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Lightweight Chassis
Ferrari's traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionized to match the more
extreme performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine,
dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of
the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari's engineers to make the rear
volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact car with a lower
centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of
aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards.
Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminum materials and construction,
designed an all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of
alloys, some of which have been used here for the first time in the automotive
sector, and employing new assembly and joining techniques. This has resulted in
a 20 per cent increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 3362
lbs (1525 kg) (154 lbs or 70 kg less than the previous V12 coupe) with an ideal
distribution between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).
2013 F12berlinetta's Extraordinary 740-hp Engine
The 2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta's 6262cc 65-degree V12 engine delivers
unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its
maximum power output is 740 hp which translates to a specific output of 118
hp/l. Torque reaches a peak of 509 lb-ft (690 Nm), 80 per cent of which is
already available at just 2,500 rpm, and which provides an unrelenting surge of
acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is mated to the F1
dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically
for this car's performance. The F12berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of
just 2.1 kg/hp.
Fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%, with CO2 emissions of just 350 g/km -
figures which put the F12berlinetta at the top of the high-performance league.
These results have been obtained by extensive research and development which
focused on efficiencies of the whole vehicle: engine, aerodynamics, tires and
weights.
Aerodynamic Efficiency
Similarly excellent results have been obtained with the car's aerodynamic
development, thanks to the integration of the design process with extensive
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and lengthy testing in the wind
tunnel. Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 200 km/h) while
drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299). These results come
courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses
the bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of
the car to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to
decrease drag. The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide
vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again
reducing drag.
The F12berlinetta's impressive technical specifications are completed by
Ferrari's latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and the evolution of
the magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E). As is now traditional
with all Ferraris, its control systems (E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, and
high-performance ABS) are all fully integrated.
The result is that the new Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-60 mph
km/h in 3 seconds and from 0 to 124 mph in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap
of the Fiorano circuit in 1'23'', faster than any other Ferrari road car.
Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by
immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering
speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.
Ferrari F12berlinetta: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications