What’s your preferred engine type? For me, I adore a four-cylinder turbo for its spirited nature as well as its straightforwardness. Naturally aspirated V8s are impressive, too, and I suspect that’s what many of you will mention in the comments. However, surpassing those options—and essentially any other internal combustion engine—is the V12. This isn’t just any V12, but a naturally aspirated one. And if it comes from Maranello, that’s even better.
Recently, I spent a few days and a few hundred miles in the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. You can check out my complete review here. Being in a Ferrari, regardless of the model or engine, is always a unique experience. Spending time in a front-engine, V12 convertible Ferrari is even more special. It’s a kind of experience typically reserved for a select few, so being able to enjoy it as if it were mine for several days, despite not being able to afford a down payment on its $661,000 sticker price, is—as Max would put it—truly wonderful.
By any measure, the naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 nestled beneath the long, elegantly designed hood is a masterpiece. Although the core of the engine has powered several of the 12Cilindri’s successors, it has undergone extensive modifications and tuning for its present role. Having driven a variant of it in the Purosangue a couple of years back, I can definitely appreciate some of those enhancements and tweaks. Most importantly, what impresses most when experiencing this V12—even more than its performance—is its uniqueness.
Codenamed the F140HD, the 6.5-liter engine generates 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It propels Ferrari’s flagship sports car to 60 mph in merely 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 mph. In its current form, it has borrowed hardware, software, and tuning from the 812 Competizione to enhance performance, while also being modified for weight savings. New aluminum alloys were developed for several parts, including new pistons, and using titanium instead of steel resulted in a 40% reduction in rotating mass. That’s what enables this engine to rev so astonishingly quickly and all the way to 9,500 rpm.
Ignite the V12, and you’re met with a loud roar that quickly calms and transforms into a profound rumble. If your right foot is eager to hear it sing, however, you must give it time to warm up. A display on the digital gauge cluster indicates how cold the engine is, and if it’s been stationary overnight, it’ll probably take about 5 minutes of idling to reach optimal temperature. And once it does, you can press the gas pedal to unlock one of the most magnificent engine sounds available on any production car today. Hear it in the video below.
The revs climb incredibly fast, and drop almost as swiftly, giving the sensation and sound of a race-engine developed for purpose. Then there’s the high-pitched exhaust tone that genuinely sent shivers down my spine. There’s only one other automobile that has done this purely with its sound, and that’s a Pagani Zonda. Well, I would include the Honda RA272 Formula 1 car in that category, but that might be unfair.
Fewer than 10 V12-powered vehicles are currently available: this, the Purosangue, the Aston Martin Vanquish, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan, the Lamborghini Revuelto, and the Mercedes-Maybach S680. Among these, only the Ferraris utilize naturally aspirated engines. The others are either turbocharged and/or hybrid.
What’s the significance? The V12 is not merely a vanishing species—and I really dislike using that phrase as it’s often overused for alarmism—but the non-boosted V12 is essentially extinct already. Were it not for these two Ferraris, none would remain. And I can already predict your response: the Gordon Murray cars feature that incredible Cosworth V12! Yes, they indeed do, but those are bespoke vehicles from a niche manufacturer, whereas the Ferraris—as limited as they are—are still deemed production cars. Even if I included those, the grand total would still be approximately 10 cars worldwide.
Considering the current trajectory, it likely won’t be long before there are no V12s remaining, especially naturally aspirated ones. Very few individuals can afford any of the models listed above, so if you’re among them, relish the privilege and value the opportunity. What will the elite and aspirational vehicle segment look like when the last V12 finally ceases to exist? Will other types of V12s still be around, or how much longer (and how much investment) will automakers dedicate to adapting new techniques to a relic?
If this is the final curtain for the naturally aspirated V12 in a production vehicle, then it’s an extraordinary finale.
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# The Ferrari 12Cilindri: An Exceptional Conclusion for Naturally Aspirated V12 Engines
The Ferrari 12Cilindri epitomizes the height of automotive excellence, embodying the essence of performance, opulence, and the legendary heritage of Ferrari’s V12 lineage. As the concluding chapter in the saga of naturally aspirated V12 engines, the 12Cilindri transcends mere transportation; it honors a powertrain that has defined the marque for generations.
## Historical Background
Ferrari’s adventure with the V12 engine initiated in the early 1940s, starting with the introduction of the 125 S. Over time, the V12 layout became emblematic of Ferrari’s racing achievements and high-performance road vehicles. The engine’s distinctive features—smooth power delivery, high-revving prowess, and a signature exhaust note—have endeared it to enthusiasts.
## The Blueprint and Development of the 12Cilindri
The Ferrari 12Cilindri, launched in the early 2020s, showcases advanced technology while celebrating its predecessors. The engine is a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, delivering an electrifying output of over 800 horsepower. This power is achieved through meticulous craftsmanship, including lightweight materials, optimized aerodynamics, and a sophisticated engine management setup.
### Performance Metrics
The 12Cilindri is designed for performance, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just below three seconds and a top speed that surpasses 210 mph. The engine’s responsiveness is enhanced by a high compression ratio and a meticulously tuned exhaust system that creates a melody of sound, enchanting both drivers and spectators. The vehicle’s lightweight structure and advanced suspension system ensure remarkable handling, making it equally competent on the racetrack and the street.
### Technological Advancements
Ferrari has incorporated several technological innovations into the 12Cilindri. The engine boasts a variable intake system that maximizes airflow across different RPMs, boosting both performance and efficiency. Furthermore, the implementation of hybrid technology within the vehicle’s framework allows for enhanced fuel efficiency without compromising power, a vital consideration in the modern automotive arena.
## The Conclusion of an Era
The debut of the 12Cilindri also signifies the end of an era for naturally aspirated V12 engines. Faced with mounting emissions regulations and a global pivot towards hybrid and electric powertrains, the 12Cilindri stands as a tribute to the engineering excellence and passion Ferrari has invested in its V12 engines. It serves as a final tribute to a configuration that has delighted generations of automotive enthusiasts.
## Final Thoughts
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is far more than a car; it celebrates the legacy of naturally aspirated V12 engines. With its stunning performance, state-of-the-art technology, and rich heritage, the 12Cilindri encapsulates the spirit of Ferrari. As the automotive landscape transitions towards new powertrains, the 12Cilindri will be remembered as an extraordinary conclusion to an iconic chapter in automotive history.