A New Era of Ferrari Performance
The 2025 Ferrari 12 Cilindri is a car that defies expectations. It looks like a grand tourer, but it drives like a super sports car. The moment you step into the driver’s seat, the red lights on the steering wheel rim start to flash in rhythm with the growl of the V-12 engine. As the revs climb past 9,500 rpm, the acceleration is relentless. With a quick flick of the right-hand paddle, the dual-clutch transmission shifts gears seamlessly, and the exhaust crackles as the next gear engages. The V-12 howls, and the speed continues to build. By the time you pass the braking marker at 180 mph, it’s clear—this is one of the fastest cars on the road.
What Is It?
The power under the hood is nothing short of extraordinary. The 12 Cilindri features the most powerful V-12 ever installed in a front-engine Ferrari. This naturally aspirated engine displaces 6.5 liters and produces an astonishing 818 hp at 9,250 rpm, with 500 lb-ft of torque available at 7,250 rpm. While the speed is impressive, what truly sets this car apart is its handling. Despite its long-hood, cab-rear design reminiscent of classic Ferraris like the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the 12 Cilindri can tackle winding roads with the precision of a mid-engine sports car.
The Hardware
Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s product development chief, describes the 12 Cilindri as a car “for the few.” That’s not just because of its high price tag—starting at $464,000 when it arrives in the U.S. in early 2025—but also because it’s designed for true Ferrari enthusiasts who crave the experience of driving a front-engine V-12.
The 12 Cilindri’s engine, codenamed F140HD, is an evolution of the V-12 used in the Enzo from the early 2000s. Though it has been completely reworked, many of its components were first seen in the SP3 Daytona and later in the 812 Competizione. These enhancements include titanium connecting rods, lighter pistons, and a rebalanced crankshaft, all aimed at maximizing performance.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle, which allows for faster shifts and improved torque delivery. The new transmission gives the 12 Cilindri an extra gear compared to the 812 models, allowing for more efficient gearing and better performance.
Air Apparent
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the 12 Cilindri’s performance. Beneath the car, there are three pairs of vortex generators that work with the front splitter to increase downforce. The central part of the underbody channels air to the rear diffuser, while additional vortex generators between the rear wheels further enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
Visible features include vents at the front corners that direct cooling air to the oil radiators and improve airflow along the sides of the car. There are also vents on the hood that help draw hot air from the engine compartment, and a triple-channel diffuser at the rear. At speeds above 38 mph, flaps on the rear fenders tilt up to generate 110 pounds of downforce, eliminating the need for a full-width active rear wing.
Let the Fun Commence
The 12 Cilindri delivers on both performance and style. Initially, the car feels a bit edgy at low speeds, but once you get used to its hyper-responsive chassis, it becomes a joy to drive. The Side Slip Control (SSC) 8.0 system ensures that even inexperienced drivers can push the car to its limits without losing control.
In Race mode, the 12 Cilindri becomes a ferocious machine. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 211 mph. The shorter wheelbase contributes to its agility, making it feel much lighter on its feet compared to other high-performance cars.
There’s More to It
Inside the cabin, the 12 Cilindri offers a tighter fit than its classic GT proportions might suggest. The interior design is functional yet modern, featuring a 10.25-inch landscape-format touchscreen. The layout is similar to that of the 296 GTB and Purosangue, but the 12 Cilindri stands out with its unique blend of heritage and innovation.
Ferrari has created a car that is both a tribute to its past and a glimpse into its future. The 12 Cilindri is not just a GT or a sports car—it’s a Ferrari, and that alone is enough to make it special.
2025 FERRARI 12 CILINDRI SPECIFICATIONS
- BASE PRICE: $464,000
- LAYOUT: Rear-engine, RWD, 2-door, 2-pass coupe
- ENGINE: 6.5L/818-hp/500-lb-ft DOHC 48-valve V-12
- TRANSMISSION: 8-speed twin-clutch auto
- CURB WEIGHT: 3,600 lb (MT est)
- WHEELBASE: 106.3 in
- L x W x H: 186.3 x 85.6 x 50.9 in
- 0-60 MPH: 2.7 sec (MT est)
- EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: N/A
- EPA RANGE (COMB): N/A
- ON SALE: Now
