The Last Roar of Maranello's Pride: How the Ferrari 12Cilindri Twins Are Changing The Game
The launch of Ferrari's 12Cilindri twins marks a spectacular moment in automotive history, perfectly timed with the 70th anniversary of Ferrari's foray into the U.S. market. Far from recycling prestigious names like 'America' or 'SuperAmerica,' these new marvels carve their own legacy with a name as straightforward as it is evocative: 12Cilindri, an homage to their heart and soul, the V-12 engine. As the curtain slowly falls on an era of naturally-aspirated engines in the face of electric and hybrid dominance, the 12Cilindri stands as a final bastion of a revered tradition.
Derived from the formidable 812 Competizione, the 12Cilindri's 6496 cc, 65-degree V-12 represents the zenith of engineering excellence. Racing to a dizzying 9500 rpm, it delivers an awe-inspiring 830 horsepower. Titanium connecting rods, unique alloy pistons, and a lighter, rebalanced crankshaft have all been meticulously crafted to reach this pinnacle of performance. The steel sliding finger followers in the valvetrain, coated in a special Diamond-Like Carbon, mirror F1 innovations, enabling the 12Cilindri to minimize friction and maximize efficiency.
With a dedication to preserving the visceral experience of driving, Ferrari engineers have optimized the 12Cilindri's intake and exhaust systems to exalt the V-12's roar. The equal-length exhaust tracts, six-in-one manifold for each cylinder bank, and refined geometry of the exhaust system ensure that the distinctive Ferrari note rings pure and clear, right up to the limiter. This celebration of sound is seamlessly married to state-of-the-art performance, thanks to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission derived from the SF90. This gearbox ensures a lightning-fast response, with shorter ratios that translate to more torque at the wheels and a breathtaking acceleration: from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds, reaching 124 mph in an additional 5 seconds, before storming on to speeds over 211 mph.
The 12Cilindri's design is another testament to Ferrari's unparalleled attention to detail. Opting for a subtler, more sophisticated aesthetic compared to its predecessors, it draws inspiration from the Roma's design language but pushes the boundaries of elegance even further. Its muscular haunches and the nostalgic yet complex curvature of its rear end evoke a sense of monolithic beauty that's both timeless and forward-looking. The coupe and its spider variant, with its sleek twin buttresses and innovative retractable vertical window, embody the pinnacle of automotive design.
Inside, the dual cockpit architecture from the Roma evolves into a cutting-edge three-screen setup, ensuring both driver and co-driver are immersed in the lap of luxury and at the cutting edge of technology. Nearly limitless customization options ensure that each 12Cilindri can be as unique as its owner, marrying personal aesthetics with unparalleled performance.
The 12Cilindri is not just a car; it's a statement. A statement that even in an age moving towards electrification, there remains a place for pure, unadulterated power and beauty. Priced at $400,000, it's not just an investment in a car; it's an investment in a piece of history, a last-of-its-kind masterpiece that is sure to become a future classic. As the final series production Ferrari to eschew forced induction or electric motors, the 12Cilindri is not just the end of an era—it's the culmination of it.