- Powerful, sonorous V12 engine
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Overly sensitive steering (two turns to lock)
- Confounding infotainment system
- Abudance of interior plastic
- High fuel consumption and maintenance costs
Review: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (2013-17)
Overview
Available in Australia from mid-2013, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was a two-seat, grand touring coupe. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive F12 Berlinetta was powered by a 6.3-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (with an ‘E-Diff3’ electronic differential integrated into the gearbox).
The naturally aspirated 6262 cc 65-degree V12 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection (operating at 200 bar), a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and ‘Multispark’ ignition which generated three sparks of different durations and intensities in quick succession. The engine also had a ‘Stop&Start’ system which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary. The F12 Berlinetta could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 340 km/h.
Compared to its 599 Fiorano predecessor, the F12 Berlinetta was 47 mm shorter (at 4618 mm), 20 mm narrower (1942 mm), 63 mm lower (1273 mm) and had a 30 mm shorter wheelbase (2720 mm). More significantly, however, the F12 Berlinetta had an aluminium spaceframe chassis which was co-developed with Italian designers Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Relative to its 599 Fiorano, the spaceframe chassis contributed to a 70 kg mass reduction (dry weight of 1525 kg, with a 46:54 front:rear distribution) and 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. Furthermore, the F12 Berlinetta body had less drag (0.299 Cd) yet achieved a 76 per cent increase in downforce.
The F12 Berlinetta had double wishbone front suspension with lower L-arms and multi-link rear suspension. The F12 Berlinetta was also fitted with Ferrari’s newly developed ‘SCM-E’ magnetorheological dampers in which the viscosity of the fluid within the dampers could be altered by an electronically-controlled magnetic field that was generated inside the damper for faster response times and more precise bump control.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F12 Berlinetta | 6.3-litre petrol V12 | 7sp DCT | 546 kW at 8500 rpm | 690 Nm at 6000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the F12 Berlinetta included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control (‘F1-Trac’) and front seatbelt pretensioners.
The F12 Berlinetta was also fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes (Ferrari’s ‘CCM3’ package).
Features
Standard features for the F12 Berlinetta included 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR20 front and 315/35 ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, a 1280 watt JBL Professional sound system with 12 speakers, ‘Frau’ leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats (including bolsters), Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, steering wheel gearshift paddles, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power adjustable steering column (height and reach), trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.
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