No turbos, no hybrids, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is all about the 6.5-liter V-12.
Ferrari is unique in the way it embraces tradition and cutting-edge technology in equal measure. This is perhaps nowhere more evident than the latest car, the 12Cilndri, successor to the 812 Superfast. Ferrari took the covers off the 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider on Thursday in Miami. And as the name suggests, it’s all about that 12-cylinder engine.
The 6.5-liter, 65-degree unit is the latest evolution of Ferrari’s F140 V-12, first used in the Enzo two decades ago. Here it produces 819 naturally aspirated horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 500 pound-feet of torque at 7,250 rpm, with the redline set at a screaming 9,500 rpm. No hybrid assistance either – Ferrari managed to meet all relevant emissions standards without relying on electrification.
It’s largely similar to the engine in the 812 Competizione, complete with titanium connecting rods and a timing mechanism that forgoes the typical hydraulic lifters for a rigid roller finger follower system. Unique, however, is a system called “Aspirational Torque Shaping” that uses electronics to alter the torque curve in third and fourth gear.
Mated to the engine is a rear-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises 30 percent quicker shifts than the 812’s transmission. Given that the 812 was one of the fastest-shifting cars on the road, we can just imagine what it feels like. The move to taller 21-inch tires effectively shortens the gear ratios by 5.0 percent, contributing to better acceleration. Ferrari quotes a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-124mph time of less than 7.9 seconds. The Spider is slightly slower, with acceleration times of 2.95 seconds and 8.2 seconds, respectively. Top speed for both is over 211 mph.
In terms of size, the 12Cilindri is slightly larger than the 812 Superfast in most dimensions, although the wheelbase is an inch shorter. The design is similar to what we’ve seen on the Roma, with more technical details. The black panel in front of the bonnet and between the lights references the Plexiglas panel found on early examples of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Indeed, the whole thing is quite Daytona-esque.
Inside, you’ll get the now-traditional Ferrari steering wheel adorned with controls, but unlike many of the brand’s new models, there’s a central infotainment display. Otherwise, the cabin isn’t much different from what we’ve seen in the Purosangue, barring the rear seats.
As you’d expect, the 12Cilindri gets all of Ferrari’s latest, ultra-advanced chassis control systems, including Side Slip Control 8, which is designed to more quickly assess tire grip levels. There’s also the intelligent independent four-wheel steering system, which can steer the rear tires in opposite directions relative to each other. As mentioned earlier, the wheel sizes have been increased from 20 to 21 inches with 275/35ZR21s up front and 315/35ZR21s out back. Buyers have a choice of Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires.
Ferrari only quotes dry weight – meaning without the fluids needed to drive – so we don’t know exactly what the 12Cilindri weighs. Dry weight for the coupe is 3,459 pounds and 3,571 pounds for the Spider. So the figure is somewhere between 3,700 and 3,800 pounds ready to drive. Ferrari also says the 12Cilindri is 15 percent stiffer than the 812.
As expected, this V-12 Ferrari won’t come cheap. The 12Cilnidri costs $423,000 (€395,000) for the coupe and $466,000 (€435,000) for the convertible. We’re also guessing the 12Cilindri is already sold out for years to come, that’s the way with Ferrari. Especially the V-12 Ferrari.
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