Ferrari rolls out 12Cilindri screamer

FERRARI has lifted the covers on its latest creation, the aptly named – for those who speak kindergarten-level Italian – 12Cilindri grand tourer, powered by a front-mounted V12 that pays homage to the iconic engine configuration that was first born back in 1947.

Inspired by the many Ferrari grand tourers before it, the model aims to offer the best in race-bred performance and long-distance comfort, with a roaring 12-cylinder engine that somehow made it through the tight emissions hurdles threatening its demise.

The model was first unveiled to the public in Miami, not Maranello, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s arrival in the United States. Just this week, though, it was also unveiled to a small audience in Sydney.

It replaces the 812 Superfast but features an entirely new aluminium chassis with a wheelbase that’s 20mm shorter. It does, however, share DNA with the 812 Competizione, like its engine, vortex generators (generating front-end downforce), and four-wheel independent steering.

The ‘F140HD’ naturally aspirated engine has been seriously reworked to produce 611kW/678Nm on its way to an ear-piercing 9500rpm. The new engine is mated to Ferrari’s eight-speed DCT, first used in the SF90 Stradale, which shifts 30 per cent faster than previous V12 berlinetta models.

Ferrari reduced the weight and inertia of various engine components to achieve the stratospheric redline, opting for titanium connecting rods, new aluminium alloy pistons, and a rebalanced crankshaft – the rods alone offering a 40 per cent reduction in rotating mass.

Further up, the valvetrain features sliding finger followers, borrowing Formula 1 technology, and was designed specifically for this V12 engine. The sliding finger follower is made of steel, with a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating, which reduces the coefficient of friction at critical points.

The camshafts at the heart of the high-tech cylinder heads are optimised for both high rpm power and healthy wads of mid-range torque, with variable geometry inlet tracts further enhancing performance across the entire rev range.

According to Ferrari, 80 per cent of total torque is available from just 2500rpm and it has also developed software, used for the first time with one of its naturally aspirated engines, that modifies maximum torque based on the gear selected.

The Aspirated Torque Shaping (ATS) allowed engineers to sculpt the torque curve in third and fourth gears, offering “improved perception of the torque without impinging on acceleration”.

Performance is brisk, with the 12Cilindri clocking 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 200km/h in around 7.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 340km/h.

On the emissions front, a new exhaust system complies with regulations through the use of a ceramic catalytic converter coupled with a particular filter. Equal-length six-into-one exhaust manifolds for each cylinder bank feed the V12’s howling audio to the trick exhaust system, and out into the world.

According to Ferrari, particular focus was placed on the geometry of components like the shock towers and A and B pillars to improve torsional rigidity, resulting in a 15 per cent improvement over the 812 Superfast.

The chassis is lighter too, and Ferrari says handling has been optimised through a near-perfect 48.4 per cent front and 51.6 per cent rear weight distribution. It is, however, 25kg heavier than its predecessor overall, tipping the scales at 1560kg (dry).

The choice of super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres – 275mm wide at the front and 315mm wide at the rear – offer improved grip and a 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance compared to previous front-engined V12 models.

Available in both berlinetta (coupe) and spider (convertible) forms, the 12Cilindri won’t come cheap with pricing starting north of $800k before customisation.

Ferrari will offer an extended seven-year maintenance programme, with a 20,000km/annual regular maintenance interval.

The 12Cilinidri is expected to reach Australia during the second half of 2025, for those who can afford one.

2024 Ferrari 12Cilindri pricing (excluding on-road costs):

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.