By The Smartencyclopedia Staff
Delving into the Artistry of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder Tribute
In a celebration of heritage and engineering mastery, Ferrari unveils its latest marvel from Maranello—the Ferrari 12Cilindri. This two-seater sports car, available in coupe or convertible form, pays homage to Enzo Ferrari’s enduring passion for the 12-cylinder engine, possibly marking the culmination of an era for the legendary Italian marque.
A Nod to Tradition
The Ferrari 12Cilindri project began four years ago, focusing squarely on the legendary 12-cylinder powertrain—a beloved hallmark of Ferrari’s lineage. Launched amidst the buzz of the F1 Grand Prix in Miami, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s American market debut, this release signals a deliberate nod to the brand’s storied past.
Design Language: Elegant yet Muscular
Crafted at the Maranello Styling Centre, the 12Cilindri boasts a classic Berlinetta silhouette infused with modern flair. Notably, the front end pays homage to the iconic 1967 365 GTB, with streamlined headlight units integrated into a single strip. The romantic, unobstructed hood design invites admiration of the suspension layout upon opening.
The rear profile combines elegance with muscularity, drawing inspiration from science fiction and aeronautics. Eschewing a conventional spoiler, the car features an active spoiler flanked by aerodynamic appendages reminiscent of combat jet flaps. The distinctive rear glass design adds a touch of sophistication, complemented by a high waistline and contrasting black roof.
Beneath the surface, the chassis undergoes a significant evolution, emphasizing exceptional torsional rigidity. With a 20mm shorter wheelbase than the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri promises heightened agility and handling prowess.
Performance and Innovation
Engineered for aerodynamic efficiency, the 12Cilindri integrates advanced technologies to optimize airflow. A brake-by-wire system enables precise control over all four wheels, enhanced by four-wheel steering for agile cornering. The central floor directs air towards the rear, where aerodynamic devices aid in optimizing downforce.
Interior: Fusion of Elegance and Sportiness
Inside the cabin, elegance meets sportiness—a nod to classic Gran Turismo ethos. The symmetrical cockpit architecture, reminiscent of Ferrari Roma and Purosangue, features dual driver-passenger modules complemented by three expansive displays. Premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship define the exclusive interior, offering a blend of comfort and performance.
The intuitive steering wheel hosts driver controls, while a cutting-edge connectivity system—compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—complements the high-fidelity Burmester audio system, boasting 15 speakers producing 1600W of audio bliss.
The Heartbeat: A Masterpiece V12 Engine
Central to the 12Cilindri’s allure is its 12-cylinder engine, a masterpiece of Ferrari’s F140 generation. Delivering a breathtaking 830 hp and 69.1 kgfm of torque, this powerplant revs to a spine-tingling 9,500 rpm, with 80% of peak torque available from just 2,500 rpm. Lightweight titanium connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons reduce engine weight, optimizing performance and responsiveness.
Versions and Pricing
The Ferrari 12Cilindri will be available in two iterations, the Coupe and the surprise Spider variant, showcased in striking Tuscany Green. Maranello anticipates significant demand for the Spider, projecting it to account for over 50% of customer reservations.
As Ferrari bids farewell to the era of pure V12 engines, the 12Cilindri stands as a testament to uncompromising craftsmanship, melding tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Embodying the essence of automotive artistry, this latest offering from Maranello promises to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, a befitting tribute to Ferrari’s enduring legacy.