Ferrari F12 Berlinetta revealed
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1st March, 2012
The launch of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta ushers in a new generation of
Ferrari 12-cylinder super cars in the form that delivers high performance from a new engine, combined with design that
redefines classic themes.
Ferrari's new car will be on display at Switzerland's Geneva Motor Show late next week. The F12 Berlinetta finished in
"Rosso Berlinetta" a new three-layer colour, represents a new era of mid-front-engined sports cars for the Italian
brand.
This is the most powerful Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the efficient engine – in terms of mechanical,
combustion and fluid-dynamics efficiency – which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components
and electronic controls, provide driving involvement whatever the road or track.
Ferrari’s traditional transaxle lay out has been revolutionised to match the extreme performance of the car. The
wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new lay out
of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall
result is a very compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of
aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards for Ferrari.
Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminium materials and construction, designed an all-new spaceframe chassis
and body shell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which have been used for the first time in the automotive
sector, and employing new assembly and joining techniques. This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in structural
rigidity while reducing weight to just 1,525 kg (70 kg less than the previous V12 coupé) with an ideal distribution
between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).
The F12 Berlinetta’s 6,262 cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated
12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 740 CV which translates to an output of 118 CV/l. Torque reaches a peak of 690
Nm (although only 80 per cent of that is available at 2,500 rpm) which provides an unrelenting surge of acceleration all
the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is matched to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios
developed specifically for this car’s performance. The F12 Berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of 2.1 kg/CV.
Excellent results have been obtained with the car’s aerodynamic development, thanks to the integration of the design
process with extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and lengthy testing in the wind tunnel. Downforce
has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299).
These results come courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses the bonnet to generate
downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the
wheel wells to decrease drag. The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling
ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag.
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The F12 Berlinetta’s technical specifications include Ferrari’s latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and the
evolution of the magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E). As is now traditional with Ferraris, its control
systems (E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS) are all integrated.
The result is that the new 12-cylinder car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5
seconds. It also completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1’23”, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Performance and
driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering
speed. Stopping distances have also been reduced.
The design of the F12 Berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina
and is a balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions interpreting the typical elements of
Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way. A coupé with sleek lines whose compact exterior
dimensions conceal in-car space and comfort. The all-new Frau leather interior highlights the balance of technology and
sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fibre and
aluminium air vents.
The cabin has been optimised to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind
the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tailgate. With the cockpit
designed around the driver, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasised, grouping all the major commands within
immediate reach.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta will be available in Australia from early 2013. Stay tuned to Next Car for further
details, in due course.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine
Type
Total displacement
Maximum power output
Maximum torque |
65-degree V12
6,262 cc
740 CV at 8,500 rpm
690 Nm at 6,000 rpm |
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Dimensions and weight
Length
Width
Height
Dry weight**
Weight distribution
Weight-power ratio |
4,618 mm
1,942 mm
1,273 mm
1,525 kg
46% front, 54% rear
2.1 kg/CV |
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Performance
Maximum speed
0-100 km/h |
over 340 km/h
3.1 seconds |
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Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle) |
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Consumption***
CO2*** |
15 l/100 km
350 g/km |
NOTE:
** With lightweight options
*** With HELE System
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