MARANELLO, Italy — The new F12berlinetta, the successor to the 599 GTB Fiorano, is being billed by the factory as "the fastest Ferrari ever built" — that is, until the arrival later this year of the 920-horsepower F70 Enzo successor.
Ferrari says the Pininfarina-penned front-engine coupe, which makes its public debut next week at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, features an "innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics."
Powering the F12berlinetta is a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 that makes 730 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. Mated to Ferrari's F1 dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 12-cylinder powers the car to a top speed of 211 mph. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes a mere 3.1 seconds, with 0-200 km/h reached in 8.5 seconds.
Ferrari said the new engine also boasts considerably better fuel economy, averaging 16 mpg on the European driving cycle.
Designed in collaboration with the Ferrari Styling Center and Scaglietti, the F12berlinetta features a lightweight spaceframe chassis and bodyshell constructed of 12 different alloys, some of which have never been used before on a car, according to Ferrari. The result is a car that is more rigid and lighter than its predecessor.
The F12berlinetta boasts an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.299, with such aerodynamic details as an "aero bridge" that uses the hood to generate downforce by channeling air away from the upper part of the car, as well as an active brake cooling system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts at high temperatures.
The new two-seater has a shorter wheelbase than the 599 GTB Fiorano, with the engine, seats and instrument panel sitting lower in the chassis. Ferrari also revamped the rear suspension and gearbox, resulting in a more compact rear end.
Ferrari has fitted the latest-generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and a revised magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E), as well as fully integrated E-Diff, ESP Premium and F1-Trac systems. The revamped hardware provides the F12berlinetta with increased cornering speed and reduced stopping distances.
The Geneva show car is finished in a new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer paint, with a Frau leather cockpit trimmed in carbon fiber and aluminum.
Inside Line says: Stunning design and performance — just what we expected.
you don't have to agree.:thefinger:
