In the first half of April this year, when the penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China exceeded 50%, no one would have thought that Ferrari still debuted and launched a flagship gasoline-powered model in China – the Ferrari 12Cilindri. The new car has two models, Coupe and Spider, to meet the needs of different users, with prices of 5.988 million and 6.5868 million respectively. The new car uses a V12 naturally aspirated engine, without electric motor assistance, without turbocharging. The appearance adopts a avant-garde design language, carrying both classic heritage and highlighting the brand’s forward-looking awareness.
The name of the Ferrari 12Cilindri model is the most direct among Ferrari models, as if shouting out to the new energy vehicle era. Its name in Italian means “12 cylinders”, showing Ferrari’s importance to this new flagship model.
Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, says 12Cilindri marks a new chapter in Ferrari’s history. Ferrari 12Cilindri is the most powerful gasoline-powered production car in Ferrari’s history.
Ferrari 12 Cilindri is a model that inherits from 812 Superfast, but with completely refreshed interior and exterior design. Ferrari 12 Cilindri measures 4733/2176/1292 mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm.
In terms of appearance, the Ferrari 12Cilindri pays homage with innovative details, such as hidden door handles similar to the F90, but with rain and dust covers positioned more to the side to avoid water exposure.
The rear end and rear windshield are designed to blend seamlessly, creating a black area. The car has a larger rear windshield than the F90, providing excellent visibility when reversing.
The rear of the Ferrari 12Cilindri features many aerodynamic components made of carbon fiber. The design is sharp but not exaggerated. Compared to some new car concepts, the rear of the 12Cilindri is understated.
The rear air kit is designed to generate downforce for the chassis at high speeds. The most complex structure is the composite diffuser located in the center of the rear, which improves downforce by streamlining airflow.
The chassis of the Ferrari 12Cilindri is very flat, providing maximum aerodynamic flow and a smoother driving experience.
The design style of the Ferrari 12Cilindri rear end should be the most bold and forward-looking among all supercars, following the new aesthetic challenge set by the Ferrari GTC4Lusso and FF.
In terms of interior design, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has centralized almost all buttons on the steering wheel, except for the window controls, hazard lights, and maintenance/alarm buttons.
For Ferrari in terms of in-car intelligence, owners and netizens are not expecting much, as Ferrari focuses on handling and performance. However, for this Ferrari 12Cilindri, the interior technology configuration is on par with Purosangue among Ferrari models.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri has three screens inside the car: a 10.25-inch central capacitive touchscreen, a 15.6-inch LCD instrument panel, and an 8.8-inch passenger display screen. It comes with a new human-machine interface and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.
Ferrari 12Cilindri offers optional wireless phone charging and a high-end audio system developed in collaboration with Burmester, consisting of 15 speakers with a power output of 1600W.
In terms of power, the Ferrari 12Cilindri continues the stubborn character of the V12 models. The new car uses a mid-front V12 engine, a placement that dates back to 1947, with the 356 GTB 4 Daytona. The two models share almost the same design style, with a clear legacy evident in the Ferrari 12Cilindri, showcasing the shadow of a classic legend.
This rare V12 naturally aspirated engine has a 6.5L displacement, a maximum speed of 9500 rpm, 830 horsepower, and a maximum torque of 678 Nm, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Coupe version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, while the Spider version can reach 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
This V12 naturally aspirated engine has not only a large displacement, but also a significant improvement in technology, especially in lightweighting. It first uses titanium connecting rods, reducing rotating mass by 40% compared to steel rods. Second, the engine pistons are made of a different aluminum alloy, lighter than the 812. Third, by using a rebalanced crankshaft, weight is further reduced by 3%.
In addition, the engine also utilizes a variable geometry intake system. It can change the amount of air intake at different speeds to optimize torque curve. The dynamic torque system is introduced for the first time, which can modify torque output according to the selected gear. To ensure both power and environmental protection, meeting Euro 6E and China 6B emission standards, Ferrari 12Cilindri introduces the use of ceramic catalytic converters in the exhaust system.
Most owners of 12-cylinder cars are drawn to the engine sound. The 12Cilindr model features equal-length exhaust pipes, redesigned for each cylinder group, calibrated for high and low frequency sounds. The shape of the pipes and the internal fluid dynamics of the muffler baffles are carefully designed to ensure a pure V12 engine sound.
In terms of chassis, the 12Cilindri adopts an all-aluminum structure, with a 20mm shorter wheelbase compared to the 812 Superfast model. The new chassis has been specifically designed to reduce interior noise and minimize road vibration transmission, increasing torsional stiffness by 15% without adding weight.
Ferrari’s customization center in Shanghai is one of three worldwide. It is run by the manufacturer and serves over 200 clients annually. The center collects customer requirements, finalizes custom products with the factory, and completes transactions at dealerships, making it a good choice for ultra-luxury car brands.
In summary, the V12 engine type has always been exciting, even in today’s era of electrification. The launch of the Ferrari 12 Cilindri means Ferrari’s legacy continues, showing commitment to both tradition and innovation. For Ferrari enthusiasts, the 12 Cilindri is a new breed of Ferrari, with a classic yet innovative design. Are you intrigued by this new look?