X

Ferrari F12berlinetta shows its curvaceous bod in Geneva

Fortunately, Ferrari's new V-12 GT looks much better in person than it does in the renderings we saw last week.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
F12_02.JPG
1 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Last week's announcement of a new grand tourer by Ferrari had us excited, but the photos made the car look a bit odd.
F12_01.JPG
2 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Fortunately, the F12berlinetta debuted at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show as one of the most attractive models in the automaker's current lineup.
F12_03.JPG
3 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The F12 (for short) actually has a shorter wheelbase and a lower curb weight than the 599 that it replaces.
F12_04.JPG
4 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Then engine sits up front, but power and exhaust exit through the rear end of the vehicle.
F12_13.JPG
5 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The new F12berlinetta generates less drag and more downforce than the outgoing model.
F12_09.JPG
6 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

To reduce drag, shutters on the brake cooling vents only open when the stoppers are running hot.
F12_08.JPG
7 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

An interesting feature called the Aero Bridge uses sculpted elements on the hood to generate downforce by channeling airflow through these floating fender vents.
F12_05.JPG
8 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The air blowing out of the Aero Bridge also interacts with turbulent air coming off of the front wheels, further reducing drag.
F12_06.JPG
9 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Maybe it's me (or maybe it's the gaudy car show lights) but the F12 really looks better in red. Shown here in black, the vehicle's prints more like a large, dark blob.
F12_07.JPG
10 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

At 125 mph, the F12 generates 271 pounds of downforce--significantly less than an F1 car. Then again, most passenger cars would be generating slight lift at such speeds.
F12_12.JPG
11 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Snakelike headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are stylistically similar to the forward lights on the Ferrari FF and 458 Italia models.
F12_11.JPG
12 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The F12's 8-speed transaxle gearbox is located at the back of the vehicle between the drive wheels.
F12_10.JPG
13 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Simple rear light clusters and quad exhaust tips round out the F12's attractive rear end. (heh)
2013-Ferrari-F12-Berlinetta-interior.jpg
14 of 15 Ferrari
The interior of the F12berlinetta shares its configuration, components, and materials with Ferrari's FF, albeit without the rear seats.
Ferrari-F12-Berlinetta-Interior-01-1024x640.jpg
15 of 15 Ferrari
Most functions related to driving the F12 can be found right here on the rather busy steering wheel.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos