There really aren’t a lot of V12-powered cars these days, no thanks to strict emission regulations these days. Despite that, Ferrari – known for that trademark Italian stubbornness and pride – still went ahead and put a V12 in their latest masterpiece anyway and called it the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, and we got to drive it in Lisbon, Portugal!
Just like the last Ferrari with a V12 – the Ferrari 812 – the latest grand tourer from the Prancing Horse’s stable sports a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine underneath its long bonnet. Being the updated version of the 12-cylinder, it kicks out 830 hp and 678 Nm of torque – 30 hp more powerful than the 812 Superfast and on par with the 812 Competizione. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed DCT gearbox.
To achieve this performance number, Ferrari did some mechanical wizardry to the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider’s power unit, which includes using titanium con rods that are 40% lighter, rebalanced crankshaft, F1-inspired valvetrain, and pistons made from a special aluminium alloy.
The result? A 0-100 km/h time in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h time in 7.9 seconds, and a 340 km/h top speed as the cherry on top. No turbochargers, superchargers, or electric motors needed.
On the exterior side of things, Ferrari looked to the past to shape the bodywork of the 12Cilindri. Taking inspiration from the 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’, Ferrari has inherited design elements such as the overall silhouette, and even down to the unmistakable black panel at the front of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider.
Unique engineering touches had to be incorporated in order to preserve the sultry shape of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, including the use of small “active flaps” around the corners of the Delta Wing at the back – instead of a fixed rear spoiler. Despite the size, the active aero pieces still generate 50 kg of downforce at 250 km/h when deployed.
READ: Firing on 12 cylinders, Ferrari 12Cilindri roars into Malaysia – Berlinetta and Spider, from RM4.7m
Now obviously, being a Spider, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is a drop top that can open or close its roof in 14 seconds, should you choose to not listen to the V12. But let’s be real, you want to hear all 12 cylinders scream in the open air, don’t you?
So, how does it drive? Well, you’ll have to watch the video to know more and decide for yourself.
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