The V12’s last stand: Ferrari’s DOI Cilindri

The big, loud, naturally aspirated V12 engines are disappearing. Although they were incredibly powerful and raw, they slowly have been replaced by smaller, turbocharged ones and even hybrids. There’s still one left: the Ferrari DOI Cilindri. That’s what “12 cylinders” translates into Italian. It’s an extremely special car: the newest V12 from Ferrari, replacing the 812 Superfast.

Ferrari has been churning out its V12 engines for many decades. As a matter of fact, it has produced several classic cars from the 1940s to date. And one can say that all those cars bear one simple concept: a massive V12 engine in the front and, at the back, four tires that are hardly hanging in there. Just when everyone was worried that the 812 Superfast would be the last Ferrari with a naturally aspirated V12, the DOI Cilindri comes into play. This car carries the V12 torch with a new engine, new chassis, new transmission, and new technology. Still, it comes along with its typical Ferrari sound.

The V12's last stand: Ferrari's DOI Cilindri
PHOTO SOURCE SOCIAL MEDIA

What is New in the DOI Cilindri?

Here is what makes this car special. The car contains an all-new updated engine. The car has an all-new chassis as well as an all-new transmission too. According to Ferrari, the design is just perfect. It looks back to the Grand Tourers of the 1950s and 60s. It has smooth lines and a sporty, classy look. However, people might need some time to love it. Color does not appeal to anyone. It has a color that looks unusual. Ferrari wants customers to be surprised by the design and come to love it later.

There is no front to this car. It is just made very clean and has no clear facial features like most other cars. Its front is decked with a polycarbonate strip similar to Ferrari 365 Daytona. Thin daytime running lights run on the whole side surface, come right down to the air outlets behind the wheels. The rear of this car is fantastic too. It has a huge diffuser and awesome exhaust tips. The C-pillar design is made like it is flowing over the roof, giving it such a different shape.

Inside the DOI Cilindri

Inside the car, it feels special. It has two cockpit areas, one to the left for the driver and one to the right for the passenger. This makes both people in there feel important. The dashboard contains a large 15-inch display for the driver. It’s bright and clear. There is also a 10-inch screen in the middle operating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s intuitive and packed to the brim with features. And the passenger does not miss out on an 8-inch screen either. Such a display displays information like such as engine revs and also allows seat adjustments making the passenger feel part of the driving experience.

The V12's last stand: Ferrari's DOI Cilindri
PHOTO SOURCE SOCIAL MEDIA

But there are some downsides. The car has quality issues in some parts. For example, the top of this 8-inch display has a gap. The 12-cylinder badge is not straight also. Those are minor issues but noticeable. Hopefully, these will be corrected in the final models.

Driving Experience

Now, let’s talk how the DOI Cilindri drives. The first impressions are very important. The car really feels wide and long. It takes up the lane so watch out while driving. The engine alone takes this car on another dimension altogether. The 6.5-liter V12 brings out 830 horsepower. It redlines all the way to a staggering 9,250 RPM. Of course, the noise level is also something that Ferrari has worked on to ensure it doesn’t breach the noise levels. Equal length exhaust headers and resonator pipes complete the look. These enable the sound to hit the cabin more effectively.

The car accelerates very fast. It takes a mere 2.9 seconds for 0 to 62 mph. Its top speed is around 211 mph. It cannot be said to produce as much torque as the 812 Superfast, but it’s potent enough. Ferrari has introduced a technology called torque shaping. This torque shaping technology makes the power delivery very smooth and enjoyable. The excitement of driving the car is palpable.

The V12's last stand: Ferrari's DOI Cilindri

The V12’s last stand: Ferrari’s DOI Cilindri

Gearbox and Handling

The gearbox is one of the best out there. It changes up and down very quickly. Shifting feels like firing a gun. Forces when the brake are strong, therefore feels superb to drive by hand. The steering goes quite fast and can surprise you. Careful steering input isn’t possible because of the car’s width. There’s also rear-wheel steering, which makes it quite agile. This mechanism enables the loaded rear wheel to turn while keeping the other one neutral for far better handing.

The Bottom Line

Anyway, the DOI Cilindri is a just great car. Ferrari remains true to itself, rather giving drivers what they want. The looks would be different and not as powerful as those of some others. Though, it offers us a one-of-a-kind ride which cannot be seen any place else. This car feels like a huge pleasure to drive. With the conclusion of the naturally aspirated V12 era, this is what makes DOI Cilindri a piece of magical engineering.

Enjoy this incredible car while it lasts. It is a party for the V12 and a tribute to the passion that Ferrari has given us.

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