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Technical secrets behind Ferrari's F12 supercar
The new, front-engined Ferrari has a shorter wheelbase to enable it to be more agile and more willing to turn-in to corners.

The new, front-engined Ferrari has a shorter wheelbase to enable it to be more agile and more willing to turn-in to corners.

The chassis is the component that takes all the load; both static as well as dynamic. So it has to be particularly stiff. And because this is a sportscar, it has to be super light as well. The 12 different types of aluminium alloys help make it both light and very strong

The chassis is the component that takes all the load; both static as well as dynamic. So it has to be particularly stiff. And because this is a sportscar, it has to be super light as well. The 12 different types of aluminium alloys help make it both light and very strong

As a result, the chassis is a mix of castings, sheet metal and extrusions. Each type of aluminium alloy is specifically tailored to do a unique job.

As a result, the chassis is a mix of castings, sheet metal and extrusions. Each type of aluminium alloy is specifically tailored to do a unique job.

This car has to put 730bhp through the rear wheels, so it needs to have weight pressing down over the rear. As a result, 54 percent of the weight sits over the rear wheels, and this only increases when the car accelerates.

This car has to put 730bhp through the rear wheels, so it needs to have weight pressing down over the rear. As a result, 54 percent of the weight sits over the rear wheels, and this only increases when the car accelerates.

With 730bhp, an 8700rpm rev limiter and a compression ratio of 13.5:1, this 65-degree V12 is something extra special.

With 730bhp, an 8700rpm rev limiter and a compression ratio of 13.5:1, this 65-degree V12 is something extra special.

Please note 2500rpm represents almost 200bhp! The smooth line represents the power curve, and the line with dashes, torque.

Please note 2500rpm represents almost 200bhp! The smooth line represents the power curve, and the line with dashes, torque.

Other unique features of this motor include multiple spark ignitions per power stroke

Other unique features of this motor include multiple spark ignitions per power stroke

The braking system has been specially designed to deliver the highest possible performance with the least amount of delay. Pre-fill, for example, means the disc pads are brought into light contact with the discs as soon as you lift off the throttle.

The braking system has been specially designed to deliver the highest possible performance with the least amount of delay. Pre-fill, for example, means the disc pads are brought into light contact with the discs as soon as you lift off the throttle.

Check out the braking performance from 200; amazing!

Check out the braking performance from 200; amazing!

Mechanical and electronic driver aids work together to deliver the maximum grip around corners. The rear differential is electronically controlled and the amount of body roll is also kept in check with the help of electro-mechanical systems

Mechanical and electronic driver aids work together to deliver the maximum grip around corners. The rear differential is electronically controlled and the amount of body roll is also kept in check with the help of electro-mechanical systems

Just like a race car, the faster the car goes, the more the downforce it generates.

Just like a race car, the faster the car goes, the more the downforce it generates.

So, it is the fastest front-engined V12 Ferrari by a good margin

So, it is the fastest front-engined V12 Ferrari by a good margin

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Technical secrets behind Ferrari's F12 supercar

Ferrari’s supercars are always technically advanced. The F12, however, is special, even by Ferrari’s lofty standards; here’s why.
13 images24 Dec 2012

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