Ferrari has finally unveiled the 2013 F12berlinetta, originally called the F620 GT by the press. The design of the car combines its classic Pininfarina roots and newly developed aerodynamics to complete the 2013 F12berlinetta, successor to the 599 GTB Fiorano. According to Ferrari’s press release, “this is the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the incredibly efficient engine.” The F12berlinetta features a 6.3-liter V-12 engine that produces 730 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. The F12s specs are pretty close to the 2012 Ferrari 599XX evolution package but the biggest difference between these two cars is that the 599XX is a track only weapon while the new F12 is considered a road car.
The new prancing pony can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.1 seconds while the top speed is over 211 mph. The new F12 is exactly 67 pounds heavier than the 2011 599 GTB GTO and 360 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the 2010 599 GTB Fiorano. This is partly because of new aluminum-intensive spaceframe. Ferrari decided to change the layout of its traditional transaxle to better handle the performance of the car. This was done by shortening the wheelbase, and lowering the engine, dash, and seats, as well as changing the layout of the rear suspension and the gear box, allowing engineers to make the rear of the car smaller. These changes resulted in a car that was about 2 inches smaller, 2 ½ inches lower, and has more extreme aerodynamics than the 2010 599 GTB Fiorano.
Aerodynamic improvements are because of two new drag reducing solutions, the aero bridge and active brake cooling. Ferrari says, “The aero bridge uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channeling air away from the upper part of the car to the flanks, interacting with the wake from the wheel wells, in order to decrease drag.” The active brake cooling is a system that activates the brake cooling ducts at high speeds, once again reducing drag.
The car’s interior is made out of all-new Frau leather (Italian leather also seen in Maseratis) and the carbon-fiber and aluminum air vents add to the futuristic high-tech feeling. Typical of most Ferraris, the cockpit is designed for the driver and according to the manufacturer, “the cabin has been optimized to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tail gate.” The interior plays up the luxury of Ferrari’s name and looks to be quite comfortable and roomier than the typical Ferrari cabin space.
The F12berlinetta will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show but is set to go on sale in 2013. This is in fact Ferraris fastest supercar, for right now that is, but the 2013 F12berlinetta will not hold that title for long if rumors are true. There has already been talk that Ferrari is preparing an over 800 hp variant of this engine for use in a successor to the Ferrari Enzo. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this car and other future Ferrari models as well!
| Base Price | Not Available | |
| Engine | 6.3-liter V-12 | |
| Horsepower | 730 hp @ 8,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 509 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual | |
| 0–60 mph | 3.1 seconds | |
| Top Speed | More than 211 mph | |
| Weight | 3,362 lb | |
| Length | 182 inches | |
| Tires | Unavailable |
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