Dream Machine Unveiled: Ferrari 12Cilindri Redefines Supercar Luxury

Electric dreams can wait. In the face of a downsizing trend, Ferrari throws down the gauntlet with the stunning new 12Cilindri. More than just another supercar, it’s a defiant roar celebrating the mighty, naturally-aspirated V12.

Taking the Reins of a Legend

Priced to make your eyes water (around £400,000), the 12Cilindri (“dodici cilindri” to Italians) arrives in both coupe and Spider forms later this year, taking the baton from the beloved 812 GTS.

Untamed V12

As with any Ferrari, the engine is king, and the 12Cilindri doesn’t disappoint. It takes the familiar 6.5-litre V12 from the 812 and injects some serious steroids. With a monstrous 818bhp and 678Nm of torque on tap, it matches the limited-run 812 Competizione. But Ferrari insists this is a brand new beast, re-engineered to meet stricter emissions regulations without sacrificing an ounce of performance.

Screaming to 9,500 RPM

New internals, including titanium conrods and a special diamond coating on the cylinder liners, reduce friction and unlock a party piece you won’t find anywhere else: a 9,500 rpm redline. Imagine the eargasm!

Naturally Aspirated Powerhouse

Unlike some rivals who rely on hybrid assistance, the 12Cilindri keeps things pure. No turbos, no electric motors – just pure, unadulterated V12 magic. This translates to a staggering 128bhp per litre, an astonishing feat for a naturally aspirated engine.

Lightning-Fast Shifts

Power travels to the rear wheels via a transaxle featuring Ferrari’s latest eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This first-ever pairing with a V12 delivers 30% faster shifts and allows for optimised gear ratios, propelling the 12Cilindri from 0-62mph in a mind-bending 2.9 seconds. Top speed? A hair-raising 210mph+.

Sharpened Handling

The 12Cilindri adopts the front-mid-engined layout familiar from Ferrari’s V12 supercars since the 1996 550 Maranello. The chassis is crafted from aluminium, featuring complex hollow castings for exceptional torsional stiffness. The open-top Spider shares most chassis elements with the coupe, ensuring no compromise in performance.

A Nod to the Past, an Eye on the Future

Ferrari shies away from calling the design “retro,” but undeniable references to the iconic 365/4 Daytona peek through. The front-end “visor” and rear haunches are clear nods to this legendary ancestor, but modern design elements and active aero keep the 12Cilindri firmly rooted in the future.

Visible Aero for Added Downforce

For the first time on a front-engined Ferrari, the 12Cilindri boasts active aero on the upper surfaces. Two automatically actuated buttresses on the tailgate help stabilise the car at high speeds and generate an additional 50kg of downforce at 155mph. Underfloor flaps in the front splitter and rear diffuser work in tandem for even greater control.

A Driver-Focused Interior

The cabin follows the trend set by the Roma and Purosangue, with two distinct zones for driver and passenger. Responding to customer feedback, Ferrari has finally included a third, larger touchscreen display in the centre dash for controlling media and ventilation.

The Final Word

In an era obsessed with downsizing and electrification, Ferrari roars back with a celebration of the naturally-aspirated V12. So, what do you think? Is the 12Cilindri a worthy successor to the 812, or a nostalgic relic in a rapidly changing automotive landscape? Let us know in the comments below.