SAY HELLO TO THE FERRARI 12CILINDRI: NEW V12 SUPERCAR BOASTS 819 HP AND 211 MPH TOP SPEED
- The Ferrari 12Cilindri debuts with a mighty 819 horsepower V12 engine, no turbocharging or hybrid boost.
- This supercar packs a punch with 500 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm and redline at 9,500 rpm.
- All-new styling and heavily revised cabin combine with upgraded engine components.
- Pricing for the 12Cilindri is expected to start in the low $400,000 range.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri, which translates to 12Cylinder (spelled dodici-cilindri and pronounced dodi-chi chilin-dri), made its debut tonight with a naturally aspirated engine boasting 819 naturally aspirated horsepower. CarBuzz already unearthed the name in July 2023, as well as one for a car with half as many cylinders. This isn't the first Ferrari V12, but the latest in a long history. This 6.5-liter V12 engine gets the F140HD code, which means it's not all-new, but it delivers 500 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm with a redline at 9,500 rpm - the same limit as the 812 Competizione.
There's no turbocharging nor is there any kind of hybrid boost. Ferrari built this supercar without any electrification. It has modified versions of components found on the 812 Competizione series with a ceramic catalytic converter for the exhaust system, titanium con rods, and lightweight aluminum alloy pistons.
Engineered For Performance
Reducing the weight and inertia of the engine's components ensures it can withstand high revs. Engineers realized a savings of 40% in rotating mass compared to steel components with similar mechanical resistance to those used in the 12Cilindri. In addition, a new exhaust system with a ceramic catalytic converter is paired with new 6-into-1 exhaust manifolds for each cylinder bank, designed to reduce backpressure. On the other side of the engine, the intake tract was also modified for richer sounds.
"Innovative Aspirated Torque Shaping has allowed Maranello engineers to sculpt the torque curve in third and fourth gears using sophisticated electronic control that improves perception of the torque without impinging on acceleration, all to the benefit of driving pleasure. The introduction of new gear ratios furthermore keeps acceleration levels high and allowed the engineers to define a new torque curve shape for an aspirated engine."
- Ferrari
The impressive V12 engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that's mounted at the rear. It shifts 30% faster than the one on the 812. The 12Cilindri posts a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds, according to Ferrari, and hits 124 mph in just 7.9 seconds. Go for the Spider instead of the coupe, and those times are slightly longer, at 2.95 seconds and 8.2 seconds, respectively. Either way, the top speed is 211 mph.
Precise Handling
This 12Cilindri has an all-aluminum chassis with a 20-millimeter smaller wheelbase than the 812 Superfast. It also has greater torsional rigidity by 15%, the four-wheel independent steering system of the 812 Competizione, and the latest optimization of Side Slip Control, a system that enables near-effortless drifts. Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport rubber is available, with each type developed in a new size just for Ferrari: 275/35ZR21 at the front and 315/35ZR21 at the rear. These tires promise greater grip and stability, more comfort, and less noise and rolling resistance.
Exterior Styling
The exterior styling is both forward-thinking and slightly retro, with the band encasing the front lighting units drawing clear inspiration from the 365 GTB/4, better known as the Ferrari Daytona. This motif is repeated in the rear lighting units, while a subtle new design for the quad-exit exhaust system and a completely reshaped front end show that, despite an eye on the past, Ferrari's design is cutting edge, with active aerodynamic flaps hidden within the rear fascia for low-drag and high-downforce configurations.
Ferrari Develops New Exhaust System With Active Aerodynamic Functionality
Ferrari has patented a way around noise laws without compromising emissions, specifically for its V8. Better still, it has an aerodynamic benefit.LED daytime running lights wrap around the front flanks, meeting the fenders where a vent helps reduce aerodynamic pressure. As you'd expect, all the vents are functional and there are several unseen aero aids under the car that improve stability and promise improved cooling efficacy. Speaking of cooling, that glass roof can be adjusted for opacity. Overall, the 12Cilindri strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and novelty, and we think the result is spectacular.
Interior & Pricing
Inside, the new grand tourer has evolved the cabin layout seen on Roma and Purosangue models. Here, that means a 15.6-inch driver display, a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and an 8.8-inch passenger display. A Burmester audio setup with 15 speakers and 1,600 watts of power features Ring Tweeter technology to minimize distortion and a dual-coil subwoofer setup for a 360-degree audio experience. The usual Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging conveniences are offered as standard, as is a seven-year maintenance plan.
This new flagship of the Ferrari lineup is due later this year with an expected base price before options of around €395,000, or over $420,000. The Spider will follow shortly after in late 2024, with a price of €435,000, or roughly $468,000.