Ferrari 12Cilindri Review: The Last Great V12 Grand Tourer Is a $470K Masterpiece

Ferrari has built a lot of cars in its 80-year history, but the 12Cilindri might be the one that future collectors look back on as the end of an era. In a world rapidly pivoting to turbocharging and electrification, the 12Cilindri is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 — the same family of engine that has defined Ferrari’s identity since the company’s founding.

Starting at $472,000 for the coupe and $515,000 for the Spider, the 12Cilindri replaces the 812 Superfast as Ferrari’s front-engine V12 grand tourer. But “replacement” understates what Ferrari has accomplished here. This is a complete reimagining of what a GT car can be.

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Design: Flavio Manzoni’s Masterwork

The 12Cilindri’s design, penned by Ferrari’s chief design officer Flavio Manzoni, is a deliberate departure from the aggressive, aero-driven look of recent Ferraris. Where the 812 Superfast was all vents, scoops, and visual aggression, the 12Cilindri is smooth, flowing, and almost sculptural. The front end features a low, wide grille flanked by thin LED headlights that wrap into the fenders. The side profile is long and elegant, with a fastback roofline that recalls the great Ferrari GTs of the 1960s — the 275 GTB and 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

The rear is where the 12Cilindri makes its boldest statement. A full-width light bar spans the tail, housing twin circular elements that nod to Ferrari’s heritage while looking distinctly futuristic. The overall effect is a car that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern — a rare accomplishment in an era of overwrought automotive design.

Engine & Performance

The numbers tell only part of the story. What defines the 12Cilindri’s driving experience is the way it delivers those 819 horsepower. This is a naturally aspirated V12 that revs to 9,500 rpm — a stratospheric redline that produces one of the most intoxicating engine notes in the automotive world. There’s no turbo lag, no power surge, just a linear, relentless climb of power that builds like a symphony reaching its crescendo.

Ferrari paired this engine with a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (replacing the 812’s 7-speed) that shifts with ruthless precision. In manual mode, gear changes are nearly instantaneous. In auto, the transmission reads the road and your inputs with an intelligence that borders on prescient — holding gears through corners, blipping downshifts on braking, and finding the exact right moment to upshift for maximum thrust.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the 12Cilindri reveals itself as two cars in one. In Sport mode — the car’s default, everyday setting — on the highway, it’s a refined grand tourer: the ride is settled, the cabin is quiet (by supercar standards), and the front-engine layout provides a sense of stability and planted composure that mid-engine Ferraris can’t match.

Switch the manettino to Race or CT Off (the track-oriented setting that disables traction control while keeping Ferrari’s Side Slip Control active), and the 12Cilindri transforms. The exhaust opens up to a full-throated V12 scream, the suspension firms, steering sharpens, and the car becomes a genuine performance weapon. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the long wheelbase and perfect weight distribution, makes this one of the most naturally balanced front-engine sports cars ever built.

What separates the 12Cilindri from competitors like the Aston Martin Vanquish or the Lamborghini Revuelto is emotional engagement. Every input — steering, throttle, brakes — produces a proportional, communicative response that keeps you connected to the road. The V12’s sound is part of the experience: it’s not just fast, it’s alive.

Interior and Technology

The cabin marks a significant step forward from the 812. Ferrari’s latest infotainment system is integrated into a large central touchscreen, while a secondary screen on the passenger side displays navigation, speed, and performance data — a feature that turns the passenger seat into the best spectator position in motoring.

Materials are exceptional: hand-stitched leather, carbon fiber, and machined aluminum throughout. The driving position is low and perfectly angled, with the long hood stretching ahead — a view that connects you to Ferrari’s grand touring heritage in a way that few modern cars can match.

Pricing & Configuration

As with all Ferraris, the options list can add significantly to the base price. Carbon fiber wheels, racing seats, special paint colors from the Tailor Made program, and interior personalization can push a well-specified 12Cilindri well past $600,000. Allocation is managed through Ferrari dealerships; with order books effectively full through 2026, buyers placing new orders today are looking at deliveries stretching into 2027.

How It Compares

The Verdict

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is not the fastest car in its class (the Revuelto has more power), not the most affordable (the McLaren undercuts it significantly), and not the most opulent (the Aston Martin arguably takes that crown). But it might be the most special.

This is a car built around an engine that Ferrari may never build again — a naturally aspirated V12 that revs to 9,500 rpm and produces a sound that no turbocharger or electric motor can replicate. Combined with Manzoni’s stunning design and a driving experience that prioritizes connection over raw speed, the 12Cilindri feels like a love letter to the art of driving.

At $472,000, it’s not cheap. But as a piece of automotive history — potentially the last great naturally aspirated V12 grand tourer — it may prove to be one of the most significant Ferraris of the 21st century.

THE HAUTE READ

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is Ferrari’s front-engine V12 grand tourer, replacing the 812 Superfast, starting at $472,000 and powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 producing 819 horsepower.

FAQ

How much does the Ferrari 12Cilindri cost?
The Ferrari 12Cilindri starts at $472,000 for the coupe and $515,000 for the Spider convertible in the United States. With options and personalization through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, prices can exceed $600,000.

How fast is the Ferrari 12Cilindri?
The Ferrari 12Cilindri accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph. It’s powered by an 819-horsepower naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that revs to 9,500 rpm.

Is the Ferrari 12Cilindri naturally aspirated?
Yes, the Ferrari 12Cilindri uses a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine — no turbochargers or hybrid assistance. This makes it one of the last pure V12 grand tourers in production, as most competitors have moved to forced induction or hybrid powertrains.

What is the difference between the Ferrari 12Cilindri and the 812 Superfast?
The 12Cilindri replaces the 812 Superfast with a new design, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (versus the 812’s 7-speed), more refined aerodynamics, an updated interior with dual screens, and a slightly different power delivery. Both share the same V12 engine family.

How long is the wait for a Ferrari 12Cilindri?
Ferrari’s order books for the 12Cilindri are effectively full through 2026, meaning buyers placing new orders now should expect deliveries to stretch into 2027. Allocation is managed by Ferrari, and priority is typically given to existing Ferrari owners.

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