Ferrari Makes F12 Debut At Goodwood Festival of Speed

By Ben Roberts

Ferrari will be unveiling the F12berlinetta at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Alongside the stunning debut, a selection of vehicles representing the various levels of personalisation available from Ferrari will be demonstrated including a bespoke FF, a “Tailor-Made” 458 Spider and Eric Clapton’s SP12 EC, produced by Ferrari’s “Special Projects” division.

The F12berlinetta is the newest generation in Ferrari’s great lineage of 12-cylinder sports cars. Aerodynamic efficiency was a top priority in the styling and development of the F12berlinetta, which features increased downforce and reduced drag figures. The Aero Bridge and Active Brake Cooling system are two new innovative aerodynamic solutions Ferrari have incorporated into the vehicle’s design, while still managing to maintain the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars.

Its 6,266cc direct-injected V12 produces a maximum output of 740hp and recently won the title of ‘Best Performance Engine’ in the International Engine of the Year Awards. While the F12berlinetta the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever produced, it delivers fuel consumption and emissions levels that are 30 per cent lower than that of the previous generation. Mated to Ferrari’s 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission, 0-62.5mph is reached in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of over 211mph is possible.

Ferrari’s V12 four-seater GT, the FF, will also appear at Goodwood this year showcasing a new option: a panoramic glass roof. This is made from low emissions glass and thus holds cabin temperature steady both in summer and winter, for optimal climate control. 

Representing the ultimate level of exclusivity available through Ferrari’s One-Off Programme will be Eric Clapton’s SP12 EC. Designed by Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina and the engineers from Maranello, the SP12 EC’s styling is influenced heavily by the 512 BB. Clapton’s decision to homage to the Berlinetta Boxer can be traced back to his intimate relationship with the V12 flat-engined Ferrari, of which he has owned three examples. The musician claims the process of designing his dream Ferrari was ‘one of the most satisfying things [he’s] ever done.’ 

Expand
By Ben Roberts