2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Exterior

The new F12berlinetta is the result of a cooperation between the Ferrari Styling Center and Pininfarina. It looks like to carry over design elements from the Ferrari FF and the Ferrari California, but combined with sleek, aggressive lines that offer a more sporty appearance.

Since the F12berlinetta was designed to be the most powerful high performance Ferrari road car ever created, the company’s traditional transaxle layout had to be modified. The wheelbase was shortened and the engine, dashboard, and seats were situated lower in the chassis. The layout of the rear suspension and gearbox was also modified, allowing for a decrease in rear volume as well. Ferrari says that 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."

The Ferrari’s chassis also had to be revised in order to withstand the added power of the new sports car. Scaglietti took on that role, and designed an all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys. These alloys were joined together using new techniques that allowed for a 20% increase in structural rigidity and a reduction of weight, down to 1525 kg/3362 lbs (70 kg/154 lbs less than the previous V12 Coupé).

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 4618 mm
• Width: 1942 mm
• Height: 1273 mm
• Dry weight: 1525 kg/3362 lbs
• Weight distribution: 46% front, 54% rear
• Weight-power ratio: 2.1 kg/CV

Interior

The first details of the Ferrari F12berlinetta didn’t reveal too much about the interior, but let’s face it, the interior always comes second to power in a sports car. Nonetheless, it will feature the most advanced technology with sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. The dashboard features new carbon fiber and aluminum air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field. The cockpit was designed around the driver with all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience.

The interior is wrapped in all-new Frau leather and comes with additional luggage capacity behind the seats.

Engine

The new Ferrari F12berlinetta is powered by a 6262cc 65° V12 engine that delivers a total of 740 HP at 8500 rpm and 508 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. Despite the 120 HP increase, the fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission and has a specific output of 118 HP/l.

Ferrari also opted for two innovative solutions: the first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channeling 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.

As a result, the F12berlinetta’s downforce has been boosted by 76% (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299). The car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and to 124 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed goes up to 211 mph. Ferrari has also announced that the new model lapped the Fiorano circuit in 1:23, faster than any other Ferrari road car.

Prices

Prices for the new Ferrari F12berlinetta will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competition

Old habits die hard and Ferrari and Lamborghini have a habit of going after each others gullets when the opportunity arises. The new Ferrari F12berlinetta was built as a direct competitor for the new Lamborghini Aventador. The Aventador is powered by a new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 HP 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. Despite the 40 HP disadvantage of the Aventador, the Lamborghini will make the 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds while top speed goes up to 217 mph. Guess Ferrari’s weight-saving techniques just weren’t enough.

Ferrari 599 Replacement Testing at the Fiorano Race Track