Sometimes a car comes along that combines an unparalleled, thrilling driving experience with sophisticated, modern design. A vehicle that has been conceived for automotive aficionados who appreciate a very special engine configuration and who also applaud the appeal of al fresco motoring. Such a car is the new Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. That’s right; you’ve guessed it: This is an open-top express powered by a mid-front mounted, naturally aspirated, 830bhp V12 engine. Your driving life probably does not get any more exciting than this.
The Beauty
As can be seen in our images, sleek lines dominate the car’s geometry, with ultra-clean flanks that sweep back along the entire car from a dihedral section. Although retaining a signature Ferrari shape, the wings have been sculpted with extreme geometric precision: all the lines are the result of intersections between the sections and a more functional approach to form has been taken, being very modern in outlook.
The unusual rear wing is imposing, yet also perfectly controlled geometrically. On the front wing, that muscularity extends slightly, coming to rest along the flank and further accentuating the car’s unique aesthetic. The sculpted bonnet (hood) incorporates the front wings. Removing the cut lines from the wings gives a smooth, uninterrupted surface to the design, lending the entire bonnet a sense of fluidity, interrupted only by two vents to cool the engine bay.
One of the objectives of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider was to explore new design ideas that, perhaps, eschew conventional Ferrari looks. The front has lost certain signature elements, such as the elongated form of the headlights and the traditional grille shape, in favour of geometries and intersections innate to the car’s unique design. The headlights are integrated into a single wraparound band from which the daytime running lights emerge like blades.
Consistent with the front of the car, the tail-lights are set into a blade that traverses the entire, concave rear section and also provides what is possibly the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider’s real signature theme, demonstrating once again how cleverly the Ferrari designers are able to meld technical and functional demands with beauty. Instead of adopting the usual conventional rear spoiler, the designers have used two active flaps integrated with the rear screen, creating a signature delta theme. The overall perception is of a seamless whole, creating a very high-tech form.
The Beast
The engine equipping the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider is a new version of the brand’s naturally-aspirated V12, the purest expression of Ferrari’s soul; no turbo-chargers here, thank you very much. Its peerless performance, crucial powerful soundtrack and exclusivity make it the worthy heir to the legendary ‘berlinetta’ sports cars that wrote some of the most glittering chapters in the marque’s history. The maximum revs have been increased to 9500 rpm thanks to the adoption of innovative solutions.
To allow the V12 to rev so high, the engineers worked to reduce the weight and inertia of the engine’s components, adopting, for example, titanium con rods, which guarantee a saving of 40% in rotating mass compared to steel with the same mechanical resistance. A different aluminium alloy was used for the pistons, making them lighter than on previous applications. For the very first time on a naturally-aspirated engine, an innovative software strategy was developed that can modify the maximum torque available as a function of the gear selected. This technical advance delivers to the driver, in layman’s terms, the feeling of smooth, progressive pick-up as the eight-speed transmission ratio increases, another vital factor in making the driving exhilaration delivered by the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider truly unique.
The Ride
The design of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider’s interior sees it split into, as it were, three different levels. The first, dominated by the upper part of the dash, continues around to blend into the door panel trim. Next is the central area while the third includes the footwells and seats. Each level is clearly defined, heightening the dual-cockpit effect through colour and material combinations. These are used to create an elegant and sporty look for the seats and other features.
Obviously, the interior features Ferrari’s signature luxury that now incorporates a focus on environmental sustainability: extensive use has been made of sustainable materials such as Alcantara, containing 65% recycled polyester. The interior style takes its inspiration from the Prancing Horse’s dual-cockpit architecture. In recent years, that layout was used for the Ferrari Roma and Roma Spider as well as the Ferrari Purosangue SUV. Unlike other Ferrari’s, there is no rear bench as the rear zone of the cabin of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider is used to stow the retractable hard top. However, the solution chosen for the roof system still leaves plenty of space in the cabin, and the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider is a versatile car suitable even for long journeys.
The Spider’s cabin has an almost symmetrical structure comprising two modules for driver and passenger and offering an astonishing standard of comfort and involvement in the driving experience.
The dashboard extends horizontally, a fact underscored by a clear separation between the trimmed volumes in the upper section and the technical functions in the lower section. The upper section features two distinct binnacles dedicated to the driver and passenger instrumentation and to the climate control vents. A colour and material change draws the eye to the two volumes separated by the body of the dash, which seem almost to float, further enhancing the feeling of lightness in this area.
All of the main functions can be controlled from the central 10.25 inch touchscreen display within reach of both driver and passenger. This is flanked by a 15.6 inch driver display showing all of the driving and vehicle dynamics information. Lastly, the passenger is always completely involved in the driving experience thanks to an 8.8 inch display to ensure that genuine co-driver experience.
The car sports the capacitive steering wheel seen on all of the latest models in the Italian manufacturer’s range, featuring indented buttons for ease of use. This means that command activations are more precise, instant and intuitive even in sporty driving conditions. The sports car comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-based mobile connectivity systems as standard, both easily controlled from the new central display. A wireless charging mat on the central tunnel (as standard) makes phone charging simple too. A Burmester sound system can be optioned.
The Finale
It is worth noting here that Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service, they say, now underpins an extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. Also available across the entire Ferrari range, the programme covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This exclusive scheduled maintenance programme allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. Interestingly, this very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.
A Ferrari sports car is not for everyone and this Spider does seem like a niche model; yet it is surprisingly very user friendly and makes a great choice as a true Grand Tourer built for two. If this or any Ferrari model, including the subtle and versatile Roma or the continent-striding Purosangue SUV are of interest to MHH International's growing customer base, then please get in touch. Our very experienced team deliver an export service from the UK to various global destinations. Please ask for details and remember this export service is VAT-free.
