Ferrari has unleashed its newest marvel, a front-engined grand tourer that pays homage to its beating heart: the naturally-aspirated V12 engine. Dubbed the 12Cilindri, it stands poised to take the mantle from the 812 Superfast in Ferrari's illustrious lineup. This prestigious unveiling took place against the backdrop of Miami Beach, where both Coupe and Spider variants were showcased to an exclusive audience.
Distinctive in appearance, the 12Cilindri diverges from the design cues of its Ferrari brethren. Drawing inspiration from the legendary 365 GTB/4 Daytona, its frontal aspect boasts sharp headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and a glossy black feature nestled between the luminaires. Ferrari engineers have meticulously sculpted the underbody to optimize vertical load generation, while rear-wheel louvers mitigate overpressure within the engine bay. Underneath, three sets of vortex generators mirror those of the 812 Competizione, while active aero elements at the rear dynamically enhance downforce between speeds of 60 km/h and 300 km/h.
Embracing technological prowess, the 12Cilindri is equipped with a four-wheel independent steering system akin to the 812 Competizione. Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires, custom-developed for the vehicle, provide traction, measuring 275/35 ZR21 at the front and 315/35 ZR21 at the rear. Compared to its predecessor, the 12Cilindri boasts a 20 mm shorter wheelbase, resulting in a weight distribution favoring the front at 48.4% and 51.6% at the rear.
Step inside the cabin, and the dominance of expansive screens is evident. Commanding attention at the center of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch infotainment display, complemented by a substantial 15.6-inch driver display positioned behind the steering wheel. Additionally, an 8.8-inch display caters to the passenger's entertainment needs. While controversial, Ferrari retains the capacitive steering wheel buttons seen in the 296, now featuring indentations. For audiophiles, a 15-speaker Burmester audio system is available as an option.
Standard equipment includes brake-by-wire technology, as seen in the SF90 Stradale and 296. Slide Slip Control 8.0 (SSC 8.0) enhances driving dynamics, allowing drivers to tailor slip angles through corners. Ferrari asserts that this iteration of SSC 8.0 is optimized to estimate tire-road grip during steering, facilitating swift adaptation to real-time grip levels.
The 12Cilindri derives its name from its powerhouse: the revered 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, Ferrari's pièce de résistance. Despite maintaining the same displacement as its predecessor, the engine has undergone refinements, enabling it to rev up to 9,500 rpm and deliver a staggering 819 hp and 678 Nm of torque.
Key enhancements include the adoption of titanium con rods, reducing rotating mass by 40% compared to conventional steel counterparts. Furthermore, a new aluminum alloy for the pistons and a rebalanced, lightweight crankshaft contribute to improved performance. Ferrari's utilization of Formula 1-derived steel valvetrain sliding finger followers, coated with Diamond-Like-Carbon, reduces friction coefficients and enhances mechanical efficiency.
Beyond these advancements, the manifold and plenum have been refined, optimizing torque curves across all engine speeds. New software adjusts maximum torque output based on gear selection. Paired with the 6.5-liter powerhouse is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Performance figures are nothing short of exhilarating. The 12Cilindri Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 2.9 seconds, achieving 200 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and a top speed of 340 km/h. The Spider variant is marginally slower, reaching 100 km/h in 2.95 seconds and 200 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Dry weights stand at 1,560 kg for the Coupe and 1,620 kg for the Spider.
While pricing details for the U.S. market are pending, the 12Cilindri Coupe is slated to start at €395,000 in Italy, with the Spider variant priced from €435,000.