The F12berlinetta not only ushers in a whole new generation of Prancing Horse 12-cylinders but is also the most powerful and high performance Ferrari ever built. The F12berlinetta’s 200-bar, direct-injection 6262 cc 65° V12 delivers absolutely unprecedented performance for a naturally aspirated 12-cylinder engine in terms of both power and revs. It has a maximum power output of 740 CV at 8250 rpm, while its specific power output is 118 CV/l, a record for this kind of engine. Responsiveness and strong pick-up are assured by maximum torque of 690 NM, 80 per cent of which is already on tap at 2500 rpm. Exceptional strides have also been made with regard to fuel consumption and emissions both of which have been slashed by 30% to 15l/100 km and 350 g/km of CO2, making the F12berlinetta a benchmark for its reference segment. Its wheelbase is also shorter, the engine and driver seat have been lowered and the rear in more compact thanks to the new suspension and gearbox layout. It is a shorter, lower and narrower car than the previous V12 coupe. Weight distribution is ideal too (54% at the rear) while the center of gravity is lower and has been moved rearwards in the chassis. The F12berlinetta’s space-frame chassis and body-shell are both entirely new. In fact, they incorporate no less than 12 different aluminum alloys, some of which have never been used before in the automotive industry. Various assembly and component joining technologies are also used. This has helped keep the car’s weight down (to 1525 kg) and maximize the efficiency of its performance (torsional rigidity has been increased by 20 per cent). The F12berlinetta’s aerodynamics were developed hand-in-hand with its styling, and incorporate a wealth of innovative solutions. These include the Afro Bridge, which uses the bonnet for the first time to create down-force, and Active Brake Cooling, a system of guide vanes on the brake air ducts which open only if brake operating temperatures are high enough. The result is that it is the most overall aerodynamically efficient Ferrari ever, a fact attested to by a figure of 1.12 (double that of the 599 GTB Fiorano) with Cd of just 0.299 and down force of 123 kg at 200 km/h.
F12berlinetta’s
styling focuses on brilliantly balanced proportions.
It has an original,
innovative look with many signature elements from the Ferrari 12-cylinder tradition.
The car is clothed in sleek, aggressive lines and despite its compact exterior
size, offers an absolutely superb standard of in-cabin space and comfort. The
rear of the F12berlinetta is characterized by a modern, functional
reinterpretation of the Kamm tail which seamlessly integrates the two vertical
fences of the rear diffuser. The resulting original T-shape also incorporates
two full-LED circular tail-lights and the clearly F1-inspired rear fog light. The
F12berlinetta’s technical spec is completed by the very latest carbon ceramic
braking system (CCM3), Evolution magneto rheological suspension (SCM-E) and
advanced vehicle dynamics control systems (E-diff, ESC, F1-Trac and performance
ABS). The controls are integrated in a single, faster ECU with model-based
software.
With a Fiorano lap time of just 1’ 23’’, 0-100 km/h
acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds, the F12berlinetta
is the most high-performance car in Ferrari history. On top of pure performance
figures, however, it is also incredibly fluid and intuitive to drive, thanks to
its unique handling which inspires confidence at all speeds, not just on the
limit on the track. This was achieved thanks in great part to the development
work carried out on the layout which has helped the car take a massive leap
forward in terms of agility and responsiveness, even at slower speeds, a
characteristic more in keeping with mid-rear-engined cars until now. In
addition to this, however, all the car’s sub-systems were developed and integrated
with each other specifically to achieve these goals without compromising on
high standards of occupant comfort. The latter include springs and dampers,
wheels and tyres, yaw control systems, such as the E-Diff, traction control
(F1-Trac), Stability Control (ESC), and auxiliary braking systems, such as
ABS/EBD, which work in coordination to transfer torque in the most intelligent
and efficient way possible to get the most out of the performance available.The
new carbon-ceramic braking system (CCM3) benefits from the latest developments,
including a new material mix for the rear pads and an optimised cooling system
derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience, along with the Active Brake Cooling at
the front. Combined, these improvements eliminate fade and deliver excellent
stopping distances (131 m from 200 km/h, an impressive 7-metre improvement on
the 599 GTB Fiorano).
Power
The 6262cc 65-degree V12 is the most powerful
naturally-aspirated V12 yet. Maximum power is 740CV for a specific output of
118CV per litre and 690 Nm of torque. 80 per cent of that torque figure is on
tap from 2500 rpm, giving massive acceleration right the way up to the 8700 rpm
red line. Just like Ferrari's F1 engines, the V12 boasts very low levels of
inertia to ensure that the engine revs rapidly. Development concentrated on a
number of areas, including the compression ratio which has been increased to
13.5:1. The lower crankcase was completely redesigned to help reduce the car's center of gravity (the engine sits 30mm lower and further back in the chassis
compared to the 599 GTB Fiorano). The V12 feeds power to the rear wheels
through the dual-clutch F1 transmission which gives instantaneous gear shifts.
The transmission features close gear ratios developed specifically to suit the
car's performance and is integrated with the electronic E-Diff to reduce
overall weight. Internal friction losses have been reduced to a minimum and
innovative technologies have been employed (such as the multi-spark ignition
function which implements three successive sparks of different intensity and
duration) to reduce fuel consumption by 30 per cent compared to the 599 GTB
Fiorano depsite the increase in power and torque.
Cabin
design
F12berlinetta’s cabin design features a cutting-edge look
that is understated yet sophisticated. Volumes have been reduced to a minimum
to enhance sportiness and efficiency. The interior space has been optimised to
ensure that the driving experience is both sporty and comfortable at once. The
perfect balance between advanced technologies and the sophisticated,
beautifully hand-executed detailing of the Frau leather interior reflects the
values that lie at the core of Ferrari’s DNA. The design’s strongest feature is
the logical, ergonomic layout of the various functions within the cockpit:
light and essential architecture embraces and enhances the Human Machine
Interface, which places all the major controls on the steering wheel, and
displays all the main information in the main binnacle straight ahead. The
elimination of the indicator stalks and the clustering of all driver commands
on the steering wheel underscore the car’s link to the world of racing. More
ergonomically efficient F1 paddles and the fact that the driver can reach every
single control with his hands firmly on the steering wheel rim ensure maximum
performance is achievable in any driving condition. The dashboard is dominated
by air vents of a new and innovative design. Of aeronautical inspiration, they
are compact and are made from carbon-fibre and aluminium alloy. An optional
display is available for the passenger-side dash and keeps the passenger
actively involved in the whole driving experience. The tunnel console is both
light and functional. The central bridge incorporates the F1 gearbox and hazard
warning light buttons, and is one of the cabin’s signature elements. Below it
is an Alcantara®-lined oddments storage space and there is also a cup-holder.
The tunnel console is completed by a longitudinally adjustable armrest which is
hinged at the side to facilitate access to the storage compartment beneath
where there is also a convenient USB port. The F12berlinetta’s door panels have
a fluidly dynamic line and again are designed around the logical arrangement of
their main features: armrest, door handle, tweeter, speaker, airbag and leather
pocket. The panel’s central trim section allows ample scope for personalisation
in terms of both finish and materials. Options include aluminium borders
designed to underscore the panel’s characteristic lines.
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