The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is one of the most powerful road cars around and it owes everything to the brilliant 6.3 L V12 engine at the heart of the vehicle.
Even Ferrari has started shifting towards the turbo charging technology with models like the Ferrari California T and Ferrari 488 GTB using a much smaller 3.9 L engine which is boosted significantly by turbochargers. However, the upcoming flagship for the Italian sports car manufacturer will continue to use a naturally aspirated engine. It is also likely that the vehicle will not have any mild hybrid system as previously reported.
Even though the 6.3 L V12 engine is same in terms of capacity and layout, it is expected to develop around 800 bhp, which is an even bigger jump over the 731 bhp produced by the F12 Berlinetta. Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson famously claimed that the F12 Berlinetta was too powerful and that it was difficult to enjoy the vehicle at the limit of its powers. Now that the company is preparing an even more powerful range topper, it remains to be seen if they could contain the 800 bhp and make it more usable on the road. Another aspect that is expected to be carried over is the seven speed transaxle design.
The new model is likely to be easier to handle, as it is rumored that Ferrari has been working extremely hard in order to shed a lot of weight. The vehicle will also be smaller than the F12 Berlinetta making it easier to maneuver even in the city.
It was initially rumored that the upcoming replacement for the F12 Berlinetta would come with a mild hybrid system. Unlike some of the hybrid systems found in vehicles like the McLaren P1, the system will not be able to run the vehicle only on electric power. Instead, it is being offered as a replacement to the turbo charger but one that will be much more efficient at offering instant response. The incredible Ferrari LaFerrari used this system and produces more than 900 bhp when the electric power is combined with the naturally aspirated engine.
One of the reasons for Ferrari reportedly not considering a mild hybrid system on the upcoming model is that it could potentially go on to beat Ferrari LaFerrari, which is likely to be the best Ferrari for the next five years.
It is highly anticipated that theF12 Berlinetta replacement will arrive in 2019.