|
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Working
in Modena right at the start of Enzo Ferrari's great adventure, Sergio
Scaglietti bodied some of the most beautiful cars ever to emerge from Maranello.
Scaglietti wasn't a man who relied on pencil and paper to create his magnificent
designs: he worked like a sculptor, fashioning their forms from aluminium.
And now Luca di Montezemolo has dedicated the understated yet historically
important all-aluminium 612 to the memory of that great designer. The 612
Scaglietti is the perfect marriage of sporty thoroughbred Ferrari berlinetta
performance and excellent onboard comfort for four occupants. The replacement
for the highly successful 456M, the new model’s own winning combination
derives from a roomy interior enhanced by significantly larger dimensions,
a 60 kg reduction in weight, and a range of uncompromising design solutions.
The
612 Scaglietti has an all-aluminium space frame chassis and bodywork construction
used for the very first time on a Ferrari 12-cylinder and built entirely
by Ferrari at the Scaglietti light-alloy technologies facility. The result
is a massive 60% increase in overall structural rigidity (rigidity-weight
ratio). The 612 Scaglietti’s advanced aluminium construction also translates
into improved comfort and handling, in addition to offering maximum occupant
protection in the case of a collision. A mid-front layout with the engine
mounted behind the front axle, and the gearbox and differential in unit
at the rear ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as far back and as
low as possible. This in turn significantly improves the car’s dynamics
in terms of performance (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), stability and braking
efficiency, as well as delivering much nimbler handling. Excellent weight
distribution (46% front, 54% rear) is enhanced by a performance-oriented
handling set-up with active damping and the special CST stability and traction
control system, used here for the very first time on a Ferrari.
The
612 Scaglietti has a 65° V12 engine with a displacement of 5748 cc
which is rounded off to give the figure 6 (litres) in the 612 model designation.
The V12 represents the very pinnacle of Ferrari engine design, thanks in
particular to improved fluid dynamic characteristics of the intake and
exhaust manifolds, generating a blistering 540 bhp at 7250 rpm. The six-speed
mechanical gearbox is available with both a manual and a new generation
electro-hydraulic set-up, known as the F1A, designed to marry fast manual
gear shifting with comfortable automatic use. Designed by Pininfarina to
epitomise dynamism and elegance, the 612 Scaglietti boasts characteristic
scalloped sides that recall the famous 375 MM bodied by the Turin coachbuilder
for Rossellini and used by Ingrid Bergman. Its thoroughbred spirit effortlessly
combines with outstanding comfort and space on board, from the ease of
entry for all four occupants and the notable legroom (helped by an increase
in length of 139 mm compared to the 456M), to the excellent rear seating
layout with extra headroom. Lastly, the overall roominess of the 612 Scaglietti
is complemented by a 240-litre luggage compartment - a full 25% larger
than the 456M’s - which can hold a five-piece Ferrari luggage set or two
golf bags.
Engine: 5.8 L V12
Horsepower: 540 bhp
/ PS
Top Speed: 197 mph / 315
km/h
Peak torque: 589 Nm (435
lb ft)
Acceleration: 0-60
mph in 4.0 sec (0-100km/h in 4.2)
Retail Price: starting at
180,000 pounds (220,000 euros or 270,000 dollars MRSP)
Competing Models: "Competing
Segment" on right side of "Best Autos & Cars in the World" page
More information on: www.ferrari.it
or www.ferrariusa.com
|