Photo: SB-Medien
To an untrained eye, it might seem like Ferrari has simply returned to the turbo era these days. While that is true, the statement is nowhere near enough to contain the development rollercoaster Maranello is riding. We’re here to discuss one of the most important stages of the engineering montagne russe, namely the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta’s mid-cycle boost.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is perhaps the most accomplished model in Maranello’s current line-up and definitely one of the best cars you can buy in a showroom. Well, the Italian engineers are currently working to make it even better.
While the California and the 458 have already gained a pair of turbos each, morphing into the California T and the 488 GTB, respectively, the plan is different for the V12 models. These will stay off the forced induction for now, receiving electric motor assistance to comply with the increasing burden of lowering emissions.
Nevertheless, Ferrari will introduce the lessons it has learned with the LaFerrari on its more Earth-bound models on the medium, not the short run. This means that the petrol-electric tech will most likely make its way into the F12’s successor.
The situation reminds us of the 488 GTB Spider/GTS we spied last month - the open-top version of the 488 GTB should’ve showed up later on, but it appears the effervescent market might have determined Ferrari to speed things up a little bit.
Despite aluminum remaining the main element, the F12 M is expected to make use of carbon fiber to reduce weight. Ferrari has shown an increased appetite for active aerodynamics and since this is a V12 model, we can expect hydraulic power, not wind force, to activate these.
An eight-speed dual-clutch may also be in the cards. There’s nothing wrong with the current 7-Speed, but just like Porsche’s PDK, this is starting to lose its edge on the competition.
As far as the cabin is concerned, the greatest novelty will come in the form of Apple's CarPlay infotainment system and this is an area where the F12 needs an update.
As we mentioned at the end of our Ferrari F12 review and while it may sound like a cliche, the only major flaw of the F12 is its price. The Grand Tourer starts at $330,000 or EUR327,000 including 19 percent VAT. Guess the trend will only go a tad deeper with the F12 M.
The big picture
It all starts with the previously-published Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ five-year plan for Ferrari. Thus, the Prancing Horse will keep each of its models on the market for about eight years. Moreover, they’ll call the mid-cycle revamp “Modificato” and since not everybody talks Italian, it will be signified by the letter M.While the California and the 458 have already gained a pair of turbos each, morphing into the California T and the 488 GTB, respectively, the plan is different for the V12 models. These will stay off the forced induction for now, receiving electric motor assistance to comply with the increasing burden of lowering emissions.
Nevertheless, Ferrari will introduce the lessons it has learned with the LaFerrari on its more Earth-bound models on the medium, not the short run. This means that the petrol-electric tech will most likely make its way into the F12’s successor.
The timeframe
To talk about the F12 M, we’ll have to wait for the FF mid-cycle revamp to debut first, with the move set to take place next year. The F12 M will follow suit shortly, but we’re not sure whether to expect it in 2016 or 2017.The situation reminds us of the 488 GTB Spider/GTS we spied last month - the open-top version of the 488 GTB should’ve showed up later on, but it appears the effervescent market might have determined Ferrari to speed things up a little bit.
Technical delights
As for the tech updates the F12 M will receive, its 6.3-liter V12 already offers enough grunt at 731 hp, but Enzo’s disciples might just want to top the 739 hp delivered by the Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 Super Veloce.Despite aluminum remaining the main element, the F12 M is expected to make use of carbon fiber to reduce weight. Ferrari has shown an increased appetite for active aerodynamics and since this is a V12 model, we can expect hydraulic power, not wind force, to activate these.
An eight-speed dual-clutch may also be in the cards. There’s nothing wrong with the current 7-Speed, but just like Porsche’s PDK, this is starting to lose its edge on the competition.
As far as the cabin is concerned, the greatest novelty will come in the form of Apple's CarPlay infotainment system and this is an area where the F12 needs an update.
As we mentioned at the end of our Ferrari F12 review and while it may sound like a cliche, the only major flaw of the F12 is its price. The Grand Tourer starts at $330,000 or EUR327,000 including 19 percent VAT. Guess the trend will only go a tad deeper with the F12 M.
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