Ferrari F12berlinetta
Complete SCN guide to the Ferrari F12berlinetta: specs, production numbers, known issues, what to look for, UK values, running costs and our buying advice, plus notes on the F12tdf and specials.
Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the F12berlinetta replaced the 599 series and held the front‑engined V12 flag until the 812 Superfast arrived in 2017. UK list price at launch was £239,736 before options, and most cars left Maranello with £30,000–£60,000 of extras. The F12’s hardware is the F140FC 6,262 cc naturally aspirated V12, rated at 740 PS (730 bhp) at 8,250 rpm and 509 lb ft (690 Nm) at 6,000 rpm, driving the rear wheels through a 7‑speed dual‑clutch gearbox. Ferrari quoted 0–62 mph in 3.1 seconds and 211 mph. Weight distribution is 46:54 front to rear. Ferrari’s stated dry weight is 1,525 kg; UK‑spec cars typically sit around 1,630–1,680 kg kerb depending on options. Design was led by Flavio Manzoni at Ferrari Centro Stile in collaboration with Pininfarina. Aerodynamics were developed in‑house and introduced the ‘Aero Bridge’ and active brake‑cooling flaps, contributing meaningful downforce without the drag of a fixed rear wing. The aluminium spaceframe uses multiple alloys (co‑developed with Scaglietti), with a shorter wheelbase and lower engine mounting than the 599 for improved response. Chassis systems include SCM‑E magnetorheological dampers, E‑Diff and F1‑Trac, with Brembo carbon‑ceramic brakes as standard. In period the F12 gathered serious silverware, notably Top Gear’s 2012 Supercar of the Year and a Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ for design. Ferrari never published total build numbers; the best evidence suggests several thousand cars worldwide, with the UK receiving a healthy allocation of RHD examples. The 2015 F12tdf (799 units) sharpened the formula with rear‑wheel steering and a further development of the F140 V12. Our view is that the F12 is the sweet spot between old‑school Ferrari V12 character and modern usability: immense performance, tangible mechanical feel, and fewer electronics than its successor. It is not a limited‑run car, so collectability rests on the engine, the design’s clarity, and the fact it represents peak naturally aspirated V12 road‑car engineering from Maranello. Hub summary: Front‑engined, rear‑drive V12 Ferrari introduced in 2012; 730 bhp, 211 mph, and a landmark in naturally aspirated GT development. A core modern Ferrari for UK collections, with strong long‑term appeal centred on its engine and engineering.