Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Review
According to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, there are different Ferraris for different buyers, but when it comes to the big V12-powered Gran Turismo models, there isn’t much messing around. So, meet the baddest Ferrari of them all, the freshly-minted F12 Berlinetta and if you don’t like the name that much, the rest of the package will certainly leave you breathless.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Features
Powertrain
The USP of the F12 Berlinetta, like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano model it replaces, is the brawny V12 engine. This powerplant was first seen on the FF and it shares the cubic capacity of 6262cc and the 65° configuration, however, the power output increases by 80hp to a shade over 730hp, while the torque is 509lb/ft and these figures make the F12 Berlinetta the mightiest road-going Ferrari of all time.
Photo Credit: Retro2cool.com/2012/03/02/ferrari-f12-berlinetta
Performance
Now with just 1525kg dry weight to play around, the performance will be nothing short of blisteringly quick. So here the figures: 0-62 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds, 0-124 miles per hour in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of over 337kmph (211mph). It is so fast that it goes around the Fiorano test track in a time of 1.23 minutes, which is even faster than what the Enzo supercar is capable of and no other road-going Ferrari is faster.
Design
The Berlinetta is very sophisticated also. The car sits on a brand-new aluminum spaceframe chassis, which is made up of 12 different types of alloys which not only help in keeping the weight down but also make the structure 20% more rigid than the outgoing car.
Photo Credit: Carepsia.com/sports-cars-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-release-date
Despite the big V12 engine being placed in the front, the weight distribution is near optimum at 46:54 front:rear. The center of gravity is lower with the engine, seats and the cabin sitting 2.5cm lower.
The Berlinetta’s rear volume is reduced by the new design of the suspension and its layout and the redesigning of the transaxle at the rear.
The F12 Berlinetta is more muscular but smaller than the 599. According to Ferrari, it will stick to the V12 engine format despite the outcry from environmentalists to switch over to smaller engines fitted with turbochargers. The F12 produces more power than the 599 but is 30 per cent more fuel efficient and the carbon dioxide emissions of 350g/kg is impressive for a V12 engine producing 730hp.
Ferrari employs F1 technology for its road-going cars more than anyone else and this shows in the exceptional aerodynamics of the Berlinetta.
Photo Credit: Tornebohm.com/WP/?p=13143
There are two things which help in this. The first is the way the bonnet is shaped and formed. It funnels air from the top to the sides of the cars and this impacts the down force positively. Then there is the Active Brake Cooling system, which opens tiny doors to cooling ducts, when the temperature rises, to reduce drag.
Also Read
2012 Ferrari FF Review
2012 Ferrari 458 Spider Review
Five outlets sit under the car and this means the shape of the F12 Berlinetta is not spoiled by an over-sized spoiler at the rear.
Other features on the car include: the latest in ceramic brakes and dampers plus the electronic suite which controls the traction and stability systems, electronic differential and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Interior
On the inside, the cabin volume has been purposefully streamlined and the layout of the dashboard is more modern.
Photo Credit: Techcracks.com/2012/03/2012-ferrari-f12berlinetta-car-concept
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Price
The Price of Ferrari F12 Berlinetta has not been announced yet.
Sum Up
The styling of the car is subjective. The design of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the outcome of collaboration between Pininfarina and Ferrari’s Centro Stile and the debate over how it looks will go on for some time to come.
Think of the F12 Berlinetta as mix of the 599 GTO and the 458 Italia and throw in the mix the classic Ferrari ingredient of a V12 GT and we are sure you will like one when it zooms past you.
