Ferrari introduces 12Cilindri with 830hp V12 engine

SAUDI ARABIA : The Ferrari 12Cilindri, the newest member of the Ferrari family after the 812 Superfast, seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with the brand's long history. Unveiled in Miami, this model puts a powerful 12-cylinder engine at its center.

The 12Cilindri ushers in a new era for Ferrari, building on the legacy of the 812 Superfast with a bold redesign, even more power, and innovative features. Ferrari stays true to its heritage with the renowned naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, while making significant investments to meet Euro 6e emission standards.

Ferrari unveiled both the open-top Spider and closed-top coupé versions of the 12Cilindri at the same time. The coupé starts at EUR 395,000 (roughly AED 1.56 million) while the Spider is priced at EUR 435,000 (approximately AED 1.72 million) in Italy.Ferrari's design chief, Flavio Manzoni, said the 12Cilindri breaks new ground with a look that's different from the curvy design of the previous 812 Competizione. The 12Cilindri blends aerodynamic needs and mechanical parts seamlessly into its design, honoring Ferrari's heritage while offering a more user-focused approach.

Close attention to detail is shown in features like exposed carbon fiber parts, a hood that opens at the back, and bigger wheels designed for performance. Small flaps in the back are cleverly hidden to increase downforce at high speeds, highlighting Ferrari's focus on design that works well.The Ferrari 12Cilindri boasts an impressive powertrain upgrade. The centerpiece is the enhanced "F140HD" V12 engine, which delivers a staggering 830 horsepower and 678 Newton-meters of torque. This translates to exhilarating performance - the car rockets from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 340 kilometers per hour.Ferrari engineers achieved this power surge through meticulous weight reduction across various engine components. The camshaft is 3% lighter, while the conrods and pistons shed an impressive 40% and 2% of their weight, respectively. Additionally, the engine benefits from Formula 1-inspired advancements like shorter manifold tracts, sliding finger valve followers, and optimized cam profiles.

This commitment to the V12 engine is further emphasized by Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari's Chief Product Development Officer. He assures that Ferrari remains dedicated to this iconic powertrain despite ever-changing regulations.The 12Cilindri's agility is heightened by structural improvements. The wheelbase is reduced by 20 millimeters to 2,700 millimeters compared to the 812 model, enhancing responsiveness and handling. New Michelin and Goodyear tires, coupled with rear-wheel steering, further contribute to exceptional stability and cornering performance. The chassis also boasts a significant 15% increase in torsional stiffness achieved by reducing chassis castings from 22 to 17.

Braking prowess is amplified with the incorporation of the ABS-Evo system and brake-by-wire technology, both borrowed from the acclaimed 296 GTB. While the 12Cilindri carries a slight weight increase of around 35 kilograms compared to the 812 Superfast, Ferrari maintains that the overall driving experience remains unparalleled.The interior echoes the design philosophy of the Purosangue, featuring individual digital displays for both driver and passenger within their own enclosed "cockpits." However, unlike the Purosangue, the 12Cilindri opts for a 10.25-inch central touchscreen for infotainment purposes and forgoes a built-in navigation system, relying instead on smartphone mirroring for navigation needs.

The steering wheel boasts capacitive controls alongside the Manettino drive mode selector. Physical switches mounted on the wheel, reminiscent of Ferrari's manual gear selectors, add a nostalgic touch. The coupe features a glass roof, while the Spider variant offers a retractable top that can be operated in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45 km/h. However, this convenience comes at the cost of reduced boot space by around 100 liters.Ferrari's commitment to quality is evident in Gianmaria's decision to withhold sales projections. Previously, the company indicated that the Purosangue SUV would account for less than 20% of their total sales.

Galliera emphasizes Ferrari's growth strategy, which focuses on maximizing profit per vehicle and venturing into new market segments. He also assures that the production volume of the 12Cilindri will be comparable to its predecessor, the 812.