Ferrari is unique in that it values both tradition and cutting-edge technology in equal measure. The 12Cilndri, the car that replaces the 812 Superfast, is possibly the best example of this. Ferrari revealed the 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider on Thursday in Miami. And, as the name suggests, it’s all about the 12-cylinder engine.
The 6.5-liter, 65-degree engine is the recent version of Ferrari’s F140 V-12, which originally appeared 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 a redline of 9,500 rpm. There is no hybrid assist, either—Ferrari has met all essential emissions criteria without using electrification.
It is very similar to the engine in the 812 Competizione, with titanium connecting rods and a valvetrain that replaces traditional hydraulic lifters with a stiff system with roller finger followers. However, “Aspirated Torque Shaping,” a technique that uses electronics to change the torque curve in third and fourth gears, is unique.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox positioned at the rear, which claims thirty percent faster shifts than the 812’s. Given that the 812 was one of the fastest-shifting cars on the road, we can only image what this is like. A shift to bigger 21-inch tyres essentially shortens gear ratios by 5.0 percent, resulting in improved acceleration. Ferrari claims a 0–62 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-124 mph time of less than 7.9 seconds. The Spider is slightly slower, with acceleration times of 2.95 seconds and 8.2 seconds, respectively. Both have a maximum speed of more than 211 mph.
While the wheelbase of the 12Cilindri is an inch shorter than that of the 812 Superfast, it is otherwise slightly larger. The design is similar to the Roma but with more technical details. The black panel in front of the hood and between the lights is reminiscent of the plexiglass panel featured on early 365 GTB/4 Daytona models. The whole thing is really Daytona-esque.
Inside, you’ll find the now-traditional Ferrari steering wheel with buttons, but unlike many of the brand’s recent models, there’s a central infotainment display. Otherwise, the cabin is similar to the Purosangue, with the exception of the back seats.
As anticipated, the 12Cilindri comes equipped with all of Ferrari’s most advanced chassis control technologies, including Side Slip Control 8, which is meant to assess tyre grip levels more quickly. There is also a smart independent four-wheel steering system that can steer the rear tyres in separate directions from one another. As previously stated, wheel sizes are increased from 20 to 21 inches, with 275/35ZR21s up front and 315/35ZR21s out rear. Buyers have the option of Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres.
Ferrari only quotes a dry weight—that is, without the fluids required for driving—so we don’t know exactly how much the 12Cilindri weighs. The dry weight of the coupe is 3,459 pounds, while the Spider is 3,571 pounds. So figure 3,700 to 3,800 pounds ready to drive. Ferrari also claims the 12Cilindri is 15% stiffer than the 812.
As expected, the V-12 Ferrari will not be inexpensive. The 12Cilindri coupe costs $423,000 (€395,000), while the convertible costs $466,000 (€435,000). We also anticipate that the 12Cilindri has already sold out for years to come, as is customary with Ferraris. Especially the V-12 Ferraris.
