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 March 7, 2012, 2:07 a.m. PT

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The new F12berlinetta generates less drag and more downforce than the outgoing model.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET