Hard on the heels of Aston Martin’s promise of a new V-12 gasoline engine, Ferrari unveils two new fire-breathing V-12 models as homage to its internal-combustion-engine traditions.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri and the convertible 12Cilindri Spider are the iconic marque’s new 2-seaters with a mid-front-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.5L 65-degree dry-sump V-12 harking back to the Ferrari Gran Turismo models of the 1950s and 1960s.
Presented at an event in Miami Beach, FL, the cars employ the latest version of Ferrari’s F140HD engine boasting up to 818 hp while its maximum revs have been increased to 9,500 rpm thanks to modified engine components and software, some already adopted on the open-top special series 812 Competizione A. It also boasts 500 lb.-ft. (678 Nm) of torque at 7,250 rpm.
Married to a dry weight of 1,560 kg (3,432 lbs.), with optional lightweighting components the Ferrari 12Cilindri claims a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h) and a 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of just 2.9 seconds and 0-to-124 mph (200 km/h) in 7.9 seconds.
Engineers have reduced the weight and inertia of the engine’s components, adopting titanium con rods, saving 40% in rotating mass compared to steel with the same mechanical resistance. A different aluminum alloy is used for the pistons, making them lighter and a rebalanced crankshaft is 3% lighter.
The valvetrain with sliding finger followers is derived from Ferrari’s experience in Formula One and was developed specifically for the V-12 with the aim of reducing mass and availing of more high-performance valve lift profiles. The sliding finger follower, made of steel with a diamond-like-carbon coating (DLC), transmits the action of the cam to the valve using a hydraulic tappet as the pivot for its movement. The use of DLC reduces friction at critical points, significantly improving the mechanical efficiency of the engine.
Torque curve is also better at all engine speeds using a system of variable geometry inlet tracts which enables the length of the intake tract to be continuously varied in relation to the firing intervals of the engine to boost the fuel charge in the cylinder.
Ferrari claims this is the first time its software strategy has been applied to a naturally aspirated engine that can modify the maximum torque available as a function of the gear selected. This Aspirated Torque Shaping has allowed Maranello engineers to sculpt the torque curve in third and fourth gears using electronic control that improves perception of the torque without impinging on acceleration. New gear ratios keep acceleration levels high and allow the engineers to define a new torque curve shape for an aspirated engine.
A new exhaust system, developed to allow the car to comply with the latest emissions requirements (EU6E, China 6b and Bin 50), introduces a ceramic catalytic converter coupled with a particulate filter. Ferrari claims this is the most advanced emissions-reduction technology available and involves lengthy calibration of the software strategies.
Both Ferrari 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider sport the 8-speed DCT first seen on the SF90 Stradale. Thanks in part to larger tires on 21-in. rims, this delivers 5% shorter gear ratios in the lower gears and a 12% increase in torque at the wheels compared to previous V-12 applications, allowing 30% faster changes.
