2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta

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.




The F12berlinetta's spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are both entirely new. In fact, they incorporate no less than 12 different aluminium 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 maximise 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 Aero Bridge, which uses the bonnet for the first time to create downforce, 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 downforce of 123 kg at 200 km/h.



The F12berlinetta's technical spec is completed by the very latest carbon ceramic braking system (CCM3), Evolution magnetorheological 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 ECÚ with model-based software.

Design and Style
The F12berlinetta's design strikes the perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari's front-engined V12 cars. Its designers and engineers worked in tandem to sculpt its surfaces so that they seamlessly incorporate the car's many innovative aerodynamic solutions by 'subtraction' rather than having it bristling with different appendages.

The result of this collaboration is an innovative system of air flows which make this car absolutely original and unique, a true marriage of technology and aesthetics, an essential requisite for all Prancing Horse cars in which form and function are inextricably linked.

The F12berlinetta has low, sleek coupé lines with powerfully sculpted flanks whose contours curve and dip to channel the air flows from the bonnet. The two aerodynamic channels, created by reducing the volume between the wings and central bonnet bulge, pass below a bridge in the area between the front wheelarch and the bottom of the A-pillar, before flowing into scoops in the flanks, lifting and lightening the car's side volume.

The front of the car is dominated by an imposing grille that draws air into the engine bay to cool the V12. On either side of it are electronically-controlled guide vanes which help cool the brakes. This is an original, active aerodynamic solution as when closed they cut drag and when open guarantee optimal brake cooling.

The rear of the F12berlinetta is characterised 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.

Interior:

The emphasis in the F12berlinetta's cabin design was on creating 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 provide both a sporty driving position as well as guarantee maximum comfort. A perfect balance has been struck between advanced technologies and sophisticated, beautifully hand-executed detailing, both of which are intrinsic to Ferrari's DNA.

The design's strongest feature, however, is the logical, ergonomic layout of the various functions within the cockpit: the essential architecture embraces and enhances the Human Machine Interface which allows the driver to reach all of the controls without taking his hands off the steering wheel and displays all of the information he requires directly ahead.

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.

The main objective with the F12berlinetta's seats was to reduce their volumes as much as possible to ensure freer occupant movement within the cabin while, at the same time, ensuring they are extremely comfortable and respect lateral containment geometries. The headrest is fully integrated into the backrest, giving the seat a very modern, track-inspired feel.

The rear of the cockpit features an upholstered rear bench with leather luggage straps to hold bags securely in place.

Dynamics And Performance
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).

The F12berlinetta features traditional double wishbone suspension with lower L-arm at the front and multi-link at the rear. It also sports the new SCM-E magnetorheological dampers which have twin solenoids and a new ECÚ with upgraded software. The system uses a fluid whose viscosity is altered by an electronically-controlled magnetic field generated inside the damper. This in turn translates into faster response times and more precise bump control which improves both performance and ride comfort. The F12berlinetta thus has faster acceleration than any other road-going Ferrari. Benchmark performance is marche by outstanding driver involvement courtesy of later braking, quicker turn-in, higher entry speeds and greater lateral acceleration through bends. The car requie less steering input at the wheel during cornering, there is better traction accelerating out of bends and braking distances are drastically reduced too.

Powertrain
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 centre 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.

Architecture
The F12berlinetta delivers truly extraordinary performance and driving involvement thanks to its highly evolved transaxle architecture which was developed with extremely ambitious objectives in mind. These were to reduce overall weight, lower and move the centre of gravity rearwards in the chassis, and reduce the car's frontal area whilst contemporaneously increasing passenger and luggage space compared to the previous V12 coupé to ensure maximum comfort over lengthier journeys. To achieve these objectives, the engineers lowered the engine, dashboard and seats. Furthermore the rear of the car is now more compact, thanks to the repositioning and reduction in size of the fuel tank (permitted in part by a more efficient engine which delivers the same range as before) and to the new transaxle layout allowed by the rear multi-link suspension and F1 dual-clutch transmission with integrated electronic differential. Rather than a traditional separate boot, the F12berlinetta features a generous tail-gate incorporating the rear screen which contributes both to the compactness of the design, and the generous luggage space and its accessibility, while ensuring maximum structural rigidity. This solution also ensures that more of the car's mass sits inside the shorter wheelbase to the benefit of handling dynamics. The end result is a car that's lighter by 70 kg with a centre of gravity that's 25 mm lower. It's also shorter (-47mm), lower (-63 mm) and narrower (-20 mm) compared to the previous V12 coupé. The rear overhang has been greatly reduced (-82 mm) while the front one has been estende (+65 mm) to accommodate the cooling systems required for the powerful V12 engine. Weight distribution is ideal - 54% at the rear – and is unmatched by competitors within the segment.

Chassis And Bodyshell
The F12berlinetta's spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new and use different types of materials and technologies, many of which originated in the aeronautical industry. No fewer than 12 different types of alloy have been used, including two new structural alloys. This has helped keep the car's weight down (50 kg has been saved on the body-in-white alone which equates to a saving of 90 kg if the previous chassis were re-engineered to meet crash legislation) and maximise the efficiency of its performance (torsional rigidity has been increased by 20 per cent). Crash resistance (lateral pole impact and roof roll-over) is already in line with future legislative requirements and particular attention was taken during the design phase to improving production quality, and minimising repair times and thus costs for the client.

Aerodynamics
The F12berlinetta's aerodynamics were developed hand-in-hand with its styling, using CFD (computational fluid dynamic) simulations along with more than 250 hours of testing in the Ferrari Wind Tunnel. Research focused not only external air flows but internal ones too.

The result is that the F12berlinetta 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). Downforce has been boosted by 76% (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced too (the Cd is just 0.299).

The F12berlinetta's exceptional aerodynamic efficiency is the product of a series of innovative features. The first of these is the Aero Bridge, an innovative solution that uses the bonnet in downforce creation for the first time. Equally, air passing over the upper part of the car is drawn into special air intakes in the rear wings, altering the pressure in the wheel well, before exiting through the Blown Rear Diffuser.

The car's flat underbody has also been significantly evolved. The front splitter is now separate to the bumper, in fact, and this generates downforce whilst simultaneously directing the air flows towards the rear extractor, improving efficiency. The generous rear diffuser and its four fences contribute to the significant increase in downforce too.

The Active Brake Cooling system also reduces drag: its system of guide vanes on the brake air ducts opens only in certain conditions, such as, for instance, if brake operating temperatures are high enough.

When it comes to integrating fluid dynamics and thermal management, however, the central air vent on the bonnet boosts the efficiency of the cooling system and also helps lessen the impact of the air on the windscreen at high speeds, creating a cushion that deflects the natural air flow.

Comfort On-Board
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 ÚSB 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.

The F12berlinetta's Racing manettino puts the emphasis on sporty driving on high grip surfaces, offering drivers ample scope to adjust the electronic control system settings. On the dashboard, the right-hand satellite pod features the controls for the corresponding TFT screen which displays infotainment information. It is also used to control the sat nav, stereo with audio streaming via Bluetooth, voice-activated track, artist, album and song title selection. It is also possible to use a smartphone to connect to internet to listen to web radio, podcasts and download Apps.

The left-hand pod controls the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance function, which offers an instantaneous evaluation of the car's status and potential performance levels on the left-hand display. When activated in the RACE, CT-Off and ESC-Off manettino modes, it makes driving even more involving, as well as safer, by keeping the driver informed of the optimal conditions for the car at all times. A special algorithm estimates the car's status (brake, tyre and engine temperature) on the basis of various dynamic parameters (lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, speed, engine revs). It will then alert the driver to the aforementioned conditions using the following messages: WARM ÚP (further warming up of the components required); GO (optimal condition for maximum performance); OVER (overheating, components must be allowed to cool).

The main objective with the F12berlinetta's seats was to reduce their volumes as much as possible to ensure freer occupant movement within the cabin while, at the same time, ensuring they are extremely comfortable and respect lateral containment geometries. The headrest is fully integrated into the backrest, giving the seat a very modern, track-inspired feel.

The rear of the cockpit features an upholstered rear bench with leather luggage straps to hold bags securely in place. Occupant space is generous indeed – the seats are comfortable for individuals up to 1.95 m (6'4') – as is the boot (320 litres). Luggage space can be increased to up to 500 litres by lowering the rear bench panel, which makes the F12berlinetta ideal for longer journeys in the company of a passenger.

Source - Ferrari

Ferrari F12berlinetta crowned 'Supercar of the Year 2012' by BBC Top Gear Magazine

Ferrari has been honoured once again to receive a coveted award from BBC Top Gear Magazine, one of the world's most influential automotive magazines, this time for the F12berlinetta which has been crowned 'Supercar of the Year 2012'. This brings Ferrari's tally of Top Gear Magazine Awards to the astonishing figure of 11 in ten years, and the third time Ferrari has won the 'Supercar of the Year' award, with the F430 in 2005 and also the 458 Italia in 2009.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Ferrari range, Charlie Turner, Editor in Chief of BBC Top Gear Magazine commented: 'Ferrari F12. At the risk of sounding like I've quaffed freely at the charming Dario's Kool-Aid, the F12 is just extraordinary. What sort of car is the Ferrari F12? Regal but not intimidating. Blitz-fast but not scary. Ridiculously brainy but never distant. Far better than me, without patronising me. Breathtakingly beautiful, did I mention that?'

The fastest, most powerful Ferrari of all time, the F12berlinetta strikes a perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari's front-engined V12 cars. Since its launch, the car has been the object of universal acclaim from the press and public alike, with BBC Top Gear Magazine award following several other recent awards from Auto Bild 'Design Award', The Sunday Times Driving's 'Best Supercar and Luxury Car' award and the Golden Steering Wheel award from Auto Bild and Bild Am Sonntag, the first time a Ferrari has ever taken this leading German industry prize. The Ferrari F12berlinetta's 6.3-litre V12 engine was also the winner of EVO magazine's 'Engine of the Year' award in November.

Source - Ferrari

Ferrari F12berlinetta wins EVO Magazine's 'Engine of the Year'

The Ferrari F12berlinetta has today been honoured with another prestigious award – this time from EVO magazine which nominated the 6.3 litre V12 engine as their 'Engine of the Year'. The team at EVO magazine were impressed by the F12berlinetta engine's prodigious 740hp power output and relentless 'any-gear-any-revs urge', especially when this extreme level of performance has not compromised efficiency, with a range of innovative technological solutions which reduce CO2 emissions by 30%.

Harry Metcalfe, Editor in Chief of EVO magazine commented, 'When details of the new Ferrari F12's engine specification first reached evo HQ, we were frankly astonished at the quoted power output. 730bhp from 6.3litres sets a new benchmark for a normally-aspirated V12 road engine and, despite its prodigious power, our road-testers reported it was perfectly tractable in regular driving. A remarkable achievement.'

The EVO recognition follows the car's Auto Bild Design Award, The Sunday Times Driving's 'Best Supercar and Luxury Car' award and, just yesterday, the Golden Steering Wheel award from Auto Bild and Bild Am Sonntag, the first time a Ferrari has ever taken this leading German industry prize.

Source - Ferrari

The Ferrari F12berlinetta wins the 2012 Auto Bild Goldenes Lenkrad Award

The F12berlinetta has won the Coupés/Cabrios category in the prestigious 2012 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards organised by German car magazine Auto Bild in conjunction with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. This is the first time a Ferrari has taken this coveted award since the Golden Steering Wheel was instituted 37 years ago.

Attending the ceremony in Berlin was Ferrari's CEO, Amedeo Felisa, who commented, 'This is a significant achievement for Ferrari and is a testament to the importance of the brand in Germany which has always been a key market for us, the biggest in Europe. Here there are some of our most passionate collectors and clients and I am particularly proud of this award which underlines how widely our constant and uncompromising approach to innovation in the sports car field is appreciated.'

The fastest, most powerful Ferrari of all time, the F12berlinetta strikes a perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari's front-engined V12 cars. Since its launch, the car has been the object of universal acclaim from the press and public alike and this is, in fact, the second time the F12berlinetta has taken an award from Auto Bild after its readers across Europe voted the F12berlinetta as Europe's best looking car in the Auto Bild Design Award in August 2012.

Source - Ferrari

F12berlinetta examined by the media

The tests of the new 12-cylinder by the press have been concluded.
The F12berlinetta test by the press ended today. Over 100 journalists from 28 countries tried the most powerful Ferrari ever built.

The specialist journalists tested the car regarding its performance and dynamics, but also its comfort and ability, on the race track, but also in the hills around Maranello,

At the end of the tests the journalists appraised the F12berlinetta and acknowledged that the car combines a unique driving pleasure on the track – where the performance is naturally outstanding – but also on the road, where the car is convincing thanks to the perfect combination of sportiness and comfort, with breathtaking handling, agility and promptness regarding its reactions.

The journalists showed great interest in the extreme aerodynamic solutions, with particular attention for the innovative concept called Aero Bridge. This solution, where the airflow runs from the bonnet to the flanks and along the sides of the vehicle, creates an effect that increases downforce. At the same moment the Aero Bridge turns the F12berlinetta into a sporty and lean model in the tradition of the 12-cylinders with front engine, which wrote the history of Ferrari right from the start.

Meanwhile the car's style has been the first aspect to receive an award: the F12berlinetta won the '2012 Auto Bild Design Award'.

The production of the new model started not long ago in the Works in Maranello and the first cars will reach the European dealerships in the coming weeks.

Source - Ferrari