On 29th February, Ferrari took a leap with its fastest machine, unveiling the F12berlinetta, ushering in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders. Reaching 0-100 km in just 3.1 sec, the new car delivers unprecedented performance combined with an innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics.
Engine Type: 65-degree V12 / 6262 cc / 740 CV (730 bhp) at 8500 rpm / Torque 690 Nm at 6000 rpm
Revealed to the world for the first time on Ferrari.com in preparation for its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, the F12berlinetta, finished in an attractive new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour, represents the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars. The F12berlinetta’s 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 740 CV (approx. 732 bhp) with a maximum torque of 690 Nm, 80 per cent of which is already available at just 2,500 rpm, and which provides an unrelenting surge of acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The F12berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kg/CV.
Maximum speed: Over 340 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 3.1 seconds, Fuel Consumption**: 15l/100 km and CO2**emissions 350 g/km with HELE system
How does the F12berlinetta deliver the impossible?
Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionised to match the more extreme performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards.
Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminium materials and construction, designed an all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some for the first time in cars. While this has increased structural rigidity by 20 per cent, at 1525 kg, the car is now lighter by 70 kg than the previous V12 coupé, with an ideal distribution between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).
Fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%, with CO2 emissions of just 350 g/km – figures that put the F12berlinetta at the top of the high-performance league. Similarly excellent results have been obtained with the car’s aerodynamic development. Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299). These results come courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the Aero Bridge, which uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to decrease drag. The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag.
Length: 4618 mm / Width: 1942 mm / Height: 1273 mm / Dry weight* (at lightest): 1525 kg / Weight distribution: 46% front, 54% rear / Weight-power ratio: 2.1 kg/CV
The F12berlinetta’s impressive technical specifications are completed by Ferrari’s latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and the evolution of the magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E). As is now traditional with all Ferraris, its control systems (E-Diff, ESC, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS) are all fully integrated.
The result is that the new Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1’23”, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.
The design of the F12berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, creating a coupé with sleek, aggressive lines whose compact exterior dimensions conceal exceptional in-car space and comfort. At the centre of the all-new handcrafted Frau leather interior is the light and lean dashboard featuring new carbon fiber and aluminium airvents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field.
The cabin space dynamics and ergonomics have been optimised to ensure maximum usability of space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, easily accessible thanks to the large aperture offered by the tailgate, and grouping all the major commands within immediate reach thus emphasising Ferari’s Human Machine Interface approach.
