FERRARI F12BERLINETTA NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

Viglietti Motors – the official Ferrari importer in South Africa – has revealed the new F12berlinetta; the model which ushers in the new generation of Prancing Horse V12s.

The debut of the F12berlinetta in South Africa adds the finishing flourish to an all-new range of 12-cylinder models that, in the space of just four years, has achieved the objective of offering different Ferraris for different Ferraristi. The F12berlinetta matches ever-increasing power outputs with greater efficiency resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions by an impressive 30 per cent; achieved through in-depth, 360-degree research into all vehicle systems – engine, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes and ancillaries. This places the F12berlinetta at the top of the segment with 15l /100 km and 350 g/km of CO2 respectively.

The F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance road-going Ferrari ever. Sporting a new V12 engine, it is built around highly evolved transaxle architecture and features state-of-the-art components and control systems. The F12berlinetta’s aerodynamics has also been honed to the extreme in an innovative design that redefines classic Ferrari themes.

The F12berlinetta’s wheelbase is shorter and its engine, dashboard and seats are lower in the chassis. A new suspension and gearbox layout helped reduce the car’s rear volume. The result is a shorter, lower and narrower car than the previous V12 coupé. The F12berlinetta boasts ideal weight distribution (54% over the rear axle) as well as a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis. 

The spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new, and now incorporate no less than 12 different aluminium alloys, some of which have been used for the first time in the automotive sector. New assembly and joining technologies were also adopted in its construction. This has allowed the car’s overall weight to be kept to just 1525 kg and has maximised its performance efficiency with torsional rigidity boosted by 20 per cent.

The new, 200-bar direct-injection 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. It punches out a maximum of 544kW at 8250 rpm, with a specific power output of 87kW/l and maximum revs of 8700 rpm - record figures for this type of engine. Responsiveness and strong pick-up is guaranteed by maximum torque of 690Nm, 80 per cent of which is readily available at 2500 rpm.

Aerodynamics play a major role, and a host of innovative solutions have been discreetly integrated in the F12berlinetta’s styling. These include the Aero Bridge which, in a first, uses the bonnet to generate down force.  It employs Active Brake Cooling; a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures. The result of these interventions is that the F12berlinetta has the highest overall aerodynamic efficiency of any Ferrari ever built (a value of 1.2 which is double that of the 599 GTB Fiorano) with downforce of 123 kg at 200 km/h and a Cd of just 0.299. The result of collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, the F12berlinetta features harmonious and balanced proportions. It is a truly original, innovative coupé with all of the signature features of an authentic Ferrari 12-cylinder. Clothed in sleek, aggressive lines, it offers superb occupant space and comfort despite its relatively compact dimensions.

The rear is characterised by a modern, functional reinterpretation of the Kamm tail which seamlessly integrates the two vertical fences of the rear diffuser. The resulting, original T-shape also incorporates two full-LED circular tail-lights and the clearly F1-inspired rear fog light.

The F12berlinetta’s technical specifications are completed by the very latest version of the carbon-ceramic braking system (CCM3), a further evolution of the magnetorheological suspension (SCM-E) and the latest development in electronic vehicle control systems (E-diff, ESC, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS). All controls are integrated in a single, fast-responding CPU featuring new model-specific software.

With a Fiorano lap time of just 1’23’’, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds, the F12berlinetta is the most high-performance road car in Ferrari history. Over and above sheer performance, however, it stands out for its nimble and responsive handling and unparalleled driving involvement even at lower speeds, a feature normally reserved for mid-rear-engined cars, whether on the track or on the road.

The car’s Frau leather interior is completely new. It highlights the balance of advanced technology – in the form of the Human-Machine Interface which places all controls within easy reach of the driver – and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing, both of which are intrinsic to Ferrari’s DNA. The cabin has been optimised to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tail-gate. On the dashboard are new, carbon-fibre and light alloy air-vents inspired by the aeronautical sector. There is also an optional passenger display for the passenger-side dash.

This V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience. 

STORY BY FERRARI