Michael Satterfield
Ferrari has been a symbol of Italian excellence and automotive engineering for over 70 years. The brand has always been synonymous with high-performance sports cars, and their latest creation, the Ferrari 12Cilindri, continues that legacy. The 12Cilindri is the natural evolution of Ferrari’s uncompromising powertrain philosophy that has been developed over decades without ever straying from its original DNA and core values.
Unveiled to the public and media against the spectacular backdrop of Miami Beach in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s arrival on the American market, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is inspired by the legendary Grand Tourers of the 1950s and ‘60s. It embodies the front-mounted Ferrari V12 two-seater mission with its effortless combination of elegance, versatility, and performance. The car represents the latest evolution in this bloodline and continues that unique legacy, elevating it towards new standards in performance, comfort, and design.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s silhouette exudes sportiness and class. The simple yet harmonious lines feature an integrated active aerodynamic device to guarantee peerless performance, a front-hinged bonnet that exalts the view of the engine bay, and the two twin tailpipes that have become a signature of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder cars.
The car’s cockpit guarantees superb comfort for both driver and passenger, even on long journeys. Its feeling of airiness and space is heightened still further by a glass roof, prestigious materials, and a central display in addition to one for the driver and a third ahead of the passenger.
The engine that equips the Ferrari 12Cilindri is the latest development of the iconic naturally-aspirated Ferrari V12 that laid the foundations for the Maranello legend. In this version, the engine unleashes 830 cv and has maximum revs rising to a heady 9500 rpm. The impressive power curve ensures 80% of total torque is already available at just 2500 rpm, resulting in instantaneous pick-up for maximum accelerator response and a feeling of never-ending power all the way to the red line.
To allow the V12 to rev so high, the engineers worked to reduce the weight and inertia of the engine’s components, adopting titanium con rods, which guarantee a saving of 40% in rotating mass compared to steel with the same mechanical resistance. A different aluminium alloy was used for the pistons, making them lighter than on previous applications. Further weight reduction was gained by the adoption of a rebalanced crankshaft which is 3% lighter.
The valvetrain with sliding finger followers is derived from Ferrari’s unparalleled experience in Formula 1 and was developed specifically for the V12 with the aim of reducing mass and availing of more high-performance valve profiles. The sliding finger follower, which is steel with a Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) coating, transmits the action of the cam to the valve using a hydraulic tappet as the pivot for its movement. The use of DLC reduces the coefficient of friction at critical points, significantly improving the mechanical efficiency of the engine.
Most of the modifications focused on optimizing torque delivery in all operating conditions. The result is an engine with exhilaratingly smooth, seamless response, that delivers peak power at the red line.
The manifold and the plenum layout is now very compact. Shortening the length of the tracts and optimizing the cam profiles allows power to be unleashed at high revs while the torque curve is optimized at all engine speeds by a system of variable geometry inlet tracts, which enables the length of the intake tract to be continuously varied to maximize the dynamic charge in the cylinder.
For the very first time on a naturally aspirated engine, an innovative software strategy was developed that can modify the maximum torque available as a function of the gear selected. This gives the driver the feeling of smooth, progressive pick-up as the transmission ratio increases.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is aimed at driving enthusiasts who demand new standards of performance, comfort, and design. The car is designed for connoisseurs with a very clear vision of what Ferrari’s DNA has always been, truly making it a car for the few.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s impressive powertrain ensures that the car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of over 340 km/h.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri continues the legacy of Ferrari’s commitment to unparalleled performance, comfort, and design. The car represents the latest evolution of Ferrari’s uncompromising powertrain philosophy, which over the decades has continued to develop without ever straying from its original DNA and the marque’s core values.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is a car for those who demand the very best in terms of performance, comfort, and design. It is a car that embodies the spirit of Ferrari and represents the latest evolution of the Maranello legend. Without a doubt, it is one of the most impressive sports cars on the market today.
