Ferrari 12Cilindri Expert Review

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is Ferrari’s latest front-engined V12 grand tourer and perhaps one of the boldest design statements the brand has made in years. Replacing the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri blends retro inspiration with futuristic surfacing, drawing clear visual cues from the legendary 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The black mask-like front fascia, ultra-clean body surfacing and dramatic fastback rear make it look unlike any other modern Ferrari. It is striking, controversial and unmistakably exotic, while some may find the styling radical, it undeniably gives the car a unique identity.
Underneath sits an aluminium spaceframe chassis with rear-wheel steering, brake-by-wire technology and extensive active aerodynamic systems.

Inside, the 12Cilindri adopts Ferrari’s latest dual-cockpit layout, similar to the Purosangue. The dashboard design wraps around both occupants, while a floating central bridge separates driver and passenger areas. The cabin feels more spacious and usable than earlier Ferrari V12 GTs, helped by the large glasshouse and excellent visibility. Seat comfort is impressive, the car is surprisingly easy to live with despite its extreme performance. Technology levels are high, with multiple digital displays including a passenger-side screen. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls continue to divide opinion due to usability concerns while driving.

At the heart of the 12Cilindri lies Ferrari’s magnificent 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing 830hp at 9,250rpm and 678Nm and revs all the way to 9,500rpm. Performance is predictably explosive. Ferrari claims 0–100kph in 2.9 seconds and 0–200kph in under 8 seconds, placing the 12Cilindri firmly in modern supercar territory. The engine pulls cleanly and forcefully from as low as 2,000rpm, with power building like a giant wave all the way to the redline. It sounds epic when you floor the throttle, its pitch climbing to a high-pitched shriek at max revs. A lot of work has gone into redesigning the exhaust system to make it as sweet sounding as possible. The eight-speed DCT is possibly the best twin-clutch auto transmission on the market. It is lightning quick with upshifts that are 30 percent faster than the previous seven-speed DCT.

Efficiency is naturally secondary to outright performance, considering Naturally Aspirated V12 without any electric assistance the expected fuel efficiency is low, around 4-7kmpl depending upon driving style and conditions.

The biggest surprise is how approachable the 12Cilindri feels. It is incredibly agile and beautifully balanced. The steering is extremely quick and packed with response, though it requires some acclimatisation because of its sharp off-centre reactions. Rear-wheel steering further enhances agility, helping the car feel as though it pivots around the driver. The 12Cilindri feels stable and confidence inspiring rather than nervous. Ride quality is also surprisingly compliant for something capable of such extreme performance, reinforcing its Grand Touring character.

The 12Cilindri comes equipped with Ferrari’s latest digital interfaces, advanced aerodynamic systems, brake-by-wire technology and multiple chassis control systems including Ferrari’s Slide Slip Control maximizing safety and performance.

Priced at around Rs 8.50 Crore for Coupe and 9.15 Crore for Spider (ex-showroom), the 12Cilindri delivers something increasingly rare: a dramatic and emotional naturally aspirated V12 experience untouched by electrification.