Ferrari 12Cilindri: The naturally-aspirated V12 lives on

Ferrari 12Cilindri: The naturally-aspirated V12 lives on

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At a time when naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari engines, which are devoid of any hybrid or turbocharging technology, are under threat of extinction, the arrival of the new Ferrari 12Cilindri is truly remarkable. 

Speaking of the new 12Cilindri, it joins the Ferrari range in coupe and spider variants. It is also a replacement for the 812 Superfast, which also used the superb V12 at its core. 

The same 6.5-litre V12 naturally aspirated engine from the Ferrari Enzo powers it. Ferrari says that the 12-cylinder engine's redline is set at a screeching 9,500r/min, and in terms of power, the engine's good for 610kW and 678Nm without any boost or electrification. 

Both variants blast off the line to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, before hitting the limiter at 340km/h while shifting through an 8-speed DCT transmission. 

On looks alone, Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Styling Centre design team have done a remarkable job of radically transforming the stylistic codes of Ferrari’s previous mid-front-engined V12s. If you pay close attention, you will see that the 12Cilindri's design cues clearly depart from the sculptural language of the 812 Competizione in favour of a more sophisticated stance with aerodynamic components.

There is so much going on outside; the 12Cilindri gets two active flaps instead of a rear spoiler, a clear tail section, prominent rear diffuser keels, two twin tailpipes, slimmer taillights, and a set of 275/35 R21 tyres at the front and 315/35 R21 tyres at the back. The 12Cilindri can be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres. 

The interior takes its inspiration from the company’s dual-cockpit architecture. This divides the interior into three distinct levels: the upper part of the dash dominates the first level, followed by the central area, and the footwells and seats occupy the third level. These are further complemented by the brand’s new HMI, which includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 15.6-inch driver display, and an 8.8-inch passenger display. 

On the other hand, the Spider boasts a retractable roof that can open and close in 14 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 45km/h. Unlike its coupe counterpart, the Spider has no rear bench, as the rear zone of the cabin is used to stow the retractable hard top.

Compared to its predecessor, the 12Cilindri is slightly bigger for the most part, but with a 20mm shorter wheelbase and a dry weight of 1,560kg. 

Ferrari has not yet disclosed the pricing for the 12Cilindri variants, but given the firm’s reputation for desirability, the models will undoubtedly command a premium price. It's impressive that the V12 engine has endured despite the automotive industry's growing reliance on electrification.

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