FERRARI 12Cilindri Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In a world full of hybrid-powered supercars, Ferrari dared to unveil a coupe and a roadster that boasted a naturally aspirated V12 engine under its hood and bragged about it.

The Italian automaker always had its way of doing cars. While some vehicles it produced were developed by following the market’s trends, others were designed for purists. The carmaker’s history is full of such examples, and the 12Cilindri was another fine example. Its design was inspired by legendary Grand Tourer vehicles from the ‘50s and ‘60s, while the technology it provided was on par with the latest models of the 2020s. In 2024, the Prancing Horse brand introduced a vehicle targeted at those who still enjoyed the sound and feel of a naturally aspirated engine, unaltered by any kind of electrification that came with a hefty pack of batteries. The car replaced the famous 812 Superfast in the carmaker’s lineup.

At the front, the 12Cilindri resembled the famous 365 Daytona with fixed headlights, not pop-up ones. Furthermore, underneath them, Ferrari installed curved LED daytime running lights that resembled the chromed metallic bumpers of that model. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker installed a broad rectangular air intake flanked by a pair of massive air scoops, while at the bottom was a slim carbon fiber lip spoiler.

From its profile, the 12Cilindri revealed a classic design for the Italian automaker. The car’s long hood adorned by functional vents that released hot air from the engine bay resembled the shape of other grand touring vehicles made by Ferrari. Its raked windshield was followed by a short and curved roof and a sloped rear end. The automaker created large glass areas, including an optional one on the roof and a trapezoidal-shaped one for the rear window. To emphasize the car’s sporty character, the car manufacturer made muscular-looking front and rear fenders above the 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275/35ZR tires at the front and 315/35ZR at the rear. Finally, at the back, rectangular tips surrounded a pair of twin exhausts that flanked a massive diffuser.

Inside, the automaker made room for a pair of sports seats and a shelf behind them for small items. At the same time, a generous trunk for a sportscar created the necessary luggage area for longer than a weekend escape. Fronting the driver was a binnacle with a configurable 15.6-inch display inside it. At the same time, in front of the passenger side, there was an additional 8.8-inch touchscreen that could be configured. The automaker placed a 10.25-inch touchscreen atop the center console for the infotainment system that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To keep its occupants entertained, the 12Cilindri featured a 15-speaker, 1,600-watt Burmeister sound system.

However, the real magic happened under the car’s skin. The engine was mounted up front but in a rearward position for a better weight distribution. An eight-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transaxle gearbox sent all the power to the rear wheels. The 6.5-liter V12 powerplant was developed with some help from the Ferrari F1 team and developed a massive 630 PS (819 hp) thanks to its advanced direct fuel injection system and the 48 valves actuated by sliding finger cam followers.