The latest Ferrari of them all happens to be the most powerful as well. The new F12berlinetta makes its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as a kick i the teeth for the green peas who think V12-powered super cars are a thing of the past. This beautiful blend of style, speed, and testosterone has 740 hp, aerodynamics that leaves spaceships in shame, and a healthy does of sexiness, being a Ferrari. It’s utterly magnificent in every way.
On the occasion of unveiling the F12 at the Geneva show, Ferrari released a bunch of new videos explaining the most important technical details about the car. Some say that’s a problem, this Ferrari being so technical. They say it kills the soul of the prancing horse. But if it weren’t for all these computer stuff the car wouldn’t be so perfect. Electronics might be a bit soulless, but it does have its uses.
The F12berlinetta’s spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new, and now incorporate no less than 12 different aluminium alloys, some of which have been used for the first time in the automotive sector. New assembly and joining technologies were also adopted in its construction. This has allowed the car’s overall weight to be kept to just 1525 kg and has maximised its performance efficiency with torsional rigidity boosted by 20 per cent.
The new, 200-bar direct-injection 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. It punches out a maximum of 740 CV at 8250 rpm, with a specific power output of 118 CV/l and maximum revs of 8700 rpm, record figures for this type of engine. Responsiveness and strong pick-up is guaranteed by maximum torque of 690 Nm, 80 per cent of which is readily available at 2500 rpm.
With a Fiorano lap time of just 1’23’’, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds, the F12berlinetta is the most high-performance road car in Ferrari history. Over and above sheer performance, however, it stands out for its nimble and responsive handling and unparalleled driving involvement even at lower speeds, a feature normally the reserve of mid-rear-engined cars, whether on the track or on the road.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta will go on sale in the second half of 2012, with a base price of around 280,000 Euro.
