The 12 Cylinders were unveiled to the public and media in the Miami area to celebrate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the U.S. market. The 12 Cylinders feature a naturally aspirated front-mid V12 engine, the single leitmotif that has thrilled Ferrari enthusiasts since 1947. Interestingly, the first car produced by Ferrari was also a naturally aspirated front-mid V12 model. Over the decades, Ferrari has remained committed to preserving the brand’s unique DNA and core values while continuously evolving its powertrain philosophy, and the 12 Cylinders represent the natural evolution of Ferrari’s uncompromised powertrain ethos.
Inspired by legendary grand tourers of the 1950s and 60s, the 12 Cylinders are an elegant front-mounted Ferrari V12 two-seater, perfectly combining elegance, broad usability, and performance. This vehicle sets new standards in performance, comfort, and design as the latest addition to the Ferrari V12 lineage. The silhouette of the 12 Cylinders radiates sportiness and sophistication. Highlights of its streamlined lines include a high-performance integrated active aerodynamic system, a front-hinged hood that enhances visibility to the engine compartment, and the twin tailpipes that have become the signature of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder vehicles.
The engine of the 12 Cylinders represents the latest iteration of Ferrari’s iconic V12, delivering an astounding 830 horsepower with a maximum rpm of 9,500. This engine features an exceptionally impressive output curve, utilizing 80% of total torque at just 2,500 rpm. As a result, the vehicle responds immediately to the driver’s input on the accelerator, delivering continuous power all the way to the redline.
The interior of the 12 Cylinders is designed to provide the utmost comfort for both driver and passenger during long-distance journeys. With a glass roof, luxurious materials, and separate displays for the driver and passenger, the cabin feels spacious and airy.
The 12 Cylinders target not only driving enthusiasts but also clients demanding a new benchmark in performance, comfort, and design. This includes long-time Ferrari fans who cherish the distinctive sensations that only a Ferrari V12 engine can provide, as well as new customers yearning for comfort, Italian design, and the thrill of driving. The 12 Cylinders can be seen as a vehicle engineered for true connoisseurs and experts who know exactly what Ferrari’s DNA entails.
Powertrain
The F140HD engine installed in the 12 Cylinders is the latest version of Ferrari’s iconic naturally aspirated V12, expressing the purest essence of Ferrari’s soul. The 12 Cylinders is equipped with a powerful soundtrack and exclusive Ferrari technologies, qualifying it to inherit the shining history of the most illustrious berlinetta (two-seater or 2+2 coupe model) sports car in Ferrari’s history. This engine, adopted with bold and innovative solutions, boasts a maximum output of 830 horsepower and a peak rpm of 9,500.
Key features of the engine include improved components and software, with some having previously been adopted in the special series 812 Competizione, showcasing class-leading performance. To increase the V12’s revs, engineers focused on reducing the weight and inertia of the engine components. By using titanium connecting rods instead of steel, the rotational mass was reduced by 40% while maintaining the same mechanical resistance. Piston materials were changed to a different type of aluminum alloy, and a 3% lighter rebalanced crankshaft was adopted to further lighten the engine.
The valve train with sliding finger followers derives from Ferrari’s unique experiences accumulated in Formula 1. It is specially developed for the 12-cylinder engine to reduce mass while maximizing the shape and design of high-performance valves. Sliding finger followers are made from steel coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC), using hydraulic tappets as operation pivots to transfer the cam’s movements to the valves. The use of DLC coatings reduces the coefficient of friction at critical points, significantly enhancing the engine’s mechanical efficiency.
Most modifications focused on optimizing torque delivery under all operating conditions. As a result, the engine produces peak power at redline, offering an exhilaratingly smooth and responsive driving experience.
The layout of the manifold and plenum has become highly compact. By shortening the intake length and optimizing the cam shape and movement, the engine can deliver power even at high revs. Meanwhile, to maximize dynamic charge within the cylinders, variable geometry inlets have been adopted that continuously change the length of the intake, optimizing torque curves across all engine speeds.
For the first time in a naturally aspirated engine, an innovative software allows torque to change based on the selected gear. This gives drivers a smooth, progressively exhilarating acceleration experience as the gear ratio increases, which represents another key aspect that makes the driving feel of the 12 Cylinders unique.
The gradual increase in acceleration and power is symbolic of all Ferrari 12-cylinder engines. The new engine is capable of electronically precise control through the innovative Aspirated Torque Shaping (ATS), allowing for the creation of torque curves in 3rd and 4th gears. Electronic control helps better recognize torque levels without affecting acceleration, thus enhancing the joy of driving. By introducing new gear ratios, the acceleration level can be maintained higher, enabling engineers to create a new torque curve for the aspirated engine.
Optimizing the engine’s mechanical efficiency and lubrication circuit contributes significantly to explosive performance and fuel consumption reduction. To achieve this, the variable displacement oil pump is calibrated to ensure that oil circulates throughout the engine and is recovered from the sump with water vapor. The solenoid valve controlled by the ECU (Engine Control Unit) in a closed-loop manner regulates the pump’s displacement based on engine rpm and pressure, supplying just the needed amount of oil while helping save substantial energy. Additionally, the oil tank and pump’s hydraulic circuits were redesigned to minimize oil loss and optimize functionality across all operating conditions.
The gasoline direct injection system (GDI, 350bar) consists of two gasoline pumps and four rails equipped with pressure sensors that provide feedback to the pressure control system. The electronic injectors can control the amount injected up to three times per engine cycle. The ECU, featuring single and multi-spark functions, continuously monitors the ignition system. Additionally, the ECU uses sophisticated strategies to prevent knocking by recognizing the octane level of the fuel in the tank, controlling combustion to ensure the engine operates at thermodynamically optimal efficiency.
The new exhaust system incorporates a ceramic catalytic converter combined with a particulate filter. Developed to comply with the latest exhaust emission standards (EU6E, China6B, and BIN50), this system embodies the most advanced exhaust reduction technology achieved through prolonged software strategies.
Sound is a vital element in embodying the comfort, luxury, and exhilarating driving experience of Ferrari’s V12. To achieve this, every component in the intake and exhaust lines has been optimized. Through equal length exhaust pipes, a 6-in-1 manifold mounted on each cylinder bank, and an innovative design in the central section, the distinctive roar of a Ferrari V12 has been created, blending all combustion sequences. Furthermore, perfectly integrating and calibrating high and low frequencies generated by these systems has affected the engine’s tonal quality. The shape of the exhaust pipes and the internal fluid dynamics of the silencer baffles are designed to minimize back pressure, improving power delivery. The geometric structure of the exhaust system’s shape and curves ensures that pure sound is maintained across the entire range up to maximum RPM.
The interior sound has also been improved to maintain a perfect balance through enhancements to the intake system. The position of the resonators has been altered to change pressure waves, resulting in a rich sound texture, particularly in the mid-frequency range. As a result, in all driving conditions—especially during sporty driving—a cleaner and richer sound can be enjoyed inside the cabin.
Equipped with an 8-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission), the 12 Cylinders benefits from a gearbox praised in other vehicles since its introduction in the SF90 Stradale. The vehicle now features larger 21-inch rim tires, providing a 5% shorter gear ratio in lower gears compared to existing V12 models, resulting in a 12% increase in torque delivered to the wheels. This improvement enhances longitudinal performance during acceleration and reduces gear shift times by 30% compared to previous V12 berlinetta models.
The acceleration performance through gear shifts has greatly improved, and the introduction of the 8-speed gearbox enhances fuel efficiency during highway driving. Thus, the 8-speed DCT not only improves efficiency but also operates attractively across all gears.
Design
Exterior
Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Styling Center design team decided to fundamentally change the styling of existing Ferrari front-mid V12 vehicles for the 12 Cylinders. For instance, instead of adopting the sculptural forms and distances typical of the 812 Competizione, they opted for a more unified style, strictly maintaining formal design while favoring sophistication.
The geometric structure of the 12 Cylinders is characterized by its concise lines, emphasizing a smoothly integrated whole volume. The side lines of the car are also extremely concise. The vehicle’s wings are beautifully sculpted with geometric precision while maintaining Ferrari’s characteristic sensuality. All lines on the vehicle intersect in volume, approaching shape in a more functional manner, stepping away from nostalgia for the past. The muscular rear wing is designed to present a commanding appearance while being geometrically controlled to perfection. The front wing subtly extends the muscular form down the sides, emphasizing an aesthetic of unity.
The road-ready shape hood features the front wing integrated within it. The removal of cut lines on the wing allows for a smooth, uninterrupted surface that creates a muscular design. Therefore, the entire hood is completed with smooth lines with only two necessary air vents for cooling the engine compartment. One of the goals of the 12 Cylinders was to explore a design language that is not directly related to the automotive industry. Thus, iconic elements such as elongated headlights and traditional grill shapes have been eliminated from the front of the vehicle, focusing instead on the geometric structure and intersections inherent in the car’s design. The headlights are integrated into a band surrounding the front of the car, with DRLs extending like blades.
A similar approach has been applied to the rear. Once again, formal strictness is observed, and volume is reduced to achieve form. The taillights, consistent with the front elements, are designed in a blade shape spanning the concave rear end. This design could be seen as a true signature theme of the 12 Cylinders, reflecting how cleverly the Ferrari Styling Center designers fused technical and functional requirements.
Rather than adopting a rear spoiler, the designers used two active flaps integrated into the rear screen to complete the signature delta (Δ shape, the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet) theme. Overall, the car gives the impression of being one seamless whole, resulting in a very high-tech form. By developing this concept, the designers could handle the cabin of the 12 Cylinders in a fresh manner. Matching the frame color with the body color allows the design theme of the rear screen to maintain organic integration with the rest of the cabin, characterized by a black screen effect (visual effect of the screen appearing off).
The rear section, matching the body color, is also finished very neatly with a design that resembles a single entity. The lower section, finished in black or carbon fiber, prominently features the diffuser keel located in the central part of the diffuser. The body almost appears to float above the diffuser keel. This section also encompasses two sensors and two twin tailpipes. The sensors and twin tailpipes, comprising a total of four elements, are completely newly shaped and surrounded by metal materials to create a more compact form.
Driver’s Cabin
The interior design of the 12 Cylinders is divided into three levels. The first level stretches from the top of the dashboard to the door panel trim, the second occupies the central area, and the third encompasses the driver and passenger’s footwell and seats. Each level is clearly defined, emphasizing the dual cockpit effect through combinations of colors and materials. This creates an effect of elegance or sportiness in the seats and other areas. The 12 Cylinders not only encapsulate Ferrari’s signature luxury and performance but also focus on environmental sustainability, exemplified by the extensive use of sustainable materials like Alcantara© containing 65% recycled polyester.
The interior style is inspired by Ferrari’s dual cockpit structure, a layout seen in the Ferrari Roma, the Roma Spider, and the Ferrari Purosangue. The cabin of the 12 Cylinders, composed of two modules for the driver and passenger, features a nearly symmetrical structure, providing an extraordinary level of comfort along with an immersive driving experience.
The dashboard stretches horizontally, with the decorative elements on the upper side clearly separated from the functional components below. On the top, two visors stand out for the driver and passenger displays, as well as for the temperature control vents. Through changes in color and materials, the two sections defined by the dashboard body appear distinctly separated while creating a light feeling as though the dashboard is floating.
The panel of the central tunnel appears as though it extends from the dashboard. An accentuated large sculptural groove stands out contrastively within the tunnel’s decorative area, where the armrest is located, surrounded by a metallic border to establish a definitive boundary between different regions. The sides of the tunnel are carved out to recreate the sensation of floating once again. Moreover, this area is adorned with luxurious materials, and the Y-shaped metallic element where Ferrari’s iconic gate shift is positioned is also notable.
One of the key motivations for developing bespoke interior features in the 12 Cylinders was to enhance the quality of cabin life. The vehicle boasts a generously sized tinted glass roof, significantly improving ventilation and spatial feel in the cabin, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency year-round. From a design perspective, the glass roof perfectly integrates with the upper section of the cabin, creating an elegant and refined appearance while maintaining continuity between the windscreen and rear screen.
The 12 Cylinders introduces a new HMI (Human Machine Interface). Comprised of three displays, the HMI elevates the experience of riding in a Ferrari V12 berlinetta to a new dimension. All major functions can be controlled via the centrally located 10.25-inch touchscreen display, which is accessible to both driver and passenger. Adjacent to it is a 15.6-inch driver display that shows all information related to driving and vehicle dynamics. The passenger can immerse themselves in the driving experience through the 8.8-inch display located in front of them, truly feeling like a co-driver.
This vehicle is equipped with a capacitive steering wheel similar to what is found in the latest models, with buttons recessed for easy access. This design enhances accuracy and intuitiveness for immediate responsiveness even during sporty driving. The 12 Cylinders also offers a mobile connectivity system based on Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, both of which can be easily controlled from the new central display. Users can also conveniently charge their phones through the wireless charging mat (a standard option) located in the central tunnel.
An optional high-end audio system has been developed in collaboration with Burmester®. Comprising 15 loudspeakers, it delivers unprecedented sound quality with a powerful output of 1600W, ensuring pristine audio at any volume and speed. Thanks to Ring Tweeter technology, sound distortion is minimized, providing crisp high frequencies. The powerful dual-coil subwoofer produces rich and full sound, while the ultra-flat headliner offers a 360-degree sound experience.
Aerodynamics
The primary goal of the 12 Cylinders’ aerodynamics was to create an elegant and refined vehicle without compromising performance. There are two distinctive features in the tail section: one is the 25nm nodder on the trunk cover, and the other is the active aerodynamic device. The former provides a re-compression function necessary to maintain the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency at minimal drag. The flaps can be set to either LD (Low Drag) or HD (High Downforce).
In the LD (Low Drag) position, the flaps align horizontally with the body, allowing air to flow unobstructed over them. This setting maintains the vehicle’s performance at speeds where downforce is less significant, such as at 60km/h and above 300km/h. However, between these speeds, downforce plays a crucial role, and the spoiler’s movement adjusts according to the car’s longitudinal and lateral acceleration. In the HD (High Downforce) setting, the 12 Cylinders generate maximum downforce, ensuring the vehicle maintains aerodynamic balance.
The underbody is designed to manage the airflow coming from the central radiator, maximizing vertical load. The shape and contours of the louver (plates arranged with gaps, either horizontally or vertically) in the central open area of the underbody minimize the influence of low-energy hot air. Two louvers are located in the low-pressure area behind the front wheels to reduce overpressure within the engine compartment. This enhances the efficiency of heat dissipation mass and reduces drag while increasing downforce generation.
Similar to the 812 Competizione, the downforce of the front underbody is generated through three pairs of vortex generators. Additionally, the front underbody conveys the cool air flow from the front splitter to assist in brake cooling.
The central underbody is designed to properly guide airflow and retain energy as it reaches the rear diffuser. To achieve this, the opening of the transmission tunnel has been reduced to evenly balance the incoming air volume. The area in front of the rear wheels is designed to be elevated to protect the tires and direct airflow backwards.
On the flat underbody, a pair of vortex generators are installed to create efficient downforce and guide airflow toward the ventilation device. Following Ferrari’s philosophy of applying racing innovations to road-going sports cars, engineers created an air intake near the outer edge of the rear fence to ventilate noise reduction elements.
Cooling Layout
The vehicle’s entire cooling system has been re-engineered to dissipate heat from the engine and auxiliary devices. As a result, more than seven air holes have been drilled into the front bumper to optimally release heat from the front lower body. Specifically, between the longitudinal elements of the chassis, the engine coolant radiator and air conditioning circuit condenser are positioned to draw air from the open area in the center of the body. The oil radiator is separated into two components and installed in front of the front wheels. The two side air intakes are divided into two portions; the outer part cools the engine oil radiator while the inner part cools the brakes.
Brake cooling ducts receive airflow from two holes, one located between the radiator air intake and the other below the front splitter. All systems related to brake cooling are integrated with the oil radiator intake, optimizing the airflow to the front brake intake. The side intakes are shaped in an L form to maximize the amount of air flowing in through the holes while ensuring accurate airflow delivery along the vehicle’s side.
The air from the engine room is discharged through two vents located above the hood to reduce overpressure and enhance cooling efficiency. Thanks to these two vents, the number of holes in the underbody has diminished, allowing for efficient downforce generation. The wing behind the front wheels features vents for airflow from the wheel arch to minimize the overpressure created in the underbody cooling ducts.
Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis
The 12 Cylinders is equipped with cutting-edge dynamic control technology for front engine berlinettas. The introduction of brake-by-wire has shortened braking distances and improved braking repeatability while enabling the application of various state-of-the-art innovations. The latest innovations include ABS Evo, first applied in the 296 GTB, and the 6w-CDS sensor. The 6w-CDS sensor ensures the virtual short wheelbase (PCV) 3.0 and Side Slip Control 8.0 systems achieve optimal precision. The completely new control logic, Aspirated Torque Shaping, enables smoother and more linear power delivery than previous legendary naturally aspirated engines through electronic control.
Ferrari’s renowned control unit has evolved into the SSC 8.0, allowing all systems to communicate in a common language to maximize the vehicle’s overall performance while calculating optimal operating modes. SSC 8.0 integrates the control systems of the 12 Cylinders and creates natural synergy with the new ABS Evo.
SSC 8.0 is a proprietary system from Ferrari that enhances predictive accuracy and learning speed (improved by 10% over the previous version), optimizing control even on surfaces with very low grip. Grip recognition logic aids in predicting traction. Using the side slip angle information estimated by the EPS CPU and SSC 8.0, the 12 Cylinders can estimate the friction between tires and road during steering. This approach allows it to predict traction not only in limit situations but also during regular driving, enabling the system to learn grip more quickly.
The 12 Cylinders is equipped with four-wheel independent steering (4WS) first introduced in the special series 812 Competizione. This system manages each wheel independently, controlling yaw during cornering and providing quick responsiveness during abrupt directional changes. The innovative rear steering technology precisely manages the position of each actuator (devices that perform physical actions in response to given inputs), reducing axle response times and consequently improving cornering responsiveness. An almost ideal weight distribution (48.3% front, 51.7% rear) further optimizes handling. Additionally, the wheelbase is shortened by 20mm compared to the 812 Superfast, contributing to the vehicle’s responsiveness.
Tires
The 12 Cylinders can be equipped with either Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tires, both developed in new sizes specifically for Ferrari (front 275/35ZR21, rear 315/35ZR21). The tires were developed through physical and virtual sessions, significantly reducing the number of times real prototypes had to be manufactured, ultimately shortening development time and cycles.
By adopting the latest technology in terms of tire compound (rubber mixture), tread design, and casing properties, performance has been optimized. Extensive testing resulted in improvements in grip levels on dry surfaces, balance, stability during limit situations, stability on wet surfaces, comfort inside and outside the cabin, while also reducing noise. Additionally, rolling resistance was reduced by 10% compared to previous Ferrari front engine V12 berlinetta tires.
Chassis
The chassis of the 12 Cylinders has been completely newly developed, constructed entirely of aluminum and with a wheelbase shortened by 20mm compared to the 812 Superfast. Special attention focused on the geometric structure of cast components such as the shock towers, A-pillars, and C-pillars, improving torsional rigidity while reducing weight.
The upper glass section of the chassis enhances the vehicle’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and safety performance while creating a clean load line that significantly improves rigidity without adding any extra weight compared to previous Ferrari 12-cylinder chassis designs. Consequently, torsional rigidity has increased by 15% from the 812 Superfast, allowing for better prediction of dynamic movements and positively influencing suspension precision. Finally, by extensively using cast components, the number of extruded parts requiring assembly has been significantly reduced, thereby streamlining the assembly process for greater efficiency.
For the first time in a Ferrari production car, a 100% recyclable second alloy has been utilized in the shock tower of the gearbox sub-frame. This innovation results in a reduction of 146kg of carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle manufactured. Extensive development has proven that the new alloy exhibits the same mechanical properties as those not recycled, while using slightly different chemical compositions. To verify this new alloy, tests evaluating the static and dynamic movements of components were conducted, yielding excellent results in fatigue and crash tests.
7-Year Maintenance
Ferrari’s strict quality standards and high level of customer service are well represented in the 7-Year Maintenance program offered for the 12 Cylinders. This program, applicable to all Ferrari lineup models, provides regular maintenance service during the first seven years following the purchase of the vehicle. The scheduled maintenance helps ensure that customers can maintain optimal performance and safety over the years, and this service is also available to owners purchasing certified pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular inspections (every 20,000 km or once per year, regardless of mileage), original parts, and precision checks conducted using the latest diagnostic equipment by trained staff who have directly trained at the Ferrari training center are just some of the benefits available through the Genuine Maintenance program. These services can be accessed through the official dealer network of Ferrari dealerships worldwide.
Jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr