Ferrari revs up naturally-aspirated 12Cilindri

Ferrari has unveiled a stunning successor to its acclaimed 812 Superfast, dubbed the 12Cilindri. As the name indicates, it is powered by a V12 engine, one that packs no less than 610kW. It arrives in South Africa during Q1 of 2025!

Although the threat of EU emissions and noise legislation means that big-capacity engines such as Ferrari's 6.5L F140HD are essentially on borrowed time, well-heeled customers still adore them - the Purosangue SUV is sold out, we're told, for years...

• Find a new or used Ferrari for sale here.

Perhaps because those legislative changes are looming, Ferrari has taken the unconventional route of launching the Coupe and drop-top (Spider) variants at the same time. The name, 12Cilindri, is further evidence that Italian even makes the most generic of names sound evocative. Think Maserati Quattroporte (four-door)... Replace "Twelve" with the Italian "Dodici" and you have a car that sounds suitably impressive around the braai. The new Ferraris will arrive in South Africa during the first quarter of 2025, but no pricing details are available yet. In Europe pricing is at the Euro 400 000 mark (R8m before options, duties and taxes).

With styling inspired by the legendary Daytona of the late '60s to early '70s, the 12Cilindri is another Flavio Manzoni masterpiece. Ferrari's press release says the goal was to create "a sober, elegant car", but in our view the 12Cilindri looks dramatic and beautifully resolved. It is largely devoid of aggressive aero addenda, with most of its downforce generated by the three pairs of vortex generators at the front of the floor of the car, and another two at the rear, as well as the substantial diffuser. The 12Cilindri does, however, have a hidden trick... it features two active rear wing flaps which are flush with bodywork until 60kph, at which point they deploy as required to boost cornering, acceleration and braking performance.

The interior, meanwhile, closely resembles the one you'll find in the Purosangue, and features an 8.8-inch screen in front of the passenger, showing speed, engine revs and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Underpinning the 12Cilindri is an all-aluminium chassis that is around 20mm shorter than Superfast's and also 15 per cent stiffer. Interestingly, it is just shy of 40kg heavier than its predecessor, but this has not impacted performance negatively. Ferrari claims a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds for the coupe and 2.95 seconds for the 60kg-heavier Spider. Top speed is "above 340kph" for both variants.

The naturally-aspirated V12 engine, which spins to a heady 9 500rpm, is mated with the 8-speed 'box that is also used in the SF90 and 296 GTB. It is said to shift 30 per cent faster than the 7-speed dual-clutch used in its predecessor.

To ensure sharper dynamics than the Superfast, the 12Cilindri features the 812 Competizione's rear-wheel steering system, as well as an overall suspension set-up that mimic's the apex 812 variant's. Two tyre options are available (Michelin Pilot Sport S5 and GoodYear Eagle F1 Supersport) for the 12Cilindri's standard 21-inch wheels.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• POWERTRAIN
  • Type: V12 - 65° - Dry sump
  • Overall displacement: 6496 cm3
  • Bore and stroke: 94 mm x 78 mm
  • Max. power output: 610kW @ 9250 rpm
  • Max. torque: 678 Nm @ 7250 rpm
  • Max. revs: 9500 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 13.5:1
• WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
  • Length: 4733 mm
  • Width: 2176 mm
  • Height: 1292 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2700 mm
  • Front track: 1686 mm
  • Rear track: 1645 mm
  • Dry weight: 1560 kg
  • Weight distribution: 48.4% front / 51.6% rear
  • Fuel tank capacity: 92 litres
  • Boot size: 270 litres
• TYRES AND WHEELS
  • Front: 275/35 R21 J10.0
  • Rear: 315/35 R21 J11.5
• BRAKES
  • Front: 398 x 223 x 38 mm
  • Rear: 360 x 233 x 32 mm
• TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
  • 8-speed DCT
• ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
  • SSC 8.0: TC, eDiff, SCM, PCV 3.0, FDE 2.0, EPS, ABS-Evo in all Manettino positions, 6D sensor, performance ABS/ABD
• PERFORMANCE (Coupe)
  • Max. speed: > 340 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: 2.9 s
  • 0-200 km/h: <7.9 s
  • 100-0 km/h: 31.4 m
  • 200-0 km/h: 122.0 m