Ferrari 12Cilindri

The front-mid V12 Ferrari for a new generation

The 12Cilindri is Ferrari's two-seat grand tourer with a naturally aspirated V12 mounted in the front-mid position. The engine produces 830 cv and revs to 9500 rpm. Ferrari quotes a top speed above 340 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.0 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in under 7.9 seconds. The model was launched in Miami in May 2024, and a separate Spider version followed.

This is a desk-researched ownership guide. We have not driven this model for this article. The 12Cilindri is a recent model with a short independent service record, so the guide concentrates on the systems that can be checked, the maintenance questions that matter and the documentation a buyer should expect.

The V12 and its service requirements

The engine is a 6.5-litre 65-degree V12 with dry-sump lubrication. Ferrari says 80 percent of the torque is available from 2500 rpm, which gives the car its grand-touring character. The redline is 9500 rpm, and the engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A cold start is essential. Listen for chain noise, injector ticking and any irregularity in the idle. Check the oil level and condition, the coolant and the visible hoses. The dry-sump system and the split oil radiators ahead of the front wheels are part of the package, so an inspection should include the front underbody and the oil cooler area.

Ask for the annual service invoices and confirm the dates of any Ferrari service package or extended warranty. A stamped book is not enough. The invoices should identify the fluids, filters, diagnostic work and any repairs. If the car has been stored, ask what was done before it returned to the road.

Active aerodynamics and cooling

The 12Cilindri has active rear flaps. They sit flush with the bodywork below about 60 km/h and again above 300 km/h. Between those speeds they rise with braking and cornering load to increase downforce. The front underbody includes brake cooling ducts and vortex generators.

Inspect the flaps, their hinges and the surrounding bodywork for damage. Operate them through the diagnostic range if possible. A flap that is stuck in one position may not produce a warning, but it will change the car's aerodynamic balance. Ask for any bodywork repair invoices and check the panel gaps around the rear deck.

The cooling package includes the split oil radiators and the front brake ducts. Remove any leaves or debris from the grilles, check the hoses and look for coolant stains. A car that has been used in hot weather or on track should have a documented cooling-system inspection.

Brakes, tyres and chassis

The 12Cilindri uses carbon-ceramic brakes. Measure the discs and pads, check the fluid history and inspect the calipers for heat damage. The car is heavy enough and fast enough that brake condition should be treated as a safety item, not a cosmetic detail.

Check the tyre date codes on all four wheels. The correct fitment and a matching set matter for the chassis balance. Inspect the wheels for kerb damage and the suspension for leaks or play. A four-wheel alignment report is useful, particularly if the car has covered delivery mileage or been transported between markets.

The 12Cilindri has a front-hinged bonnet and twin tailpipes. Check the bonnet operation and the shut lines. The rear diffuser and underbody should be inspected for contact damage. A low front splitter is easy to damage, and a replacement is not a small expense.

Cabin and electrical systems

The cabin has three displays: a 10.25-inch central screen, a 15.6-inch driver display and an 8.8-inch passenger screen. The steering wheel uses capacitive buttons, which are different from the physical controls in some earlier Ferraris. Test the screen response, the climate control, the cameras and the audio.

Ferrari offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging. Check that the phone pairing works and that the charging pad is not damaged. Test the seat adjustment, the memory functions and the passenger display. Any electrical fault should be diagnosed rather than cleared with a restart.

The cabin materials and personalisation should match the build record. Ferrari's Tailor Made programme allows a wide range of finishes, so confirm the original specification. Aftermarket tint, wraps or electronic accessories should be disclosed and assessed for their effect on the warranty.

Grand touring use and storage

The 12Cilindri is designed to cover distance as well as excite. That means the inspection should include the boot, the cabin storage, the ride quality and the noise levels at cruising speed. A car that has been used for long journeys may have stone chips and tyre wear, but it may also have a more complete service history than a garage queen.

Storage is important for any V12 Ferrari. Ask how long the car has been idle, whether a battery maintainer was used and whether the fluids were changed before it was returned to service. A recent start-up video does not prove that the oil, brakes and tyres are healthy.

Warranty and independent inspection

Confirm the warranty position, the service intervals and the recall status against the VIN. Use a Ferrari specialist with access to factory diagnostics. The inspection should cover the engine, transmission, brakes, tyres, suspension, aero, electrical systems and underbody.

Ask for a written report that separates measured findings from opinions. The report should list anything that could not be inspected and any work that should be completed before the car is used. This guide makes no claim about transaction prices, future values or universal reliability.

Sources and limitations

Ferrari's official 12Cilindri model page and corporate launch article supply the engine, performance and aerodynamic details, while the official Spider press document provides additional context for the range. The guide is a desk-researched ownership framework, not a road test. A factory-trained inspection and a VIN-based campaign check remain necessary.