Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider: A Dream on Wheels

This is the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. We already tried the coupe, and I liked it a lot. The mechanical makeup of the Spider is similar to the coupe. It is a front-engine, two-seat sporting GT car. It has a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine. This engine makes 819 horsepower at 9,250 RPM. It drives the rear wheels through an 8-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission. The car also has an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and Ferrari’s suite of dynamic systems, including rear steer.

Ferrari quotes a dry weight of 1,620 kilos for the Spider, which is 60 kilos heavier than the coupe. Some of this extra weight comes from the roof mechanism. The rest is from strengthening the A and B pillars. But this extra weight has not slowed the car down much. It still goes from 0 to 62 mph in just 3 seconds. The top speed is 211 mph. In the UK, it will cost from £366,000 when deliveries start late this year.

Driving Experience

The vibe of the Spider feels slightly less rigid than the coupe. However, having the roof closed does help. It probably makes the car feel a bit better. Ferrari won’t say how much less rigid it is than the coupe. All they tell us is that it is 15% more torsionally stiff than the previous 812 GTS soft top. They say the soft top, like in the Roma, is a more romantic car. But for a vehicle like this, with a higher top speed and sci-fi-inspired looks, a folding hardtop is better.

In terms of weight, the Spider is 40 kilos heavier than a soft top would be. But there are many things that are still coupe-like. It has the same drivetrain and mechanical hardware. The dampers, software, and springs have been tweaked for the heavier car. The idea is that it should feel similar to the coupe. Ferrari sells about half as many Spiders as Coupes. Some markets prefer Coupes, while others, like parts of America, lean towards convertibles.

Performance Comparison

Ferrari now has the SF90 as its performance benchmark. This means that while the 12Cilindri Spider is powerful, it doesn’t have to be the sportiest version in the Ferrari range. The SF90 takes that role. The V12 front-engine car can be less extreme and more of a grand tourer. It still has immense power and a sensational engine. However, it doesn’t have to be the ultimate performance car.

In terms of competitors, there are not many cars that do what the 12Cilindri Spider does. Lamborghini’s V12 models serve a different purpose. Aston Martin will have a Vanquish soft top, which will be the closest competitor. Depending on the model year, you can also find a Rolls-Royce that competes in a way. But in terms of price, exclusivity, and everything else, the 12Cilindri Spider occupies a rare space in the market.

Interior and Features

The cockpit is much like the coupe. The material quality is good, and the driving position is comfortable. However, the seats could offer more support. They are slightly adjustable through the touch screen, which asks too much from it. The car has a fully digital display. I wonder if an analog rev counter will become a mark of prestige someday. For now, the digital instrument panel is very clear.

The steering is quick, with less than two turns lock to lock. It feels light but not nervous. Ferraris usually ride well, and this one is no exception. I have the Manettino in sport mode right now, which brings in the dampers. With one push, you can change the dampers to a bumpy road setting. This makes the ride more absorbent, and it does absorb bumps well.

It takes some time to get used to where all the buttons are on the steering wheel. The indicators, for example, don’t stay where they were, which can be a bit annoying. But I can see why Ferrari does it. They want big paddles, and they don’t want anything in the way. The gear shifts are really quick and instant. This car shares the same setup as the coupe.

Engine Performance

Ferrari says that drivers are often in third and fourth gears. These are where you get the most fun on country roads. When driving today, I found that if you are in the top end of fourth, you can go well over 100 mph. But just driving through the mid-range in third and fourth feels great on these back roads. You can come out of a hairpin in third and feel a lot of response.

Ferrari has made the engine response much more linear. You don’t get all the power at once in first and second gears. The throttle map is different. The goal is to make it feel more linear and comfortably responsive. It might not be as mind-blowing as before, but it’s still an astonishingly fast car.

Convertible Features

The roof goes down in just 14 seconds, even at speeds up to 28 mph. I’ll put the Ferrari’s lid down and put mine on to protect my head from the wind. The window in the back goes down to let in the best amount of engine noise. And oh boy, this car makes some noise! It gets way too fast for the road in second gear. I felt the body start to shimmy over some bumps, more than it did with the roof up.

With the right settings, this car would make an epic track car. The noise and the speed are just incredible. Even if you’re not going full throttle, you can still enjoy the car. It feels more rounded and more like a Grand Touring car. This is in line with the traditions of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and I think it is better for it.

Final Thoughts

I can absolutely see the case for the 12Cilindri Spider, just like I could with the coupe. Personally, I tend to prefer coupes over convertibles. When you take the roof off, the car can flex a bit. But the engine is magnificent, and the drive is brilliant. It is a good-looking car. Ferrari does not make many mistakes, and I don’t think they got this one wrong either.

FAQs

Thank you for joining me on this journey with the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. We will be back with more exciting blog soon!