The debut of the F12 Berlinetta in South Africa adds the finishing flourish to an all-new range of 12-cylinder models that, in the space of just four years, has achieved the objective of offering different Ferraris for different Ferraristi.
The F12 Berlinetta matches ever increasing power outputs with greater efficiency that results in reduced fuel consumption and emissions by an impressive 30 per cent. This is achieved through in-depth, 360º research into all vehicle systems – engine, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes and ancillaries.
This places the F12 Berlinetta at the top of the segment with a claimed consumption of 15-litres per 100km and 350g/km of carbon emissions.
The F12 Berlinetta 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 F12 Berlinetta’s aerodynamics have also been honed in an innovative design that redefines classic Ferrari themes.
The F12 Berlinetta’s wheelbase is shorter and its engine, dashboard and seats are lower in the chassis. A new suspension and gearbox layout help reduce the car’s rear volume. The result is a shorter, lower and narrower car than the previous V12 Coupé.
The F12 Berlinetta boasts ideal weight distribution (54 per cent over the rear axle) as well as a lower centre of gravity further back in the chassis. The spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new and now incorporate 12 different aluminium 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 and this has allowed the car’s overall weight to be kept to just 1 525kg and has maximised its performance efficiency with torsional rigidity boosted by 20 per cent.
The new, 200-bar direct-injection 6262cc 65º V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. It punches out a maximum of 544kW at 8 250rpm, with a specific power output of 87kW/l and maximum revs of 8 700rpm - record figures for this type of engine.
Responsiveness and strong pickup is guaranteed by maximum torque of 690Nm, 80 per cent of which is readily available at 2 500rpm. Aerodynamics play a major role and a host of innovative solutions have been discreetly integrated in the F12 Berlinetta’s styling. These include the Aero Bridge which, in a first, uses the bonnet to generate down force. It employs 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 F12 Berlinetta has the highest overall aerodynamic efficiency of any Ferrari ever built (a value of 1,2) with downforce of 123kg at 200km/h and a Cd of just 0,299.
The F12 Berlinetta’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 modelspecific software.
With a Fiorano lap time of just one minute and 23 seconds, a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 3,1 seconds and 0-200km/h in 8,5 seconds the F12 Berlinetta is the highest performance road car in Ferrari history.
The car’s 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.
The cabin has been optimised 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-fibre and light alloy air-vents inspired by the aeronautical sector.
This V12 melds an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.
Basic pricing of R4 850 000 includes Ferrari’s Seven Year Complimentary Maintenance Programme that is unprecedented in duration and scope. The programme includes factory-scheduled maintenance and inspections at standard service intervals as outlined in the vehicle’s warranty booklet. This includes labour, related genuine Ferrari parts and approved lubricants for the covered Ferrari vehicle.
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All controls of the advanced technology is within easy reach of the driver.
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