibility of keeping the engine alive, even in a changing regulatory landscape. The 12Cilindri represents Ferrari’s dedication to maintaining the V12’s performance and meeting emissions standards.
Agility and Performance: Chassis and Technology
The 12Cilindri features a reduced wheelbase of 2700mm, resulting in increased agility and responsiveness compared to its predecessor, the 812 Superfast. Rear-wheel steering comes as standard, enhancing cornering behavior and stability. The car also benefits from newly developed tires from Michelin and Goodyear, optimizing traction and performance.
Ferrari has prioritized structural stiffness, increasing torsional stiffness by up to 15% through chassis refinements. The introduction of brake-by-wire technology and an ABS-Evo system further enhances braking performance and control. Ferrari’s Side Slip Control technology ensures maximum traction and performance in all conditions.
While the 12Cilindri weighs approximately 35kg more than the 812 Superfast, the additional weight is offset by the car’s increased performance. Ferrari aimed to create a well-rounded vehicle, offering both elegance and versatility without compromising on performance.
A Luxurious and Technologically Advanced Interior
The interior of the 12Cilindri reflects Ferrari’s commitment to luxury and technology. The cabin features a near-symmetrical layout, with separate driver and passenger “cockpits” and individual digital displays. A central infotainment touchscreen, equipped with an anti-fingerprint protective layer, provides access to third-party mapping apps via smartphone mirroring.
The steering wheel incorporates capacitive controls and a manettino drive mode selector. The center console features physical switches reminiscent of Ferrari’s old open-gate manual gear selector, adding a touch of nostalgia and technical elegance to the interior.
The 12Cilindri Coupe comes with a panoramic glass roof as standard, while the Spider version offers a retractable top that can be operated at speeds of up to 28mph. The convertible design does result in a 100-liter reduction in boot space.
Overall, the 12Cilindri represents Ferrari’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design, performance, and technology. With its eye-catching design, powerful V12 engine, and advanced chassis and technology, the 12Cilindri offers a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts who demand the best from a luxury sports car.
Author: Felix Page, Deputy Editor