Ferrari F12berlinetta: The Supercar

The Ferrari F12berlinetta is a front mid-engine, rear wheel drive grand tourer produced by the Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari. This vehicle made it's first debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the year 2012, it's claimed to replace the 599 series grand tourers. The naturally aspirated 6.3 litre Ferrari V12 engine in the F12berlinetta has won the International Engine Of The Year award in 2013. The F12berlinetta is a perfect balance between proportions and aerodynamic efficiency. Overshadowed or not, the Ferrari F12berlinetta is a landmark in it's own right. The F12's key contradiction is that it is both pioneer and throwback. This is Ferrari's first downsized super-GT and the first of it's kind to be lower, shorter, narrower and lighter than the vehicle it replaces. The F12 is more than 200mm longer than the 275 GTB, but it's short overhangs visually, which reduces it's mass. It's cabin rear profile contributes to a classic sports car silhouette.



Compared with the 599, the F12 has a lower scuttle and seating position, a lower engine mounting and a lower centre of roll. Packaging advances have made the rear mounted transaxle gearbox and suspension systems smaller, allowing a shorter rear overhang and a rear-ward shift in weight distribution. The vehicle is clothed in aluminum, it's panels sculpted according to Ferrari's unique aerodynamics via subtraction philosophy. The arcing channels cut into the bonnet from the so called Aero Bridge, diverting air from the base of the windscreen and using it to reduce drag around the wheel wheel-arches. Carbon ceramic brakes and magnetorheological dampers are standard. Power comes from a 6.3 litre V12 with normal aspiration and direct injection. It produces 731hp and 509lb ft of torque, sent via a seven speed dual clutch gearbox. Under the hood of the F12berlinetta you will find a pair of unusual protrusions, one at the front of each cylinder head, that appear to have nothing to do with the drive system of the valve gear. It's resonance chambers, into which air flows where it is pre-charged on it's way to the cylinders. This process makes better combustion and a more generous provision of low end torque.



This vehicle is claimed to be surpassed only by the LaFerrari till date. The F12berlinetta sprints from 0-100Km in an impressive 3.1 seconds, which is also officially verified, 0-200Km is achieved in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 365Km is denoted to the vehicle. The engine of the Ferrari F12berlinetta has been designed to be more efficient than that of the 599, as well as more powerful. The engine management system is fitted with Ferrari's HELE start-stop system to reduce fuel consumption when idling. The vehicle is fitted with Michelin pilot super sport tires, supporting the vehicle to achieve good performance on the road.



The interior space has been optimized to ensure that the driving experience is both sporty and comfortable. 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. It displays all the main information in the main binnacle straight ahead.



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 aluminum alloy. An optional display is available for the passenger side dash and keeps the passenger actively involved in the whole driving experience. 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 USB port.



Outclassing all of the Ferrari range in terms of power, except for the LaFerrari hybrid super car, the F12berlinetta sports a hefty $330,000 price tag. Buying this vehicle would definitely guarantee the driver to have an incredible driving experience, with the help of the sights and sounds all tuned to Ferrari's maximum.