The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. The F12 Berlinetta debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and replaced the 599 grand tourer.
The naturally aspirated 6.3 liter Ferrari V12 engine used in the F12 Berlinetta has won the 2013 International Engine of the Year Award in the Best Performance category and Best Engine above 4.0 litres.
The F12 Berlinetta was designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Chief Designer Flavio Manzoni. The car's shape features a fastback cabin with a streamlined design that references great Ferraris of the past.
Active aerodynamics include an innovative system that generates downforce without increasing drag. The system uses variable geometry to optimize airflow at different speeds. At high speed, the system becomes more efficient while keeping the drag coefficient at just 0.299.
The car features Ferrari's HELE system (High Emotion Low Emission) which includes an engine stop-start system. Despite its performance credentials, Ferrari managed to make the F12 one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
The F12 Berlinetta's 6.3L V12 engine produces 740 PS (544 kW; 730 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 690 N⋅m (509 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine redlines at 8,700 rpm.
Performance figures are staggering: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of over 340 km/h (211 mph). At the time of its release, it was the fastest road-going Ferrari ever built.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts in just 60 milliseconds, providing seamless power delivery. The F1-Trac traction control system has been calibrated to allow controlled oversteer, making the car engaging to drive while remaining safe.
The F12's chassis uses 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which were developed specifically for this car. The spaceframe architecture provides exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum at just 1,525 kg (3,362 lb).
Magnetic dampers provide adaptive suspension that can respond in milliseconds to changing road conditions. The SCM-E magnetorheological suspension system generates different damping forces at each wheel, optimizing both comfort and performance.
Carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 398mm at the front and 360mm at the rear provide exceptional stopping power. The brake calipers are made from aluminum alloy and feature a Brembo design specifically developed for this application.
The interior blends luxury with racing-inspired functionality. Hand-stitched leather covers most surfaces, while carbon fiber and aluminum accents reinforce the car's performance character. Every control is positioned for optimal ergonomics.
The driver-focused cockpit features a traditional Ferrari gated shifter aesthetic reimagined for modern paddle-shift operation. The instrument cluster is fully digital but maintains Ferrari's classic circular gauge design language.
Advanced telemetry systems allow drivers to record and analyze their performance on track. The infotainment system includes satellite navigation, premium audio, and smartphone integration, though the focus remains firmly on the driving experience.
The F12 Berlinetta represented a significant leap forward in Ferrari's grand tourer lineage. It demonstrated that a front-engined V12 Ferrari could match or exceed the performance of mid-engined supercars while offering greater practicality and refinement.
The car received numerous accolades from automotive journalists, with many considering it the finest front-engined sports car of its generation. Its combination of extreme performance and everyday usability set new standards for the grand touring segment.
Limited editions like the F12tdf (tour de France) and the F12 TRS further explored the platform's potential, pushing performance and exclusivity to even greater heights. The F12's successor, the 812 Superfast, built upon this strong foundation.
Engine: 6.3L F140 naturally aspirated V12
Power: 740 PS (544 kW; 730 hp) @ 8,250 rpm
Torque: 690 N⋅m (509 lb⋅ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch F1 automated manual
Weight: 1,525 kg (3,362 lb)
Power-to-weight: 2.1 kg/PS
Top Speed: 340+ km/h (211+ mph)