New Ferrari 12 Cilindri conjures 820 bhp from epic N/A V12

As 12-cylinder sports cars reach critically endangered levels, Ferrari’s latest 9,500-rpm super GT valiantly defies extinction. But how does this Daytona-esque road rocket fly under eco-conscious radars?

They don’t build ‘em like they used to… Well, unless you’re from Maranello that is. Ferrari’s all-new 12 Cilindri — no prizes for working out how many pistons live under that sculpted bonnet — is the distilled essence of all the marque’s greatest front-engined grand tourers in one, perfectly formed package.  

With no turbos to dull the engine’s response, or sneaky electric motors to bloat the chassis, the 12 Cilindri was “designed for connoisseurs with a very clear vision of what Ferrari’s DNA has always been.” And, while the brand’s spine-tingling atmospheric 12 narrowly missed out on our recent top five best engines roster, it was surely worth an honorable mention. 

Powertrain 

In fact, it’s something of a modern engineering marvel that Ferrari has managed to keep making such a motor. That’s not to say it’s been easy: clearly, it hasn’t. It's a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 which produces over 800 bhp, complies with ultra stringent EU6E emissions regulations, and emits less than 72 decibels. That's a feat up there with putting a man on the moon.

To achieve such a triumph, the 12 Cilindri is fitted with an entirely new exhaust, using a cutting-edge ceramic catalytic converter and particulate filter. Combine this with countless hours of software tuning to maximise efficiency, and you get what Ferrari is calling “the most advanced emissions-reduction technology available.” 

But what’s the point of having a musical V12 if you muffle its tune? Well, onlookers won’t be treated to the same aural barrage as before. But, Ferrari has gone to great lengths to ensure every crescendo makes its way to the most important audience: the driver and passenger. Special tubing channels the fanfare straight into the cabin, guaranteeing “the very purest notes of the signature Ferrari sound all the way to the limiter.” 

Performance

With such a traditional approach to the engine, we suspected, prayed even, that it would be allied to one of Ferrari’s incredibly tactile open-gated manual shifters. Alas, that appears to be a bridge too far, though the 8-speed DCT fitted does enable ruthlessly efficient acceleration. 0-60 is checked off in just 2.9 seconds, while you’ll be doing over 120 mph before a fan-favouriteGolf even reaches 60 mph. 

The handling should be just as impressive. Starting with a solid foundation, standard 275/35 front and 315/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tyres ensure all the chassis wizardry has as much grip to play with as possible. And, when it comes to handling optimisation, there’s almost too much tech to note. Four-wheel steering, more advanced stability/traction control and ABS systems, active aero, a shorter wheelbase, and even a near perfect weight distribution, should all make for an impossibly agile GT that doesn’t bite back.

Styling

Such is the 12 Cilindri’s engineering prowess, it almost overshadows the subtler, retro-inspired work from the design team. Compared to the abundant louvres, slashes, and big spoilers of its predecessors, this latest model is rather restrained. Although, you’ve probably already spotted a clear nod to the beloved 365 GTB/4 (Daytona) in the drooping nose and contrasting black light bar. The rear, on the other hand, is more revolutionary. A delta-shaped bootlid combines form and function, with two aero flaps in lieu of a garish rear wing.

Conclusion

Swimming against an ever-strengthening current of rules and regulations, Ferrari’s iconic V12 GT lives to howl another day. But the innovation which made it all possible won’t come cheap. Those lucky enough to get an allocation will need to find around £350,000. Oh, and there’s an even more expensive convertible version. Ferrari, we’ll take two…

Hero image credit: Ferrari