2014 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.

Exterior:

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.

Source - Ferrari