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Ferrari F12 Berlinetta revealed ahead of Geneva

Italian automaker says 730-horsepower monster is its fastest-ever road-going model.

By Joshua Condon Feb 29, 2012 11:03AM
Photo by Ferrari.The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta has been officially unveiled ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.

The replacement for the 599 has a number of improvements over the outgoing model. Horsepower gets a massive bump, from 611 to 730; 509 lb-ft of torque is on tap, with 80 percent available at just 2,500 rpm. Curb weight drops from 3,722 pounds to 3,362 pounds, 56 percent of which rests over the rear axle. The F12 has a drag coefficient of 0.299 and stronger downforce compared with the 599, and structural rigidity improves by 20 percent. The all-new aluminum chassis was designed by Scaglietti and incorporates a dozen alloys. Basically, it's everything you want in a next-step Ferrari: stronger, stiffer, lighter and more powerful.

Also, it's gorgeous. The F12 Berlinetta, a styling collaboration between Pininfarina and Ferrari's in-house styling team, is lower and shorter compared with the 599, with a long hood, prominent headlights, the same slick grille seen on the FF and a sweeping, muscular frame.

Photo by Ferrari.As expected, the F12 is based on a mid-front-engine configuration with a transaxle layout. The 599's 6-speed automated manual transmission is out, replaced by an F1-style dual-clutch gearbox. The naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine -- cylinders are banked at 65 degrees -- help push the F12 to a top speed of 211 mph and can blast the car from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Its time around the Fiorano circuit, at 1:23, is faster than any other Ferrari of the road-going variety.

Photo by Ferrari.Check out Ferrari's quick overview video, below.

And here's Alonso and Massa reacting to the car:

The vehicle's official bow will take place in Geneva next week.

Photo by Ferrari.Photo by Ferrari.
[Video: ferrariworld on YouTube; source: Ferrari.]
257Comments
Mar 3, 2012 3:17PM
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Jim, you don't know jack about sh...t.The vette has spanked ferrari's, audi's and numerous other mid engine cars on the track and set records at laguna seca . the one who got crapped on was the three...five... eight... ferrari.
Mar 3, 2012 3:17PM
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Hey Jim, Just an FYI. The suspension in this car is a cross from the Vette and Cadillac. SO who car is crapin on who in the corners? Study before you speak next time!
Mar 3, 2012 3:09PM
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How or why are people comparing this car to a Z or a Vette?  If you take a simple silouette of the two cars, the three cars, yes many people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.  Look at the detail on the doors, hood, and rear.  Also this is a Mid-Engine car, so it takes craps on Corvettes as it turns corners. 
Mar 3, 2012 3:05PM
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My 1985 Kaw 750 Turbo with 250HP could beat that with no problem and it only cost me $5,000 new.
Mar 3, 2012 3:03PM
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I need a Sugar Daddy who can buy me nice gifts like this.
Mar 3, 2012 3:02PM
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Must be in the wrong comment section, was going to leave a comment on how the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. From all her sleek and yet demanding curves to her breathtaking thrust. I only wish I could be so fortunate to ride in her comfort molded seats and her heavenly body in a 211 mph thrill that I would remember forever. Could someone please tell me the appropriate page to leave my comments.

Mar 3, 2012 3:02PM
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Everyone is so quick to compare a $70,000 corvette to a $300,000  ferrari. Gee, I wonder why? It pisses off the boys with more money than brains. They don't like the fact that you get so much for so little with a ZO6 Corvette. Sure the vette doesn't have the quality of the Ferrari, they love to dwell on the obvious.
Mar 3, 2012 3:00PM
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Well, I'll be damned, first Ferrari I don't like. Looks a Nissan Z car souped up....and those LED lights on the side of the headlights, tacky, tacky....Audi started this trend with the LEDs and it sucks....
Mar 3, 2012 2:58PM
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Hey Rocky Mtn. sounds to me like you were  the one bitchin. I was just makin fun. I love life no matter what hand I was dealt. I have been up and I have been down, just like the rest of us. No silver spoon in this mouth. Also had my own small business and still do.If yours is doing well, a thumbs up to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!! I can't control Washington nor will I try. I don't live in a third world country yet, and will fight to keep it that way! You are absolutly right Obama doesn't have his eye on me(if that is what you meant) except maybe for the drones he is going to unleash on us all. If you can honestly sit there and tell me things are wonderful or just as good as they were when you were a kid I really need to speak with you cause I am missing something. If not please just think about it. It is a crazy world when sports stars get paid a gynormous amount of money to play sports but if someone finds the cure for AIDS, it is third page news.Regardless I think the ferrari is a beautiful car and being the owner of a vette, there are no real similarities between the 2 , maybe the lines, sort've. You have control over what you do but not over the outcome, think about it! :D
Mar 3, 2012 2:48PM
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Thats Funny you say that JOHN! cus it really looks nothing like a vette!......But to get technical, GM calls the Vettes body style "European" and as a matter of fact, the headlights are made in europe!

 

And BTW, for all you Insurence agents! lol.....I only paid 3200 a year for my 07 360 challenge for full coverage. Thats hardly the big deal considering the cost of the car.

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