Ferrari

12Cilindri

Ferrari 12Cilindri: A Tribute to the Daytona

When Ferrari unveiled the successor to the 812 Superfast in Miami in 2024, the name caused a stir. 12Cilindri (Dodici Cilindri). It means “12 Cylinders” in Italian. No “Superfast,” no “Berlinetta,” just a literal description of what makes it special.

In a world of EVs and downsizing, naming a car after its massive combustion engine is a statement. It is a middle finger to the trend of silence. It is Ferrari saying: “This is what we do best.”

Design: The Daytona Connection

The design of the 12Cilindri is a radical departure from the angry, aggressive lines of the 812 Superfast. It is cleaner, more geometric, and undeniably retro-futuristic.

  • The Black Mask: The front end features a gloss black panel that connects the headlights. This is a direct reference to the “Plexiglass” nose of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona from the late 1960s.
  • Clean Flanks: Unlike the 812, which had massive scoops and vents everywhere, the 12Cilindri has smooth, clean sides. The aerodynamics are hidden under the car or integrated into the body lines.
  • Active Aero: The rear of the car features two “delta wing” flaps integrated into the bodywork. They look like part of the trunk lid until they flip up at speed (between 60 and 300 km/h) to generate 50 kg of downforce.

The Engine: F140 HD

The engine is an evolution of the unit found in the 812 Competizione.

  • Displacement: 6.5 Liters.
  • Redline: 9,500 rpm. (Yes, nearly 10,000 rpm in a road car).
  • Power: 830 hp at 9,250 rpm.
  • Torque: 678 Nm at 7,250 rpm.
  • Titanium Rods: The engine uses titanium connecting rods (40% lighter than steel) and a rebalanced crankshaft to allow for the insane redline.

Aspirated Torque Shaping

Ferrari engineers developed a new software strategy called “Aspirated Torque Shaping.” In lower gears (1st through 3rd), the torque is electronically limited to mimic the rising torque curve of a naturally aspirated engine. It prevents the tires from being overwhelmed and encourages the driver to rev the engine out to the redline to find the power.

Chassis Innovations

The 12Cilindri is built on an all-new aluminum chassis made from 100% recycled alloys.

  • Stiffness: Torsional rigidity is increased by 15% compared to the 812.
  • Wheelbase: It is 20mm shorter than the 812, increasing agility.
  • 4-Wheel Steering: The latest version of the Virtual Short Wheelbase allows each rear wheel to be controlled independently. This offers unprecedented stability in corners and allows the car to essentially “crab walk” slightly to maximize grip.

Interior: Dual Cockpit

The interior borrows heavily from the Purosangue SUV and the Roma. It features a “dual cockpit” design where the driver and passenger areas are separated by a central ridge.

  • Screens: There are three screens: a 15.6-inch display for the driver, a 10.25-inch central touch screen, and an 8.8-inch screen for the passenger.
  • Haptic Controls: Sadly, the 12Cilindri continues Ferrari’s controversial trend of using haptic touch buttons on the steering wheel instead of physical buttons. The “Start/Stop” button is now a glass touch panel.
  • The “Daytona” Seats: The seat pattern features horizontal slats, another direct nod to the vintage Daytona seats.

Conclusion

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is likely the final chapter of the non-hybrid V12 GT car. It is a love letter to the format that Enzo Ferrari loved the most. While the design is polarizing (some love the Daytona mask, others hate it), the engineering underneath is undeniable. It is a 9,500 rpm spaceship that you can drive to dinner. It is proof that Ferrari still knows how to build cars with a soul.