When Ferrari launches a new car, the automotive world stands up and pays attention. The latest masterpiece to come from Maranello is quite possibly the most striking and sensual car to ever be designed by the house that Enzo built.


The 2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta replaces the outgoing, but still unflappably hot, 599 GTB Fiorano. In the absence of an anniversary car (F40, F50 and F60 [Enzo]), these cars (550, 575, 599) serve as the poster boys for the fabled company with a cavallino rampante on its logo.

As the latest offspring of Ferrari, the 2013 F12berlinetta features all the latest aerodynamic wizardry that not only makes it slice through the air, but adds all-important downforce for weekly sprints to the gym.

All kidding aside, the F12’s 0.299 Cd and downforce figure of 123 kg at 200 km/h (a 76% increase over the 599) not only improves fuel consumption numbers but plays a huge role in high performance driving dynamics. Keep in mind that all of this is being achieved without the use of spoilers -- anywhere.

As with all Ferrari products, this new car is highly customizable. The number of exterior colors is numerous and the racecar-like cockpit can be draped in tan or blue and black. Only the finest materials such as leather and carbon-fibre are ever found in these cars. The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manettino.

The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manettino. (Photo: Ferrari)

The 2013 F12berlinetta’s driving dynamics are also assured by a highly sophisticated Magnetorheological damping system. The F12 is endowed with the latest version and includes new dual-coil technology which permits quicker suspension reaction times for improved everything. Its ride height is 25 mm lower and weight 70 kg lighter than the 599. These are all ingredients to make this car the best driving Ferrari ever.

The crown jewel in the F12’s arsenal is its 6.3L V12. This is the most powerful naturally aspirated production V12 they have ever assembled. It is rated at 740 hp and 510 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. The engine is designed to produce 80% of the torque figure as of 2,500 rpm, and will scream all the way to an 8,700 rpm redline.

As with all Ferrari cars, save for the FF, the 2013 F12berlinetta is rear-wheel driven and, as with all modern ‘Rarris, it features a lightning-fast, dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. This gearbox is integrated with the electronic E-Diff for better overall weight distribution.

Here are a few stats to illustrate how good and fast the new 2013 F12berlinetta is: We all agree that the 599 was a bullet, but the new F12 is like Superman; faster than a speeding bullet. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and 200, in 8.5. That’s 0.6 and 2.5 seconds faster (respectively) than the 599.

The 2013 F12berlinetta will be equipped with a slew of safety features. It is expected to land in Canada in early 2013. Final Canadian specs and pricing should be available later this year.

The latest masterpiece to come from Maranello is quite possibly the most striking and sensual car to ever be designed by the house that Enzo built. (Photo: Ferrari)