Ferrari 12Cilindri Is The Most On-The-Nose Supercar Since LaFerrari

For whatever reason, Ferrari wanted to leave mention of the Daytona, one of its most famous cars, out of this Daytona-inspired V12 coupe/spider’s name. Instead, it went the literal route, opting for the name “12Cilindri,” a name whose meaning leaves nothing implied. Not unlike the also very literal Ferrari LaFerrari, you’ll probably never see one of these in person either.

The centerpiece of the car, as the name implies, is its V12. The 6.5-liter V12 revs to 9,500 rpm, and is essentially a revised version of the V12 that powered the 812 Superfast and now the Purosangue. Here, it makes a laughable 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Updates are largely focused on making what’s already great about the engine better. That means a new carbon fiber intake with improved throttle response and new variable geometry intakes. Other aspects of the engine have been improved as well, including lower mass valvetrain and rotating assemblies. Ferrari fits a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic with closer ratios than the previous seven-speed, too. Maranello has new software it calls Aspirated Torque Shaping (ATS), which, per Ferrari, “allowed Maranello engineers to sculpt the torque curve in third and fourth gears using sophisticated electronic control that improves perception of the torque without impinging on acceleration.” Effectively, what all that down-the-nose marketing speak means is that 80% of maximum torque is available from 2,500 rpm. Presumably, these changes help with the car’s sub-7.9 0-60 mph time, which is a tenth quicker than the outgoing Superfast.

Speaking of the Superfast, this new Ferrari is almost an inch shorter than the outgoing model, with a 15% bump in torsional rigidity. It should be more drivable too, thanks to rear-wheel steering as standard. A new active aero setup gets the driver the best of both drag reduction and downforce thanks to a top spoiler with movable winglets, a rear active diffuser, and a labyrinthian network of ducts, and louvers placed strategically throughout the car, all of which will close or open depending on the car’s various drive programs, temperature readings, and more. 110 pounds of peak rear downforce comes at 155 mph. At full speed, the 12Cilindri will do more than 211 mph.

The interior will be familiar to anyone who’s looked at a Ferrari cockpit in the last few years. The brand’s manettino drive mode selector, massive paddles, and central tachometer are all still there, and the cockpit is overall much influenced by the design concept seen in the Roma. Despite being shorter, Ferrari says head and legroom in the 12Cilindri is unchanged over the 812. Notably, there’s a tinted glass roof, and Ferrari will also offer a Spider, which looks arguably better than the coupe. European pricing starts around $417,000 before Ferrari’s extensive list of options. US pricing hasn’t been announced, but if you have to ask…

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