- Powerful 4.9-litre flat twelve-cylinder engine sounds great
- Impressive dynamics
- High maintenance costs
Review: Ferrari F512 M (1995-96)
Overview
Released in October 1995, the Ferrari F512 M was a mid-engined, performance coupe. Manufactured in Maranello, the rear-wheel drive F512 M was powered by a 4.9-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) twelve cylinder engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Based on the 512 TR , the F512 M – ‘M’ for Modificata – had a more powerful V12 engine with an increased compression ratio (10.4:1, previously 10.0:1) and new titanium connecting rods and crankshaft for higher peak engine revolutions of 7500 rpm. As before, the V12 engine had double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The F512 M could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 315 km/h.
Compared to the 512 TR, dimensions for the F512 M were unchanged: 4485 mm long, 1976 mm wide, 1130 mm tall and a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Visually, however, the F512 M could be identified by its conventional headlights (replacing the pop-up lights of the 512 TR), twin bonnet ducts and revised tail-lights and bumpers. Inside, the F512 M featured a chromed gearshift knob, drilled aluminium pedals and Pininfarina and Ferrari flags on the dash board.
The F512 M had independent suspension front and rear with unequal length wishbones, coil springs, gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F512 M | 4.9-litre petrol F12 | 5sp man. | 322 kW at 6750 rpm | 498 Nm at 5500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari F512 M consisted of ABS. The F512 M was fitted with cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes, measuring 315 mm (diameter) at the front and 310 mm at the rear.
Features
Standard features for the Ferrari F512 M included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 ZR18 front and 295/35 ZR18 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.
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