Since 1947, Ferrari has captivated Prancing Horse enthusiasts with one defining feature: the naturally-aspirated, mid-front-mounted V12 engine. This iconic engine, which first roared through the factory gates in Maranello, takes center stage once again with the unveiling of the Ferrari 12Cilindri. Celebrating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary in the American market, this masterpiece was revealed against the breathtaking backdrop of Miami Beach. The Ferrari 12Cilindri, designed by Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Styling Centre team, aimed to revolutionize the stylistic norms of previous mid-front-engined V12 Ferraris. In contrast to the sculptural language seen in the 812 Competizione, the car embraces a more refined aesthetic while maintaining the necessary design rigor to achieve a sense of stylistic harmony.
The car’s design is characterized by clean lines that emphasize the interconnected volumes, creating a seamless and unified whole. The sleek flanks flow gracefully from a dihedral section, showcasing a heightened level of geometric precision in the sculpted wings. These lines are the result of the intersection between volumes, reflecting a departure from nostalgic design elements and embracing a more functional approach. The rear wing, while muscular and imposing, maintains a controlled geometric form. The front wing extends slightly, enhancing the car’s monolithic aesthetic as it merges with the flank.
The bonnet is meticulously sculpted and seamlessly integrates with the front wings. By eliminating cut lines, the design achieves a smooth and uninterrupted surface, accentuating the muscularity of the car. Only two vents disrupt this ultra-clean fluidity, serving the purpose of cooling the engine bay. One of the key objectives of the Ferrari 12Cilindri was to explore design languages that are tangentially related to the automotive world. Consequently, certain signature elements such as elongated headlights and traditional grille shape have been replaced with geometries and intersections inherent to the car’s design. The headlights are seamlessly integrated into a single wraparound band, with the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) emerging like sharp blades.
The rear architecture of the Ferrari 12Cilindri follows a similar approach as the front, emphasizing precision and meticulousness in its design. By subtracting volume, the designers have achieved a distinct shape that is both technically advanced and aesthetically pleasing. The taillights are seamlessly integrated into a blade that spans the entire concave rear section, serving as a defining feature of the car. This showcases the ingenuity of the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers in seamlessly blending technical requirements with beauty.
Rather than incorporating a rear spoiler, the designers have opted for two active flaps integrated into the rear screen, creating a unique delta theme. This design choice contributes to the overall perception of a sleek and high-tech form. The concept of integrating the rear screen theme into the cabin design allowed the designers to treat the Ferrari 12Cilindri’s interior in a novel manner. The frame of the surface is traced in the body color, echoing the rear screen theme and seamlessly integrating with the rest of the cabin, which features a black screen effect.
The tail section of the car culminates in a clean and monolithic volume, also in body color. The lower section, available in black or carbon fiber, is distinguished by prominent diffuser keels that give the impression of the body floating above them. This area also houses the sensors and two twin tailpipes. The tailpipes, consisting of four elements in total, boast a completely redesigned shape with a metal surround to visually reduce their size and create a more compact appearance.
The interior style of the Ferrari 12Cilindri draws inspiration from the dual-cockpit architecture seen in other recent Ferrari models, including the Ferrari Roma, Roma Spider, and Ferrari Purosangue. The cabin of the Ferrari 12Cilindri exhibits an almost symmetrical structure, consisting of two modules dedicated to the driver and passenger. This layout ensures an exceptional level of comfort and engagement in the driving experience.
The dashboard extends horizontally, with a clear distinction between the upper section, adorned with refined trim volumes, and the lower section housing the technical functions. The upper section features two distinct binnacles, each dedicated to the instrumentation of the driver and passenger, as well as the climate control vents. A seamless transition of colors and materials draws attention to the two volumes separated by the body of the dashboard, creating an illusion of floating and further enhancing the overall sense of lightness in this area.