2017 Ferrari F12berlinetta: the full story
Combining extraordinary performance and timeless Italian design with everyday usability, the 2017 F12 Berlinetta is everything one could desire from a contemporary Ferrari supercar. Introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as the successor to the acclaimed Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the F12 Berlinetta elevated Ferrari’s front-engine GT concept to an entirely new level. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, the car incorporates styling cues from contemporary Ferrari models. Significantly, the 2017 F12 was the last Ferrari to benefit from Pininfarina's direct design collaboration, further enhancing its importance among collectors and enthusiasts.
At the heart of the F12 lies Ferrari’s 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 731 horsepower and delivering rear-wheel-drive power through a lightning-fast seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. The result is breathtaking performance, with the capability of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately three seconds before reaching a top speed of 211 mph. The engine delivers its peak output at 8,250 rpm, making the F12 the most compelling road-going Ferrari ever built at the time of its introduction. Designed to be both more powerful and efficient than its predecessor, the F12’s engine incorporates Ferrari’s HELE start-stop system to reduce fuel consumption during idle conditions. It was the most dominant series-production Ferrari ever built at the time of its introduction, setting a new benchmark for road-going automobiles.
Beneath the bodywork, an aluminum spaceframe chassis co-developed with Scaglietti improves structural rigidity while reducing weight, while adaptive magnetorheological suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, and Ferrari’s advanced stability and traction control systems ensure that the F12’s extraordinary performance is matched by exceptional handling, control, and long-distance reliability.
One of the car’s most innovative features is the Aero Bridge system, which channels air flowing over the hood through specially designed passages along the flanks of the vehicle. Working in tandem with the car’s sophisticated underbody aerodynamics, the Aero Bridge significantly increases downforce while maintaining the car’s elegant styling, allowing the F12 to remain remarkably stable at high speeds. Complementing this system are Active Brake Cooling Ducts, which automatically open when additional brake cooling is required and remain closed during normal driving to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency. Further enhancing grip and high-speed stability are staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, mounted on lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels. Together, these technologies create a car that is equally at home crossing continents or attacking a challenging mountain road.
The F12 Berlinetta’s capabilities have been proven both on the road and on the track. Ferrari recorded a remarkable lap time of 1 minute 23 seconds at its famed Fiorano test circuit, one full second faster than the limited-production 599 GTO and three-and-a-half seconds quicker than the 599 GTB it replaced. In recognition of its extraordinary blend of speed, technology, and driver engagement, Top Gear Magazine named the F12 Berlinetta its "Supercar of the Year" in 2012.
This car is particularly well-equipped with desirable factory options that enhance both its sporting body and luxurious interior. Exterior highlights include yellow brake calipers, the iconic Scuderia Ferrari shields mounted on the front fenders, a front grille with chromed edges, and striking 20-inch forged diamond-finish wheels. Practical touring features include cruise control, front and rear parking assistance with electrochromic mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system, satellite radio, and a rear CD reader.
The interior is trimmed in premium Frau leather and accented by aluminum, Alutex, and carbon-fiber trim, while a leather-upholstered dashboard, aluminum interior accents, and generous luggage space offer premium luxury and convenience. Diamond-pattern style seats and a matching diamond-pattern headliner elevate the interior beyond that of a typical high-performance automobile. Additional details such as the sport sill covers further emphasize the F12’s dual personality as both an exotic supercar and a refined grand tourer.
As one of the last great naturally aspirated Ferrari V12 grand tourers, the 2017 F12 Berlinetta combines cutting-edge engineering with timeless design and day-to-day comfort. Originality remains central to its appeal, preserving the unique combination of naturally aspirated power, tasteful design, and sophisticated engineering that makes the model a modern classic. Approximately 5,000 vehicles were produced between 2012 and 2017 before being succeeded by the 812 Superfast. Its status as the last Ferrari designed with direct involvement from Pininfarina, together with its record-setting performance, ensures its place among the most desirable modern collectibles. More than simply a thrilling supercar, the F12 Berlinetta is destined to be remembered as one of the defining Ferraris of its generation.
