Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Zero to 62 MPH in 3.1 Seconds (VIDEO)
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta has been revealed by the Italian automaker as the most powerful car they've ever made.
Ferrari's 2013 F12 Berlinetta outclasses its predecessor, the Ferrari 599, in a number of ways. It is the most powerful Ferrari to date with a 6.3-liter V12 engine, which pumps out 740 horsepower at 850 rpm and 509 lb-ft of torque. In addition, 80 percent of that power is available at just 2,500 rpm, which means less wear and tear on the engine.
A newer, more powerful engine means one thing: speed. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta goes from zero to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds, and zooms up to 124 mph in just 8.5 seconds. Also, in field tests around the Fiorano circuit, it clocked the fastest of any F-car at a minute and 24 seconds flat.
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Somehow, though, Ferrari claims that the intense speed of the F12 Berlinetta doesn't mean a sacrifice as far as efficiency goes. The F12 Berlinetta's new V12 engine will be 30 percent more fuel efficient than the V12 in the Ferrari 599.
The aesthetics and aerodynamics of the all new sports car play a major role in its redesign and increased speed. An aluminum chassis makes the car 154 pounds lighter than the 599 GTO, which means the engine works less for more speed.
The downforce has also been improved 76 percent, giving 271 pounds of downforce at 124 mph. In addition, an "Aero Bridge" swoops air to the sides of the vehicle during high speeds, cutting drag to a coefficient of 0.299 cd.
The F12 Berlinetta is also about two inches smaller than the previous Ferrari, about seven-tenths of an inch narrower, contributing to its increased speed.
Ferrari didn't just focus on speed when creating the car, though. Inside still spells luxury, as the interior is covered in Frau leather and carbon-fiber trim.
Rumors have already begun spreading that although the F12 may be Ferrari's fastest street-legal production vehicle, it may not hold the crown for long. The Italian automaker may have an 800-horspower car in the works, available later this year, according to Motor Trend.
