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 5:51 a.m. PT

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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. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

The F12 (for short) actually has a shorter wheelbase and a lower curb weight than the 599 that it replaces. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

Then engine sits up front, but power and exhaust exit through the rear end of the vehicle. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

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

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

To reduce drag, shutters on the brake cooling vents only open when the stoppers are running hot. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

The air blowing out of the Aero Bridge also interacts with turbulent air coming off of the front wheels, further reducing drag. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

Snakelike headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are stylistically similar to the forward lights on the Ferrari FF and 458 Italia models. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

The F12's 8-speed transaxle gearbox is located at the back of the vehicle between the drive wheels. View Local Inventory

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Ferrari F12berlinetta

Simple rear light clusters and quad exhaust tips round out the F12's attractive rear end. (heh) View Local Inventory

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The interior of the F12berlinetta shares its configuration, components, and materials with Ferrari's FF, albeit without the rear seats. View Local Inventory