I was recently at a Ferrari show and shine, and as to be expected there were some beautiful cars on display and many very proud owners.
Some of the cars to drool over included a Dino 246 GT from the late 60’s, and its replacement the 308 GTB which to many is known as the ‘Magnum PI Car’, a 12-cylinder Testarossa, a beautiful 250 GT from1960 as well as an F40 which never fails to attract a crowd.
There was also one Ferrari that to me just didn’t seem to fit in with the others around it, all be it performance wise it’s a superstar, a V12-cylinder Ferrari 365 GTB Coupe.
More affectionately known as the Daytona due to the cars 1-2-3 finish in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race, while looking at it I mentioned to my friend that I thought it’s been hit with the ‘ugly stick’, if you would dare say any Ferrari was ugly! To this my friend and another couple of prancing horse people who had overheard my comments suggested that I should look at the new Ferrari 12Cilindri which has been inspired by the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
So, taking their advice, I looked into the Ferrari 12Cilindri (translates into ‘12 Cylinders’), a two-seater, front mid-engine, rear wheel drive grand tourer which has been produced to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Ferrari in the American market, and I must say Ferrari have not only put the ‘stick’ away, but have also produced another good old fashioned (kinda) V12 performance machine. Not an EV nor a hybrid just a ‘music to my ears’ naturally aspirated 6.5litre V12, which is the same motor used in the Ferrari 812 Competizione.
Without going into all the usual number’s people throw around when talking about these cars, here are the three that matter, the 12Cilindri will go from 0-100km/h in 2.09, top out around 340km/h and the Coupe will cost from $803,500 plus on road costs, while the Spider version will be $886,800 plus on-road costs. Oh, and although the car is currently available in America, there is an 18-month waiting list for the Australian delivered cars.
Needless to say, and not surprisingly, the Ferrari 12 Cilindri, is an amazing car, on top of the enormous power, it has active and passive aerodynamics that assists with downforce at high speed, the interior is inspired by the first 4 door Ferrari ‘Purosanque’ and ‘296 GTB’, and it’s the first of the GT Segment to lack an analogue gauge.
This Top Gear article takes a closer look at the Ferrari 12Cilindri with a walk around video.
Walk around the incredible Ferrari 12 Cilindri, an 820bhp V12 hypercar – topgear.com
PS…I’ve now learned that when next at a Ferrari Concourse, I’ll be wary of the comments I make and the loudness of my voice!