Ferrari F12 Berlinetta hits new heights — but at a price
It’s not often that Ferrari carry over parts from a previous car, so most of the F12 is refreshingly new.
Under the bonnet there is a 6.3-litre V12, which, without recourse to turbochargers, dishes out a remarkable 731bhp, driving the rear wheels only through the latest version of Ferrari’s sophisticated, seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.
The carbon-ceramic brakes rein in the performance, and there are clever electronic dampers, while the aerodynamics are special, too; the front wings have a deep channel cut into them to add down-force. Your €250,000 buys a reassuring amount of technology.
The most recent Ferraris are heavily influenced by the wind tunnel, so they have a more functional look; they are not penned solely with style in mind. That said, the F12 is no less dramatic for it. The long nose and hunched-up rear lend it menacing proportions, and you’re left in no doubt about the performance.
In the old days, Ferraris were considered by some people to be purely for show, but, these days, there’s no questioning that they’re serious driving machines — particularly at this end of the family tree.
By making the F12 a strict two-seater and with no pretence of carrying more passengers, there’s a sizeable and useful amount of space in the back.
Behind the front seats you can stash small bags, and under the boot-lid there’s as much as 500 litres of space — more than enough for a weekend away with you and a lucky friend.
The cabin layout is broadly straightforward, although Ferrari newbies might find the steering wheel a little challenging, at first, as it carries lights, wipers and indicators.
Even in its tamest settings, the F12 is dripping with intent. Press the starter button and there’s a brief whirr, before a yowling flare of revs and a busy idle. The seven-speed gearbox will operate in auto mode, leaving you free to nose the F12 through traffic, and it’s surprisingly docile.
Venture out of town and you soon realise that the magnificent V12 is very eager to respond and has masses of torque. Squeeze the throttle with almost any combination of revs, speed and gear, and it will accelerate with real intent.
But to experience the F12 fully, you need to wring it past 8,000rpm, and you get an F1-inspired noise alongside sensational acceleration. It can hit 211mph, and, judging by sane speeds at least, it won’t take long to get there.
The same goes for the handling; the steering is super-sharp and full of feel, while the brakes are immensely powerful. You’ll need the suspension in its softest mode on Irish roads, though.
There’s no doubting the amount of fine engineering, but it doesn’t come cheap. The F12 base price is £239,352 (€300,000), but this particular example had £100,000 (€125,000) of extras. But if you can afford an F12, you won’t be questioning the value-for-money.
Clearly, you need to have a few pounds in the bank to be an F12 owner, and it is a genuine car for the driving enthusiast.
Not that the lesser Ferrari models are poor relations, but the F12 is capable of reaching such highs that it would be a waste not to drive it hard on occasion.
If you have access to a race circuit, even better.
Nirvana.
Rollercoaster, it would be oblivion — except you can do it over and over again.
-Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: £239,352 (No price for Ireland).
-Engine: 7.3-litre petrol unit, producing 731bhp and 508lb/ft of torque.
-Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels.
-Performance: Top speed of 211mph, 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds.
-Economy: 18.8mpg combined.
-Emissions: 350g/km of CO2.
