In recent years, Ferrari (RACE) has adopted the use of some clever new technologies to help them adapt to a New World that is headed toward more efficient and more environmentally friendly cars.
Its 296 GTB plug-in-hybrid sports car is its latest top seller, and it's partnering with academics and scientists on EV battery research.
However, big, gas-guzzling V12 engines remain the heart and soul of the prancing horse, and its latest supercar is an automotive statement that says "we are not done yet."
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Ferrari 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider
Ferrari
Dubbed the 12Cilindri (Italian for “12 cylinders”), Ferrari's latest grand touring supercar is a perfect blend of old style, new technology, and outright power and speed.
As evident from its name, the 12 has a 6.5 liter V12 engine connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox under its long hood. But what makes this different from many other contemporary supercars, Ferrari's V12 is not turbocharged, supercharged or used as part of a hybrid-electric setup like in Lamborghini's Revuelto.
Instead Ferrari installed upgraded engine parts, tweaked the software and even injected some Formula 1 technology to make the big powertrain unit run smoother and more mechanically efficient. The result is an eye-watering 819 horsepower, 500 pound feet of torque and a dizzying redline at 9,500 rpm.
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ferrari
In coupe form, the 12Cilindri goes from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and tops out at 211 miles per hour. In drop-top "Spider" form, the 0-60 time is slightly dampened to about 2.95 seconds, but will reach the same top speed.
From the outside, the 12 in both coupe and convertible form is a shape that stands out from the rest of the Ferrari lineup. Upon first glance, the overall shape of the car suggests that the design was influenced from the Prancing Horse's classic 365 GTB/4 Daytona (the first "Miami Vice" car), albeit combined with modern day design elements such as LED daytime running lights, and an aggressive aerodynamic body kit.
The "modern" elements continue in the interior, where screens dominate major parts of the available dashboard real estate. In front of the driver is a massive 15.6-inch screen displaying the gauges and vital car information, while the passenger gets an 8.8-inch screen displaying the same information. In the middle is a 10.25-inch infotainment screen featuring standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging for your smartphone. A 15-speaker Burmester sound system is optional.
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The 12 also features some very clever pieces of technology designed to keep you on the road, such as brake-by-wire, a four-wheel independent steering system and a system called Slide Slip Control 8.0, which can learn real-time grip levels for maximum traction.
Pricing for the United States market has not been announced, but judging by its European asking price of about $424,000 for the coupe and $467,000 for the Spider, it won't be very cheap.
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