Ferrari California T, 2015

 

 

  

The Ferrari California T epitomises the sublime elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity that have distinguished every California model since the 1950s.
It is a car brimming with innovation that will more than meet the expectations of discerning clients for whom fun behind the wheel is a priority, but who also demand a sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer they can use every day.

The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari's sporty DNA, while its retractable hard top (RHT) and 2+ configuration, amongst other features, make it supremely versatile.

Like all Ferraris, the California T boasts cutting-edge technological solutions that make it absolutely unique, most notably the new turbocharged V8 engine. Turbo technology has an honourable place in Prancing Horse's engineering tradition, thanks to iconic models of the likes of the GTO of 1984 and the F40 of 1987. It is now also, of course, back at the heart of our latest F1 single-seater.

Maranello's engineers have managed to design a remarkable power unit that combines classic Ferrari engine qualities, such as razor-sharp responsiveness, blistering performance, superbly powerful acceleration at all speeds and an exhilarating soundtrack, with the advantages turbo technology, such as drastically reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a high specific power output and compact dimensions. A genuinely unprecedented achievement that sets a new benchmark for the industry.

The California T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. It is also more fuel efficient to the tune of approximately 15 per cent than the previous California despite punching out an extra 70 CV and 49 per cent more torque in 7th gear. Emissions have also been cut to 250 g/km on the combined cycle, the equivalent of a 20 per cent reduction in the CO2/horsepower ratio (0.44 gr/cv). As a consequence the car's range increases by 15 per cent.

The new model also boasts true sports car dynamics, thanks to lower steering wheel activity and quicker steering courtesy of a new steering box and new suspension set-up. New springs and latest-generation Magnaride dampers (now more than 50 per cent faster), combined with body motion accelerometers, reduce roll and pitch to deliver more precise handling whilst still guaranteeing an incredibly comfortable ride.

The car's electronic systems are also the state-of-the-art in the sector with the latest evolution of the F1-Trac and the ESP 8.0 Premium, both of which help make the car even more responsive, underscoring its nimble sports car dynamics.

The combination of the California T's uncompromising architecture, dynamic controls and new engine guarantees consistent fun behind the wheel both in challenging and more relaxed driving conditions, in perfect Grand Tourer style.

Meticulous and in-depth design work has retained the dimensions of the previous model yet endowed the California T with a whole new personality. The car's proportions were penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, and are very much in line with Ferrari's front-engined ethos.

The California T's cabin exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, and was designed to be as ergonomic as possible, with luxurious semi-aniline leather trim. The space on-board is flexible too, and owners can make the most efficient use of its generous boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the communication between the luggage compartment and rear seats.

The Engine
Every Ferrari engine is the product of the incredible well of cutting-edge technological know-how that makes all Maranello's cars unlike any others.

Responsive commands, instant throttle response, exceptional performance combined with high revs, a torque curve that increases constantly across the rev range and an exhilarating signature soundtrack are all very much part of the spec of every Ferrari engine. However, the new V8 enhances these characteristics and combines them with the superb fuel efficiency, high specific power output and extreme compactness afforded by turbocharging.

In developing the new power unit, Ferrari's engineers approached the project with a new take on turbo technology that overcame traditional constraints, such as turbo lag, low maximum revs and a less than thrilling sound. In fact, they have not only retained but actually underscored these Ferrari characteristics in this new engine.

The resources Ferrari poured into the design and development of a V8 turbo that would set a new benchmark for the industry have produced a completely new power unit that is absolutely unique, thanks to a singular mix of in-house design expertise, the use of advanced design and simulation software, sophisticated production systems shared with the Scuderia racing team, and a development programme that ran for over four years.

The new direct-injection 3855 cc V8 turbo punches out a maximum of 560 CV, yielding a specific power output of 145 CV/l, the highest in its category, in addition to maximum torque of 755 Nm in 7th gear. Throttle response is razor sharp and the engine boasts an exceptionally broad power band that goes all the way up to 7500 rpm.

Numerous sophisticated technologies have been adopted to deliver these extraordinary performance figures, not least:

• twin-scroll turbochargers that ensure more rapid spool up, with a design that optimizes the exhaust gas pulsation from the cylinders into the turbine, allowing equally-spaced pressure peaks for each turbine scroll, thus reducing turbo-lag;
• compact turbines which thus have a lower moment of inertia to minimise response times;
• the classic Ferrari flat-plane crankshaft which, even with the turbochargers, provides even firing between the two cylinder banks as well as lower rotating mass and inertia.
• "high-tumble" intake manifolds to maximise combustion efficiency;
• ion-sensing system with adaptive ignition and multi-spark functionality which optimise combustion both under high and partial loads across the engine's rev range;
• lubrication system with a variable-displacement oil pump that supplies oil at either high pressure or low pressure, reducing the hydraulic power requirements by up to 30 per cent compared to a conventional pump;
• cylinder heads with roller finger followers to reduce the power absorbed by the valvetrain by 10 per cent at low revs;
• exhaust headers with equal-length pipes to optimise pulsations and equalise the exhaust sound.

Vehicle dynamics

To make the California T's handling as nimble as possible while exploiting the new V8's performance to the full for maximum driving pleasure and versatility in urban and day-to-day contexts, development centred around the following:

•     less steering wheel activity and quicker steering;
•     reduced body roll for improved dynamics;
•     improved handling and better control on the limit;
•     a feeling of greater chassis dynamics without impinging on ride comfort.

Infotainment system

The California T's Grand Tourer spec includes, significantly, a new highly intuitive infotainment system designed to ensure easy navigation and instant access to other functionalities.

• a WVGA screen;
• a new, simplified HMI with option to access all functions, either via full-touch screen or buttons;
• a Diversity antenna which improves reception and delivers a stronger, clearer signal at high speeds and between buildings;
• new DAB antenna capable of picking up digital signals and thereby offering excellent sound quality, including radio;
• sat nav with 3D mapping for easier routing;
• USB ports in the compartment under the armrest to ensure drivers' and passengers' devices are within hand's reach.

All of the menus have been upgraded as well and now feature simpler commands and dedicated functions, making navigation between multimedia content and telephone contacts much simpler.

The new premium audio system boasts new dedicated speakers and an 8-channel amp. Drivers that demand the finest sound quality can order the powerful JBL Professional system which has 12 speakers and a 16-channel amp for a total power output of 1280 W. 

Ferrari LaFerrari, 2014

 

 

 

The hybrid technology used, known as HY-KERS, represents the perfect combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. LaFerrari in fact emits just 330 g/km of CO2 but without resorting to electric-only drive which would not fit the mission of this model. The HY-KERS system is, however, designed so that in future applications a car can be driven using exclusively electric power for a few kilometres and, during development testing, a full-electric version of LaFerrari achieved just 220 g/km of C02 emissions on the combined cycle.

The LaFerrari is equipped with dynamic controls that are integrated for the first time ever on a Ferrari road car with active aerodynamics and the HY-KERS system. Thanks to Ferrari's proprietary logic which govern all the systems, the car can achieve absolute levels of performance, aerodynamic efficiency and handling without any form of compromise in any area. A very advanced and uncompromising approach was also taken with the interior design which features an HMI inspired by F1 single-seaters.

The Architecture
The LaFerrari's architecture posed the first challenge for the Prancing Horse team at the planning stage of the design. The aim was to achieve ideal weight distribution (59% at the rear) and a compact wheelbase despite the extra bulk of the hybrid system. The result is that all of the masses are situated between the car's two axles and as close as possible to the floor to lower its centre of gravity (by 35 millimetres) and thereby guarantee dynamic handling and compact dimensions.

The layout of the cabin made a significant contribution in this regard. The seat is fixed and tailored to the driver while both the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. The driving position is similar to that of a single-seater and was designed after consultation with the Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who played an active role throughout the entire development process.

The LaFerrari's chassis features no less than four different types of carbon-fibre, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured in the racing department using the same design and production methods as the Formula 1 car. This helped optimise the design: various functions were integrated (e.g. seats and battery compartment) into the chassis to improve torsional rigidity (+27%) and beam stiffness (+22%) whilst cutting weight.

Powertrain
The LaFerrari is the first car in Ferrari history to be powered by the HY-KERS system. The ICE represents the pinnacle of engine development and research, with a 6262 cc V12 that punches out 800 CV and revs to a maximum of 9,250 rpm, a record for an engine of this displacement. It also features a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio and a high specific output equal to 128 CV per litre. The engine is coupled with a 120 Kw (163 CV) electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 963 CV.

The batteries are charged in different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries.

The electric motor is coupled with the F1 dual-clutch gearbox to the benefit of optimal weight distribution, but also to boosting energy efficiency as torque is instantly available to the wheels and, vice versa, from the wheels to the electric motor in recharging.

Aerodynamics
Active aerodynamics play an essential role, as they allow a complete adjustability of the car's configuration to attain LaFerrari's exceptional performance.

The engineers' aim was to deliver the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car, with a coefficient of nearly 3, thanks to technical solutions honed with CFD analysis and fine-tuned in the F1 Wind Tunnel.

Control systems
One further innovative aspect of the LaFerrari is the integration of its active aerodynamics and hybrid system with the other dynamic control systems aboard. This means the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions.

The LaFerrari's Brembo braking system is also integrated with the hybrid system, and incorporates several new features, including new lightweight callipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs featuring a new composition.

The car's extreme performance potential called for a different tyre set-up, with 265/30 R 19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R 20s on the rear.

All in all the car guarantees maximum driving thrills in every situation and performance levels are top level: 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, a lap time at Fiorano of under 1'20" - 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road car in Maranello's long history.

Ferrari 458 Speciale, 2014

The Ferrari 458 Speciale joins the Ferrari vary aboard the 458 Italian Republic and 458 Spider and, like all special-series Ferraris, is aimed toward a selected reasonably owner, during this case those craving for a fair a lot of targeted sports automotive that gives extreme driving emotions.

The 458 Speciale's performance is outstanding across the board, because of factors like a unprecedented weight-power magnitude relation of two.13 kg/cv, 0-100 km/h longitudinal acceleration in three seconds, lateral acceleration of one.33 g and a Fiorano lap time of 1'23"5. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is an especially fun automotive to drive even in less extreme things, too: its uncomparable gracefulness, in fact, is mirrored during a time interval to commands of simply zero.060 seconds.

Ferrari's core engineering philosophy centres around pushing the envelope with every new model while maintaining the innate chassis balance and handling that ensures that even non-professional drivers will extract most performance and driving pleasure. With the new Ferrari 458 Speciale all purchasers are ready to drive on the limit on the track further as expertise the joyfulness of genuinely showy driving even at lower speeds on hard roads.

The 458 Speciale's accrued power and torsion also are the results of redesigning varied engine elements and reducing internal friction. The pistons area unit made of a replacement material that reduces overall mass. New materials were additionally used for the con-rod bushings whereas heat energy treatment (DLC: Diamond-Like Carbon) on the piston pins makes for larger fatigue and wear resistance. The shaft was additionally redesigned to optimise and improve lubrication of the most bearings altogether conditions of use.

Ferrari Sergio Concept, 2013

 

Pininfarina is presenting a concept car that renews the spirit and values of the extraordinary achievements obtained under the leadership of Sergio Pininfarina, projecting them into the future in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion. A concept car in line with the approach that has allowed Pininfarina to generate a wealth of creations that have become car legends: the ability to combine passion, creativity, intelligence, technology and elegance in the continuity of the brand's genetic code. A mixture of aesthetic balance and elegant simplicity that last over time and make all Pininfarina models long-lived and resistant to changes in taste and fashion.

The new Pininfarina concept car could only be called Sergio. It is an exercise that Pininfarina decided to undertake on a brand that more than any other has marked the history of Pininfarina: Ferrari. The name of Sergio Pininfarina is inextricably linked to that union conceived 60 years ago: the Sergio, therefore, will also celebrate the importance of Pininfarina's contribution to the history of Prancing Horse design. A tribute that was immediately morally supported by Luca Montezemolo and Ferrari as a whole.

The two-seater barchetta of the future
With the Sergio you enter the fascinating and exciting realm of the two-seater barchetta as a unique and extreme object. Sportsmanship in the truest sense of the joy of driving, the passion of those who view cars as an unequalled source of excitement, the pleasure of admiring the essentiality of a one-off car by Pininfarina.

The sports car theme is built into Pininfarina: the fruitful collaboration with Ferrari which began in 1952, has generated some of the most popular sports cars of the postwar period. Returning to the charm of the two-seater Ferrari, compact and very sporty, is moreover, the perfect base for bonding Pininfarina's past to the future. The Sergio's mechanicals are those of the 458 Spider, which remains unchanged in its wheelbase and tracks. The formal interpretation, from which the dynamic, fluid and pure volumes spring, is absolutely free, in the best tradition of that Pininfarina design vision that has produced so many Ferrari-based concept cars recognised over time as masterpieces, such as the Mythos of 1989 and the Rossa of 2000. This approach also reminds us of Pininfarina's Ferrari-based custom-built cars such as the Testarossa Spider made for Giovanni Agnelli in 1987 or the Ferrari F360 Modena Barchetta in 2000 for Luca Montezemolo.

The result is a modern, organic view of the mid-rear-engined two-seater barchetta. The willingness to revisit volumes and surface treatments in a subliminal way emerges with the Sergio, which evokes the spirit of Pininfarina's best achievements for Ferrari of the '60s and '70s. A radical object, unique and essential, which rejects the superfluous and is performance-oriented. A real open air car with an explicit nod to racing cars, in the sense that a cupola is not fitted to protect occupants, for which two helmets are provided.

A realistic indeed quite possible concept
The modern interpretation of a barchetta is a choice consistent with one of the historical peculiarities of Pininfarina: mastery in the crafting of exceptional car bodies, capable of stirring emotions and becoming a future icon. The historical role of car body designers directed the design team towards research not on a new, hypothetical product for volume production, but on the creation of an exceptional object capable of expressing the Pininfarina DNA imprint; its exclusivity and development on the basis of a production car, in fact, places the Sergio firmly in the tradition of the great Pininfarina one-offs specifically designed for "special" clients, which makes it a real car, not just a show car.

The design theme
The Sergio is distinguished by a very simple and clear style, that becomes memorable the moment you look at it. Proportions pushed to the extreme, a dynamic front volume penetrating into a rear that is projected forward, a sculpted, three-dimensional interpretation of the typical barchetta. The composition of the two body masses through a longitudinal black insert becomes the design's guideline. Two volumes that enfold from outside to inside the car, creating a division/union line between back and front. Through the extremely fluid passage from one body to another, a form that was homogeneous in its accentuated muscularity was obtained.

The Sergio also expresses an iconicity linked to '60s Ferraris proposing bulging and sensual wings inspired by those of sports cars and racing cars of that era, achieved by compacting all volume accessories as much as possible. The extreme lightness of the Sergio, which appears to float with the front up, is a direct result of aerodynamic research. In the purest Pininfarina tradition, design is not an end in itself, but integrates functionality and aesthetics. The front semi-floating development with the spoiler under the front, expresses aesthetic force and is at the same time functional for the stabilisation of the aerodynamic load and the heat exchange. The aerodynamic deflector in front of the cockpit also creates a virtual windscreen through the deviation of the air flow, protecting the passengers from turbulence. The roll bar, designed as a wing surface, is perfectly tuned to the evolution of the flow coming from the front, adding a further down force effect. Finally, the rear nolder and the extractor close the design effectively and functionally. Still on the subject of aerodynamics, even the rear-view mirror takes on a fluid form that, given the flow of the front baffle, helps to divert air from the heads of the passengers.

Ferrari F12berlinetta, 2013

 

 

 

  

The Ferrari F12berlinetta ushers in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine, unparalleled handling and innovative design and aerodynamics.

Every time Ferrari has unveiled a new 12-cylinder sports car since 1947, something magical has happened. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that our very first car, the 125 S, was itself a 12-cylinder or maybe it's because purists see the 12-cylinder as the engine size par excellence. Be that as it may, every time a Prancing Horse car of this kind makes its debut, it hails the start of a new era. There have been several 12-cylinder models built here at Maranello that have gone down in the annals of automotive history because of their technological prowess and the results they've delivered. The 1953 375 America, for instance, had an engine derived directly from the F1 single-seater of the day, while the 250 GTO in the 1960s was the perfect melding of styling and performance. That list must also include, of course, the 1969 365 GTB4, better known simply as the Daytona, which, thanks to its brilliantly balanced architecture delivered absolutely unique driving emotions. All of these engines and cars are now eagerly sought after by collectors the world over and each one represented major generational leap forward when it debuted. The story continues today with the Ferrari F12berlinetta which is not merely our latest mid-front 12-cylinder model but the first in a whole new generation of this kind of car. In fact, it is the most high performance Ferrari ever built yet it still effortlessly marries extreme performance with benchmark efficiency, delivering fuel consumption and emissions levels that are 30% lower than the previous generation. The challenge for our engineers and technicians this time was to create a front-engined car with blistering performance that was still able to offer the same driving pleasure and involvement at lower speeds. A difficult task because it meant improving on the design of the 599 GTB Fiorano, deemed the most beautiful Ferrari ever. However, their commitment and determination has produced a car sporting an exceptional new 740 hp mid-front V12 engine that delivers 690 Nm of torque.

Its engine and driver's seat have both been lowered, the wheelbase is shorter and a new suspension and gearbox layout have helped compact the rear. The result is a more compact car than the 599 GTB Fiorano. One that also has perfect weight distribution with 54% over the rear axle and a lower, pulled-back centre of gravity to boot. Thanks to all these characteristics, the Ferrari F12berlinetta delivers truly exceptional performance figures: 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds and a lap time at Fiorano of just 1'23". The Ferrari F12berlinetta's spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are both entirely new too and employ 12 different aluminium alloys - some being used for the first time in the automotive sector - and an array of leading-edge assembly and joining technologies. This helped cut the car's overall weight to just 1,525 kg and maximise its performance efficiency, boosting torsional rigidity by 20%. As with every Ferrari, the F12berlinetta's aerodynamics were developed hand-in-glove with its styling, resulting in a plethora of innovative solutions. Not least of these are the Aero Bridge, which uses the car's bonnet to create downforce for the first time, and Active Brake Cooling, a system of guide vanes on the brake air ducts which open when brake operating temperatures are high enough. The result is that the Ferrari F12berlinetta is the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari ever (a figure of 1.12 - double that of the 599 GTB Fiorano) with a Cd of 0.299 and downforce of 123 kg at 200 km/h.

The product of the ongoing collaboration between the Ferrari Style Centre and Pininfarina, the Ferrari F12berlinetta's design centres around the car's brilliantly bilance proportions. It has an original innovative style featuring typical Ferrari 12-cylinder styling cues. Clothed in sleek, aggressively sculpted lines, it offers a superb standard of occupant space and comfort despite its compact exterior dimensions too.

The Powertrain
The Ferrari F12berlinetta's 200-bar, direct-injection 6262 cc 65° V12 delivers absolutely unprecedented performance for a naturally aspirated 12-cylinder engine. It has a maximum power output of 740 CV at 8250 rpm, while its specific power output is a record-breaking 118 CV/l. Responsiveness and strong pick-up is guaranteed by maximum torque of 690 Nm, 80 per cent of which is already on tap at 2500 rpm, with a constant surge of power all the way up to the 8700 rpm rev limit. Just as is the case with F1 engines, the V12 has very low inertia and thus revs rise very rapidly.

Driving involvement is intensified by the rich, full exhaust soundtrack typical of Ferrari'snaturally-aspirated V12s. The Ferrari F12berlinetta's performance levels give a good idea of the engine's incredible efficiency, where both fuel consumption and emissions are now 30 per cent lower thanks to the Stop&Start system, a "smart" alternator, and Multispark ignition system. These, along with numerous other technical solutions, have reduced internal friction making the F12berlinetta best-in-class for its power-emissions ratio.

The car's compression ratio has also been increased to 13.5:1 and a new 3.0 ECU has been adopted that uses ionisation currents to control sparking and detect misfires. The Multispark ignition generates three sparks of different durations and intensities in quick succession. At low engine speeds, this optimises combustion and, consequently, lowers fuel consumption. The engine is also equipped with Stop&Start and a "smart" alternator which recharges the battery only when there is no demand for power. Meticulous attention was also paid to reducing internal friction, exhaust backpressure and intake depressurisation. The cylinder block has four oil scavenge pumps with rotors using smaller diameter blades which optimise extraction efficiency. Lubrication is guaranteed by an engine oil pump with variable geometry. The design of the pistons includes an anodising treatment to the first piston groove, with PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating on the first piston ring and Graphal-coated piston skirts. All of this reduces friction between the piston and the cylinder liner. The camshafts are super-finished using a lapping process that reduces surface roughness to under 0.05 Ra, thus minimising the coefficient of friction between the cam lobes and the tappets. The tappets themselves have been given a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating that reduces their coefficient of friction, increasing performance and reducing fuel consumption.

The cylinder head features different conduit designs, new intake manifolds and new plenums fitted with resonators. The resonators create overpressure inside the intake tract the moment the intake valve opens and immediately before it closes, guaranteeing improved cylinder filling and generating a powerful supercharging effect which increases engine performance. The whole exhaust sequence has also been optimised - the catalysers have been miniaturised and hydroformed manifolds have been adopted, reducing their form and size without impinging on their capacity, resulting in improved permeability and reduced backpressure. The system's geometry and materials have been developed to harmonise the intake and exhaust soundtracks to underscore the car's extremely sporty character. All of the pipes connecting the 6-in-1 exhaust manifold to the single catalyser per bank are of equal length and this optimises the sound giving predominance to the first-order combustion harmonics. The characteristic engine sound can clearly be heard in the cockpit in all driving conditions.

The seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission boosts both performance and ride comfort at once. The technology involved is based on the independent management of odd and even gears which are pre-selected using two different in-put shafts. Gear shifting time - calculated as the overlap between the opening and closing phases of the two clutches - is thus zero and there is no interruption of torque delivery to the wheels. Shortened ratios have been developed for the Ferrari F12berlinetta and 7th gear is a direct ratio, not an overdrive, to ensure that the car's huge performance potential can be exploited in every gear. The E-Diff3 electronic differential has also been integrated into the gearbox, helping to cut the car's overall weight.

The Architecture
The Ferrari F12berlinetta delivers truly extraordinary performance and driving involvement thanks to its highly evolved transaxle architecture which was developed with extremely ambitious objectives in mind. These were to reduce overall weight, lower and move the centre of gravity rearwards in the chassis, and reduce the car's frontal area whilst contemporaneously increasing passenger and luggage space compared to the previous V12 coupé to ensure maximum comfort over lengthier journeys. To achieve these objectives, the engineers lowered the engine, dashboard and seats. Furthermore the rear of the car is now more compact, thanks to the repositioning and reduction in size of the fuel tank (permitted in part by a more efficient engine which delivers the same range as before) and to the new transaxle layout allowed by the rear multi-link suspension and F1 dual-clutch transmission with integrated electronic differential. Rather than a traditional separate boot, the F12berlinetta features a generous tail-gate incorporating the rear screen which contributes both to the compactness of the design, and the generous luggage space and its accessibility, while ensuring maximum structural rigidity. The solution also ensures that more of the car's mass sits inside the shorter wheelbase to the benefit of handling dynamics. The end result is a car that's lighter by 70 kg with a centre of gravity that's 25 mm lower. It's also shorter (-47mm), lower (-63 mm) and narrower (-20 mm) compared to the previous V12 coupé. The rear overhang has been greatly reduced (-82 mm) while the front one has been estende (+65 mm) to accommodate the cooling systems required for the powerful V12 engine. Weight distribution is ideal - 54% at the rear - and is unmatched by competitors within the segment.

Chassis and Bodyshell
The Ferrari F12berlinetta's spaceframe chassis and bodyshell are completely new and use different types of materials and technologies, many of which originated in the aeronautical industry. No fewer than 12 different types of alloy have been used, including two new structural alloys. This has helped keep the car's weight down (50 kg has been saved on the body-in-white alone which equates to a saving of 90 kg if the previous chassis were re-engineered to meet crash legislation) and maximise the efficiency of its performance (torsional rigidity has been increased by 20 per cent). Crash resistance (lateral pole impact and roof roll-over) is already in line with future legislative requirements and particular attention was taken during the design phase to improving production quality, and minimising repair times and thus costs for the client.

The Aerodynamics
The Ferrari F12berlinetta's aerodynamics were developed hand-in-hand with its styling, using CFD (computational fluid dynamic) simulations along with more than 250 hours of testing in the Wind Tunnel. Aside from external air flows, research focused on internal ones with particolar attention given to thermal factors (including the radiators, heat exchangers and brakes). Apart from boosting the car's fluid dynamic efficiency, this research also led to a reduction in volumes through the optimised packaging of the car's mechanical components. The result is that it is the most overall aerodynamically efficient Ferrari ever, a fact attested to by a figure of 1.12 (double that of the 599 GTB Fiorano). Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299).

The Ferrari F12berlinetta's aerodynamic efficiency brass is mostly generated by three elements: the Aero Bridge, the Blown Spoiler, the aerodynamic underbody. The Aero Bridge is an innovative solution that uses the bonnet to create downforce for the first time. It does so by availing of an aerodynamic channel on each side. These pass below a bridge in the area between the front wheelarch and the bottom of the A-pillar and deflect the airflow into scoops in the flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to decrease drag. The Blown Spoiler uses the air flows near the rear of the car to modify, via special intakes, the pressure field in the wheel well, boosting overall efficiency. Lastly, the car's flat underbody has been greatly evolved, not least thanks to the fact that the front splitter which is now separate to the bumper.