2017 Ferrari F12berlinetta Expert Review
Reviewed by Michael Cantu
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta slots above the GTC4Lusso and below the LaFerrari in the automaker's V-12 lineup. The track-focused F12tdf (Tour de France) has a higher starting price but still slots below the flagship LaFerrari model.
Overview
The Ferrari F12berlinetta hits 62 mph in a manufacturer-claimed and blistering 3.1 seconds thanks in part to the 731-hp, 508-lb-ft of torque 6.3-liter V-12. Power gets routed through Ferrari's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sent to the rear wheels. The track-focused F12tdf uses the same 6.3-liter V-12 but tuned to 770 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. This 4,000-pound F12berlinetta coupe delivers an EPA-rated 12/16 mpg city/highway, with the lighter and more powerful F12tdf delivering 11/15 mpg.
The Ferrari F12berlinetta comes with a long list of standard features including carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive magnetorheological suspension, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights, a navigation system, Bluetooth, and a multifunction flat-bottomed steering wheel. Front and rear parking cameras, a front suspension lift system, electronically adjustable steering wheel, extended leather and Alcantara interior trim, a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, a passenger side digital display, Ferrari telemetry with an available video camera, and a handy fire extinguisher are some of the available features in this Italian coupe. The F12 is highly customizable with a wide range of exterior colors, types of forged wheels, interior colors, color and style of stitching, floor mat colors, style of seats, and an assortment of optional carbon fiber parts and trim.
Safety
Standard safety equipment in the F12berlinetta includes carbon-ceramic brakes (with Ferrari's advanced ABS), front and rear parking sensors (cameras are optional), and front and side airbags. Ferrari also provides standard electronic safety aids to help keep you on the road, they include electronic stability control, F1-Trac traction control, E-Diff 3 (electronic differential), and the latest generation of the magnetorheological suspension (SCM-E), all controlled by a single ECU for a faster response. In Motor Trend testing, it took the F12berlinetta 106 feet to stop from 60 mph.
What We Think
In a 2013 First Drive review of the F12berlinetta we were very impressed with the comfort and performance of the magnetorheological shocks and said, "A secondary electromagnetic coil helps the shocks to react in as little as 5 milliseconds to changing road conditions, resulting in superb ride quality that feels appropriate for a car at this level of performance — taut and firm, but not uncomfortable."
In a 2014 First Test review, we loved the styling, sound, and acceleration of the F12 but felt it couldn't properly apply all of its power to the ground, "The best solution is simply to not to drive the car flat-out. Understand that this is a really, really good GT car and not an all-out sports car."
In a 2013 supercar comparison among the Corvette Stingray Z51 and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4s, the F12berlinetta came in last place because of its inability to apply all its power to the ground, "The F12 needs more tire, less flab and a rework of the magnetic shocks (which come from the same supplier as the C7's) in race mode to make the car less of a GT and more of a dual threat."
The sportier F12tdf that arrived later might have performed better in that comparison, for those who want a more of a sports-car experience.
Cool Fact
Active Brake Cooling consists of vanes on the front brake air ducts that open only when brake temperatures are high. Normally, these vanes remain closed in order to provide maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
