1 Jul 2013
Ferrari's fastest regular production car, the F12 Berlinetta, arrived on Australian shores in July 2013.
Powered by a 6.3-litre V12 that punched out 546kW/690Nm, it sped from 0-100km/h in a meagre 3.1 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 340 km/h.
It also posted the fastest lap for a road car at Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit at 1:23 – a second quicker than the lightweight, track-oriented GTO version of its 599 forebear and two seconds quicker than the legendary Enzo hypercar.
Ferrari shrunk the F12 compared with the 599 while trimming weight by 70kg and reducing drag but increasing downforce by 76 per cent – and the company claimed it had liberated more interior and luggage space despite the more compact dimensions.
Ferrari mounted the F12’s engine, dashboard and seats lower in the chassis to achieve a lower centre of gravity and slightly more rear weight bias than in the 599, with front/rear weight distribution at 46:54.
A new spaceframe chassis design and bodyshell using 12 types of alloy, combined with new assembly and joining techniques were said to increase the F12’s structural rigidity by 20 per cent, aiding ride, handling and safety.
The latest carbon-ceramic brakes were standard and were said to “drastically” reduce stopping distances and the F12 was claimed to deliver “maximum driving involvement” due to sharper steering and the ability to achieve higher cornering speeds.
