>>Ferrari F12berlinetta

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Manufacturer	Ferrari
Production	2012–
Assembly	Maranello, Italy
Predecessor	Ferrari 599
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2-seat berlinetta
Layout	FMR layout
Engine	6.3 L V12
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Length	4,618 mm (181.8 in)
Width	1,942 mm (76.5 in)
Height	1,273 mm (50.1 in)
Curb weight	1,525 kg (3,362 lb) (dry)
Designer	Pininfarina

The Ferrari F12berlinetta (also referred to as the F12 Berlinetta) is a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer produced by Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari. The F12berlinetta, introduced to the public at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, replaces the Ferrari 599 series grand tourers.

Specifications

Engine

The F12berlinetta uses a 6,262 cc (6.3 L; 382.1 cu in), naturally aspirated 65° V12 engine shared with the Ferrari FF, producing 730 hp (544 kW; 740 PS) at 8500 rpm and 509 lb·ft (690 N·m) of torque at 6000 rpm, making it the most powerful road-legal Ferrari to date. This allows the F12berlinetta to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds, 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h).

The engine of the F12berlinetta has been designed to be more efficient than that of the 599, as well as more powerful. The engine management system is fitted with Ferrari's HELE start-stop system to reduce fuel consumption when idling. Ferrari reports that the F12berlinetta can achieve 18 mpg_-imp (15.7 L/100 km; 15.0 mpg_-US) – a 30% improvement over the 599 – and produces CO₂ emissions of 350 g/km.

Transmission

In common with the California, 458 Italia and FF, the F12berlinetta transmits power through a 7-speed dual-clutch automated semi-automatic gearbox operated by the driver using 'paddles' behind the steering wheel. Compared to similar models, the F12berlinetta uses shortened gear ratios to match the power of the engine.

Chassis

The F12berlinetta is built around an aluminium space frame chassis co-developed with Scaglietti. The chassis is made up of 12 different aluminium alloys and improves structural rigidity by 20% over the 599, whilst reducing weight by 70 kg (150 lb). The centre of gravity has been lowered by around 25 mm (0.98 in). The F12berlinetta's weight distribution is 46% front, 54% rear.

Similarly to other contemporary Ferrari models, the F12berlinetta uses Ferrari's third generation CCM3 carbon ceramic disc brakes with ABS, SCM-E magnetorheological suspension, an electronic limited slip differential, ESP Premium stability control and F1-Trac traction control. The car's stability and traction control, suspension and other settings are controlled by the Manettino dial mounted on the steering wheel.

Tyres

It is fitted with Michelin Super Sport Pilot tyres. 255/35ZR20 at the front and 315/35/ZR20 at the rear.

Aerodynamics

The F12berlinetta makes use of aerodynamic techniques based on Ferrari's 599XX and Formula One programmes, developed with wind tunnel and CFD testing. A notable feature is the Aero Bridge, an air channel running from the bonnet, through the flanks and along the sides of the vehicle, creating an effect that increases downforce. Another feature is Active Brake Cooling, which opens the ducts only when the brakes are hot, keeping them closed at other times to reduce aerodynamic drag. The F12berlinetta produces 123 kg (270 lb) of downforce at 200 km/h (120 mph) – an increase of 76% over the 599 GTB – and has a drag coefficient of 0.299.

Performance

Ferrari reports that the F12berlinetta is capable of lapping the Fiorano test circuit in 1 minute, 23 seconds; 1.0 second faster than the 599 GTO, 1.9 seconds faster than the Enzo Ferrari, 2.0 seconds faster than the 458 Italia and 3.5 seconds faster than the 599 GTB.

Design

The body of the F12berlinetta is designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, and shares some styling elements with other recent Ferrari models. This includes a front grille similar to the FF and headlights shared with the FF and 458 Italia. The interior, based on the FF, features new "Frau leather" upholstery with aluminium and carbon fibre trim, and has increased luggage space compared to the 599.

Price

No price has been set for the F12berlinetta, but Tim Pollard of Car Magazine estimates it will cost £250,000 ($392,000), with sales starting in the UK in late 2012 or early 2013.