Why the 12Cilindri is Ferrari’s best current car (Not the F80)

The new Ferrari F80 is certainly an engineering Marvel. With a clever hybridised twin-turbo 1200 horsepower V6, active aerodynamics, and all-wheel drive that results in it blasting from 0-62mph in 2.1 seconds and setting a 1:15.3 lap record at Fiorano, you’d think this is Ferrari at its best. (Small wonder each of the 799 F80s is worth over $4million).

However, some could argue, myself included, that due to the sheer amount of tech and speed-enhancing aero, the F80 is too technical and clever to be Ferrari at its best. That Ferraris should have non-hybrid engines that wail like a banshee and are measured by the talent of the driver behind the wheel rather than the tech.

In that regard, the 12Cilindri, is truly Ferrari at its best. Certainly, it doesn’t have the F80’s wizardry tech; its 6.5L, 819-horsepower, naturally aspirated V12 produces no more power than the old 812 Competizione and, as a result, with a 0-62mph time of 3 seconds and only 211mph top speed, it appears bit last decade.

However, tech and performance are only half the story, experience is the true reason one buys a Ferrari. To get that feeling of being alive, of being on a knife edge, of being frightened This is something the 12Cilindri delivers in spades.

Sure it features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, active aerodynamics and rear-wheel steering but this is a car with a monstrous amount of power being sent solely to the rear wheels. A real handful behind the wheel.

This is a car that challenges its driver, that feels ferocious, direct, alive, and fearful. A proper thoroughbred Prancing Horse. All the while, the driver’s ear drums are bursting from the scream of that 9250rpm red-lining naturally aspirated V12 Volcano. Sure the F80 is more of a revolution but the 12 Cilindri arguably carries more weight through its lineage.

Let’s turn back to the forties with the 125S, Ferrari’s first-ever road car. That car also featured a naturally aspirated V12 up front, with power solely sent to the rear wheels. 80 years on and that recipe still holds to this day with the 12Cilindri, its true descendent. Everything about the 12Cilindri was designed to celebrate its model line-up.

It’s gorgeous bodywork even being a call back to arguably Ferrari’s most iconic V12, the Daytona. And its name translates to 12 Cylinder to celebrate Ferrari’s most important engine. An engine that sadly due to emission regulations and tech advancements, won’t be around that much longer.

The Event in Dubai: A Perfect Setting for a Perfect car

Such a special car deserved a very special occasion when launching in the petrolhead heaven of the Middle East, Dubai. And where better to showcase such an iconic car than outside Dubai’s iconic landscape, the Burj Khalifa. A reflection of the country, similar to how this specific car is a reflection of Ferrari.

The event was held by Al Tayers Ferrari Group of Dubai who brought along a Daytona to represent the lineage of the 12 Cilindri. The car was showcased to some of Dubai’s most elite as well as well-known Media Groups and Bloggers like @LauraB. Clearly all there to Marvel at this $440,000 tribute act.

Ferrari, Bentley or Aston Martin

The sleek profile of the 2025 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, showcasing its elegant design and powerful stance against a dramatic backdrop.

Of course, being a Ferrari, when the 12Cilindri does land in the UAE, it will have to face some stiff competition. Primarily from the new Aston Martin Vanquish, another V12, rear-drive, 824 horsepower monster. The Fezza has more rapid acceleration and lower weight but the Aston is slightly more powerful and has a slightly higher top speed.

We must also consider the king of the Luxury car market, the Bentley Continental Speed. Performance-wise it appears out of its depth but with its revolutionary new Hybrid setup, it’ll give both its rivals a run for their money. Whichever of these Super GTS is best, will be discovered when F1rstMotors conducts a thorough comparison test on all three.

Ferrari’s Final Roar of 12 Cylinder Fury

The 12Cilindri represents Ferrari at its core. A manufacturer whose heritage lies in racing but in spirit represents fury. 12 Cylinders of Prancing Horse Fury to be exact. And nearly 80 years of delivering that fury to the road.

There’s no other brand, quite like Ferrari as we’re told and certainly on the roads today, there is no other car built today quite like the 12 Cilindri. It is the embodiment of Ferrari’s heritage and lineage wrapped up in one exceptional package. Truly Ferrari at their best.

F1rstMotors Facts and Figures

Manufacturer	Ferrari S.p.A
Model	12Cilindri
Year of Release	2024
Engine	6.5L Naturally-Aspirated V12
Horsepower	819hp
Torque	500 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	3 seconds
Top Speed	211mph (340 km/h)
Weight	1,560kg (1.6 tonnes)
Power to Weight	525 hp per tonne
Gearbox	8–speed Dual Clutch
Driven Wheels	Rear Wheel Drive
Rivals	Aston Martin Vanquish, Bentley Continental GT Speed

Source: Ferrari Al Tayer Motors Group Instagram