The new model takes inspiration from Ferrari’s Gran Turismo cars of the 1950s and 60s
May 2, 2024 at 20:36
- Various modifications have been made to the firm’s flagship 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 to increase power.
- Overhauled exterior and interior designs give the 12Cilindri a more refined design than its predecessor.
- The Italian marque is yet to announce pricing details for the Coupe and Spider models.
Ferrari’s latest and greatest front-engined Grand Tourer has debuted. It is called the 12Cilindri and replaces the 812 Superfast in the firm’s line-up. Both Coupe and Spider versions have been unveiled at an exclusive event held in Miami Beach.
As you could have probably guessed from its name, the 12Cilindri is powered by the Italian marque’s flagship 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12. The capacity of this engine hasn’t been increased for the new model but modifications have been made to it, allowing it to rev to 9,500 rpm and churn out 819 hp and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque.
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A key upgrade made to the V12 is the adoption of titanium con rods that reduce rotating mass by 40% compared to steel con rods. Ferrari is also using a new aluminum alloy for the pistons and has installed a rebalanced and lightweight crankshaft. Formula 1-derived steel valvetrain sliding finger followers have also been fitted with a Diamond-Like-Carbon coating, reducing the coefficient of friction and improving the engine’s mechanical efficiency.
The changes don’t stop there. The manifold and plenum are more compact, the torque curve has been optimized at all engine speeds, and new software has been installed to adjust the maximum torque available depending on the gear selected. Coupled to the 6.5-liter unit is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Ferrari says the 12Cilindri Coupe can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds, and top out at 340 km/h (211 mph). The Spider is slightly slower, requiring 2.95 seconds to hit 100 km/h and 8.2 seconds to reach 200 km/h. The Coupe weighs 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) dry while the Spider is 1,620 kg (3,571 lbs) dry.
Ferrari 12Cilindri
The 12Cilindri looks quite different from other current Ferrari models. From the front, it reminds us of the iconic 365 GTB/4 Daytona with sharp headlights, DRLs, and a gloss black element between the lights. Ferrari says the new car has a more “sophisticated” design language than the 812Superfast with a focus on clean lines and muscular proportions. There’s plenty of aero trickery going on, too.
For example, there are active aero elements at the rear that operate between 60 km/h (37 mph) and 300 km/h (186 mph) to increase downforce. Ferrari has also designed the underbody to maximize efficient vertical load generation and installed louvers behind the front wheels to reduce overpressure inside the engine bay. Three pairs of vortex generators are also found beneath the front end, just like in the 812 Competizione.
Developing story…
Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider