New Ferrari 12 Cilindri revealed: is it the last front-engined V12 Ferrari ever?
May 03, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
This is the all-new Ferrari 12 Cilindri, the long-awaited replacement for the 812, and it may spell the end of an era for the brand.
- New Ferrari 12 Cilindri revealed
- Replacement for the 812 Superfast
- All-new, futuristic design
- Could be the last front-engined V12 Ferrari ever
- Same power output as the 812 Competitzione
- Likely to cost over £300,000
Ferrari has unveiled a new GT car to replace the 812 Superfast, and it’s called the 12 Cilindri.
In a world where turbocharging and hybridisation are taking over, Ferrari is sticking with a big, naturally-aspirated V12. It won’t be able to make engines like this forever though, so this could be one of the last front-engined 12-cylinder Ferraris you can buy.
New Ferrari 12 Cilindri design
At a quick glance you might not even recognise the 12 Cilindri as a Ferrari because it looks nothing like the 812 Superfast it replaces. It’s been designed not to be nostalgic, but to look modern and futuristic.
That said, keen-eyed Ferrari fans will be able to spot some retro design features. The way the headlights wrap around the front bumper is similar to the 365 Daytona from the 1960s, and the black trim on the bonnet is similar to that car’s as well. The LED daytime running lights stick out like the chrome bumpers on classic Ferraris.
The windscreen has been pushed back as far as possible to make room for the V12 lump under the bonnet, and the rear pillars have an exaggerated shape which sweeps behind the windows and curves up into the roof.
The most radical angle is around the back though. The 12 Cilindri has completely flat tail lights, there’s no hint of roundness like the SF90, and even the quad tailpipes are rectangular.
A drop-top Spider version is also on offer for wind-in-the-hair thrills. Ferrari usually keeps the convertible versions of its cars under wraps for a few months, but not this time. It looks exactly how you’d expect, like a 12 Cilindri coupe with a folding metal roof.
New Ferrari 12 Cilindri V12 engine
Ferrari is sticking with a big, naturally-aspirated V12 engine for the 12 Cilindri. That’s actually where the car gets its name, it translates to 12 cylinders.
With emissions regulations getting ever more stringent, this could be the one of the last front-engined V12 Ferraris ever made, so it needs to be a good one.
Things get off to a good start, because the engine is based on the screaming 6.5-litre V12 you got in the 812 Superfast. This means you get lightened internal components and the clever intake manifolds from the 812 Competitzione.
As a result, the new 12 Cilindri has 830hp and 678Nm of torque. That’s exactly the same power output as the 812 Competizione, however the forthcoming Aston Martin Vanquish will have 835hp and 1,000Nm of torque from its V12 engine.
But what does this mean for performance? Well Ferrari says that the 12 Cilindri will do 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds, exactly the same as the 812 Competitzione and over half a second quicker than an Aston Martin DB12. It’ll go on to a top speed of over 211 mph as well.
New Ferrari 12 Cilindri chassis and suspension
It may have a familiar engine up front, but the new Ferrari 12 Cilindri is completely new under the skin.
The chassis is made entirely of aluminium, like the 812, but the design is very different. Ferrari has found a new way of casting the shock towers to make them more rigid and lighter, and it claims that this new car weighs 1,560kg. That’s the figure without fluids on board though, so you can take that with a pinch of salt.
What’s not up for debate is the fact that this new chassis is 15% more rigid than the 812s, which will improve the handling on a track.
New Ferrari 12 Cilindri interior
The new 12 Cilindri’s interior looks pretty much identical to the Ferrari Purosangue SUV , apart from the lack of back seats of course.
You get a similar dashboard design which wraps around the driver, and the passenger gets their own display and touchscreen so they can whinge at you about how fast you’re driving. There’s a large screen in the centre as well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Besides the technology, you get Alcantara everywhere and you’ll be able to customise all the leather and stitching until your heart’s content.
How much is the new Ferrari 12 Cilindri?
Ferrari is keeping tight-lipped for now about how much the 12 Cilindri costs, but don’t expect to get much change from £300,000. The convertible Spider version is bound to cost even more.
New Ferrari 12 Cilindri alternatives
Can’t wait for the new Ferrari 12 Cilindri? Check out these alternatives
1) Aston Martin DB12
The Aston Martin DB12 is a classy British GT car with drop-dead gorgeous styling and a luxurious interior. It may not currently be available with a V12 engine, but that could change soon and the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 still offers plenty of punch.
2) Bentley Continental GT Speed
This is a proper wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Bentley Continental GT Speed may look like Blenheim Palace on wheels, but the massive 6.0-litre W12 engine gives it serious pace. The interior is a glorious place to sit as well.
3) Porsche 911 Turbo S
If sheer driving pleasure is the top priority, the Porsche 911 is one of the best coupes you can buy. It not only handles brilliantly, it’s also quicker than the Ferrari to 60mph by 0.2 of a second.
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