Posted August 28, 2014 by 99MilesPerHour Editorials

Prancing With the Ferrari F12berlinetta

…here’s fast-filly

This Prancing Horse moves with tremendous verve and élan. Meet the next generation of the formidable Ferrari V12. It was introduced February 2012 at the Geneva International Motor Show. As successor to the 599 GTB Fiorano, the Ferrari F12 is the latest manifestation of the most powerful berlinetta from Maranello. The F12berlinetta is a roadcar like no other Ferrari. With extreme aerodynamics and extreme performance – this is the hottest filly in the stable – to be adorned with the iconic Prancing Horse. It is a contemporary grand tourer with the enigma of being a Ferrari…and all the charisma and romance of Italian design –

The acclaimed F12berlinetta is gaining top marks in the industry. It was named “The Supercar of the Year” by Top Gear Magazine in 2012. It won the “International Engine of the Year” award in 2013. For 2014, The F12berlinetta pranced its way into the limelight winning the May 29^th Compasso d’Oro (Golden Compass) which is one of the oldest and most prestigious international design accolades. Ferrari’s Senior VP of Design, Flavio Manzoni accepted the honors.

The ADI design jury praised the F12berlinetta for its aerodynamics, engineering, and aesthetics. This year celebrates the 60^th Anniversary for the Compasso d’Oro which is instituted to recognize and promote Italian design superlatives…Ferrari exemplifies Italian creativity and expertise –

Evolution with legendary refinement combined with the indomitable strive for perfection are among Ferrari’s sterling hallmarks. From the early days of Scuderia Ferrari with hardworking Enzo Ferrari creating racing cars of distinction; to the automotive masterpieces breaking through the starting gates at Maranello; the brand is dedicated to safety…speed…and reliability. Each berlinetta, or “little saloon” is bred even fiercer than the one proceeding it.

The F12berlinetta’s predecessor the V12 599 GTB Fiorano

The F12berlinetta’s architecture is more than just beautiful. It is an extreme aerodynamic network designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. After lessons learned in the wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the engineers managed to achieve downforce boosted by 76 percent and reducing the drag coefficient to a mere 0.299. Aerodynamics are integrated discretely into the F12berlinetta’s overall design.

The architecture’s front end uses a sophisticated approach to generate downforce. The Aero Bridge uses the bonnet to generate downforce with an ingenious induction system. It channels air away from the upper portions of the car back to its flanks where it interacts with the force from the rear wheels to decrease drag.

Part of this aerodynamic network serves to cool the brakes; Active Brake Cooling is activated only at high operating temperatures through vents that open only when the brakes are hot. This is another measure to reduce the overall drag coefficient. Its alloy spaceframe which evolved from the Scaglietti combined with a lightweight bodyshell results in a 20 percent increase in structural rigidity as it reduced weight.

The rear is highlighted by a modern version of the “Kamm tail.” A Kamm tail is formed by body contours that continue to a tail that ends abruptly; thus, reducing the drag of the vehicle. This design was the result of research from German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm back in the 1930s. The F12berlinetta uses this technology today as it integrates the two vertical fences of the diffuser resulting in a “T” shape. Its full LED circular taillamps and F1-inspired fog lamps add further sophistication to its styling. This 21^st century Flagship is clothed in sleek aggressive lines…it offers superb occupant space and comfort despite its compact dimensions.

The F12berlinetta has a tight 107.1” wheelbase which is shorter than its predecessor. It is shorter, lower, and narrower than the 599 GTB Fiorano. The seats and dash are mounted lower into the chassis, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity – all too important for a high-speed filly such as this. This fact combined with its aerodynamic efficiency, set new standards. A new suspension and gearbox layout help to reduce the car’s rear volume. The mid-front mounted engine compliments its ideal weight distribution, 54 percent of which is over the rear axle. With advanced vehicle architecture, the F12berlinetta redefined the Ferrari V12 to new levels of supremacy & exclusivity in a supercar.

Power is derived from the mighty 6.3 litre 381 CID 48-valve alloy V12 engine with 200-bar direct injection. The engine produces 730 hp @ 8,250 rpm with 690 Nm of peak torque @ 6,000 rpm. The engine is mated to an F1-inspired 7-speed dual-clutch automated semi-automatic gearbox. It was designed specifically for the F12berlinetta with closer gear ratios.

This filly is the first out of the starting gate sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 235 mph. It can do the ¼ mile @ 137 mph in 10.8 seconds. The F12berlinetta’s 6262 cc V12 engine delivers earth-shattering performance. The F12berlinetta completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1 minute 23 seconds slower than LaFerrari; 1.0 second faster than the 599 GTO, and 2 seconds faster than the Enzo Ferrari.

The beauty of this beast is the fact that it can huff & puff & blow the competition’s doors off with a normally aspirated engine…not needing the automotive equivalent of steroids called superchargers or turbochargers. Fuel consumption is reduced by 30 percent with CO2 emissions of a mere 350 g/km.

Vehicle dynamics coordinate with driver. The F12berlinetta uses the synergistic approach to vehicle management. Its F1-inspired sophisticated Magneto rheological fluid suspension (SCM-E), the 7-speed gearbox, and electronic vehicle control systems (E-diff, Esp Premium, F1-Trac stability system & high performance ABS) are integrated into a single fast responding CPU with new model specific software. It is equipped with the latest version carbon-ceramic braking system (CCM3) also part of this “thinking” network that coordinates man with machine –

Inside the F12berlinetta are advanced technology and sophistication. The cabin is ergonomically designed grouping important information logically within immediate reach. There is nothing to distract the driver’s concentration to deter from the ultimate driving situation. The F1 inspired steering wheel manettino vehicle dynamics control switch was developed for this model exclusively.

This convenience coordinates the important functions. This includes the stability and F1-Trac traction control system, the sequential gearbox, the SCM-E, and engine management controls. Frau Leather highlights the cabin along with a new dash featuring carbon-fibre and aluminium air vents. The cabin is designed to ensure maximum utilization of interior space. It is the perfect balance of uncompromising technology and ergonomics.

The Ferrari F12berlinetta moves with tremendous verve and élan…it is the most formidable roadcar to come out of Maranello. Its award-winning aerodynamics, engineering, and aesthetics makes it the superlative of superlatives. The F12berlinetta is the first in a new generation of Ferrari V12 supercars. It is a showcase of Ferrari technology, all F1-inspired in the Scuderia gran turismo heritage. Evolution with legendary refinement and the indomitable strive for perfection are impetus to the brand. The Prancing Horse continues through the 21^st century with panache –