Geneva, Switzerland – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Ferrari is debuting two important new cars at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show: the F12berlinetta, which ushers in the new generation of Prancing Horse V12s, and the Ferrari California which, thanks to constant development, is seen here as a lighter, more powerful version, also available with the Handling Speciale package.
The world première of the F12berlinetta adds the finishing flourish to an all-new range of 12- and 8-cylinder models that, in the space of just four years, has achieved the objective of offering different Ferraris for different Ferraristi. New models that match ever-increasing power outputs with greater efficiency with the result that fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by an impressive 30 per cent. A result achieved through in-depth, 360-degree research into all vehicle systems – engine, aerodynamics, tires, brakes and ancillaries.
Displayed on the stand in two new colors, Rosso Berlinetta and Aluminum, 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 have 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 F12berlinetta’s spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new, and now incorporate no less than 12 different aluminum 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 maximized 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 740 CV at 8250 rpm, with a specific power output of 118 CV/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 690 Nm, 80 per cent of which is readily available at 2500 rpm.
Exceptional progress has also been made in terms of fuel consumption and emissions which have been cut by 30 per cent – putting the F12berlinetta at the top of the segment with 15/l 100 km and 350 g/km of CO2 respectively.
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 downforce, and 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, double that of the 599 GTB Fiorano) with downforce of 123 kg at 200 km/h and a Cd of just 0.299. The fruit of the 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.
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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 taillights 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 s, 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 the reserve of midrear-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 optimized 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-fiber and light alloy air-vents inspired by the aeronautical sector. There is also an optional passenger display for the passenger-side dash.
The other new arrival at Geneva is the Ferrari California which is not only 30 kg lighter but is also more powerful by 30 CV. The version on display at the Show has a Blu Swaters livery with a Grigio Argento Nürburgring roof and a Sabbia interior. Its engine delivers 490 CV while the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence has applied the most advanced aluminum fabrication techniques to improving the chassis, significantly cutting its overall weight. Performance has been enhanced with the 0-100 km/h sprint now down to 3.8 seconds. Owners wanting a more dynamic driving experience can also opt for the Handling Speciale package which reduces body roll and speeds up the car’s responsiveness to driver inputs. The package includes magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (50 per cent response time) running patented Ferrari software. Also included are stiffer springs and a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.
The two other recent additions to the Prancing Horse stable will also be present on the stand: the FF in Bianco Italia livery and the 458 Spider in Giallo Tristrato. The display is completed by a 458 Italia in a sporty two-tone Rosso Corsa and Nero Daytona livery.
The stand also features a special area for clients wishing to make their Ferrari truly unique by availing of the exclusive Tailor-Made program which offers a selection of materials, colors and finishes that span both the marque’s tradition and history and the very latest trends. The Tailor-Made area will be showcasing an FF with several unusual personalization features, including a new three-layer Grigio Ingrid livery, pinstripe cloth and Testa di Moro semi-aniline leather seats, cashmere headliner and teak-trimmed boot.
