Ferrari F12 review, test drive

We drive Ferrari's new V12 supercar, the F12.

Published on Dec 28, 2012 08:13:00 PM

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Going to maximum attack, as expected, is a full-on sensory overload. Even without engaging launch control, the pace is drag-racer quick. The rear-wheel drive layout means the initial hit off the blocks isn’t as strong as a Lamborghini Aventador. It doesn’t daze you like the Lambo, but as soon as the rear tyres hook up all 730bhp, you are yanked forward on an unforgettable ride as the tachometer needle flick-flick-flicks you up to 200 in seconds. Ferrari says the F12 takes only 8.5 seconds for 0-200.

The F12 has a level of feel and sensitivity that something like the ham-fisted Aventador just can’t match, and this allows you to explore more of the potential of this car. Flick the Mannetino dial into Race mode and loosen up the programmable ESP, and the car becomes even more alive. You can feel the weight transfer to the rear, you can feel the back tyres fighting for grip as they slip and wiggle around, juggling torque between them, and you can even feel them hook up and shove you forward. It’s not just the steering, it’s like the whole car is talking to you. Of course, with 730bhp, you have to drive like there’s an egg under the accelerator pedal, but it’s surprising just how much of the power you can use exiting corners, and a lot of that is down to the amazing e-diff.

What Ferrari has achieved here is nothing short of sensational, even by its standards. Here is a front-engined, V12-powered car that is comfortable, practical and useable on one hand and devastatingly quick on the other. And it’s not just straight-line speed I’m talking about. The best bit about the F12, the thing that really blows your mind, is the handling. It’s one of the fastest, most hardcore supercars there is, but if you wanted, you could actually use it every day, even in India. This just may be the greatest Ferrari yet.