by The Ferrari 12Cilindri already has twelve cylinders, 819 hp (830 PS) and enough naturally aspirated noise to make electric car owners question their choice. But in Maranello, they clearly think there is room for more madness: our spies spotted a hotter and more hardcore version of the 12Cilindri being tested near Ferrari’s home.
What has changed in the design
At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing special: no huge wing on high struts or a set of open air intakes. But look closer and the important differences become noticeable.
The front bumper now has canards on both sides, which help manage airflow and create additional downforce on the front axle. Even more noticeable is the significantly larger “duck tail” at the rear. It makes the 12Cilindri’s profile more aggressive, but does not turn the car into a racer that just escaped from a GT3 paddock.
Ferrari already has a rich history of similar projects. The 599 GTO, F12tdf and 812 Competizione all took a naturally aspirated V12, added sharper chassis, more aerodynamics and a more powerful engine.
Expect at least 30 hp more
The 12Cilindri hardly needs saving from mediocrity. Its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 already delivers 819 hp (830 PS) at a frantic 9,250 rpm and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque at 7,250 rpm. No turbocharging or hybrid assistance to spoil the recipe.
How much more can Ferrari squeeze out? The 812 Competizione added 30 hp (30 PS) compared with the regular 812 Superfast, and serious engine changes allowed the V12 to rev even higher. If similar logic applies, a figure around 850 hp (862 PS) and a red zone at 10,000 rpm does not look absurd.
Three pedals on the table
But the power increase may not be the update that makes enthusiasts reach for their wallets. Ferrari recently developed a brilliant “manual” simulation for the limited 12Cilindri Manuale version, built in a run of 1,499 units. Under the hood remains an eight-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox, but a clutch pedal and a luxurious gate-style selector appear, recreating the old-school Ferrari interaction.
There is a high probability that the high-performance version will also get this option. Drivers would have the novelty of working with three pedals and shifting through six manually selected gears when the mood demands driver involvement, but could return to automatic mode when traffic suddenly ruins that idyll.
Such a move looks like a logical continuation of Ferrari’s strategy. The company deliberately holds on to the naturally aspirated V12 while other manufacturers move to turbocharging and hybrids. If engineers can combine over 850 hp with the ability to shift gears yourself, this car will become one of the most desirable modern models from the brand. But it is worth remembering that such versions are usually made in limited numbers and sold out before the official premiere. So most enthusiasts will only be left to admire the photos and dream of hearing this engine live one day.
