Last February I had the opportunity to travel to Greenwich, Connecticut for a special unveiling of the 2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. It is designed to replace the aging 599 range and debuted to the public at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Visually the F12 completes the inclusion of Ferrari's new design language across the lineup. It embraces the swept back headlights and dual taillights first seen in the 458 Italia, and the smiley sneer of a grill from the California and the FF.
Inside, the tachometer is directly in front of the driver and the steering wheel features the now commonplace manettino system where all major adjustments are handled by a small knob. Otherwise the driver focused interior is swathed in leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum.
The engine is a naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V12 making 730 horsepower. It was briefly the most powerful Ferrari road car ever until the LaFerrari stripped it of its title a year later. Zero to sixty happens in 3.1 seconds and the car will go to an alledged top speed of 210 miles per hour.
It is unlikely that Ferrari won't tinker with the F12 at some point in its life. Patent drawings leaked online suggest that a GTO variant or a race ready XX could be on the horizon. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a fantastic car that's terrific to drive and beautiful to behold. Overall, it is worthy to be included among the all time Ferrari greats.
I am so pleased to see that you're still posting about cars, Ian! This is an especially cool post. It's certainly the closest I'll ever get to a Ferrari! Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDelete