Impressions of my 2016 F12 | FerrariChat

Impressions of my 2016 F12

Discussion in 'F12/812' started by 33pds, Oct 20, 2015.

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  1. 33pds

    33pds Karting

    Jul 9, 2010
    111
    While I am waiting for my car to be back from the dealer (winter rubber, some odds and ends), I’ve been assessing my reaction to the F12 as a new owner. The F12 is my DD and follows an MP4-12C and a bunch of 911TT’S in this role.

    I went for the F12 because I fell for the looks and thought this might be the end of the era for this classic V12 package. FWIW, here are a few of my reactions after about 2,000 miles.

    The F12 is the most versatile car I’ve owned.
    The 911TT was a supremely versatile high performance machine, but is a pretty hard package overall (or put another way, my wife hated riding in it). The McL was terrific as well, with an exquisite ride and tons of performance, but the mid-engine, wide-sill package created trade-offs as well. The F12 is in a league of it’s own in terms of useable range—it can be a full on luxury GT or a all out performance car. The F12 package is a little big to be a full-on sports car in feel, but from a performance POV, it is off the charts, and I love driving the thing whenever I can.

    The sound has no equal.
    You can now add me to the list of folks who never put on the stereo—the sound of the car as it goes thru the rev range is fantastic, and I am listening only to it most of the time.

    OK, the aura got me.
    As much I don’t like to admit it, I like all the Ferrari-ness of the car. In particular, the heritage of the details (Daytona seats, traditional taillights) take me back to the cars I dreamt about as a kid, and I get a huge kick out of it.

    I go virtually unnoticed.
    My car is Silverstone, no shields, Nero interior. Nobody notices me. In my McL I was photographed every day on my way to work, but in the F12 I am (mostly) on my own.

    Sitting in traffic actually creates range anxiety.
    The gas mileage in motion as about what you’d expect for the package, but in traffic the gas mileage is disproportionately bad. A half tank is not really enough to relax. I find I have EV style range anxiety if I am stuck in traffic with anything less than half a tank.

    Owning an F12 makes me want an FF (too).
    I’ve always been a big fan of the FF, but owning an F12 has amplified my view. There are times you need more weather versatility or more seats than the F12 provides and an FF is the only substitute. I have 3 other all weather choices, so I know there are other 2 car combo’s that work, but not with that V12 and all that comes with it.

    Bottom line, the car lives up to high expectations, and I consider myself super lucky to be able to drive one. :)

    jp
     
  2. Liquid Assets

    Liquid Assets Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2009
    391
    Cloud 9
    Great little write up.

    I know exactly what you mean when you say owning an F12 makes you want to acquire a FF. I have had my FF for one week and I can tell you that next summer I will be getting an F12 since my F12 GTO seems like it won't happen.

    You will not regret getting an FF. Cant think of anything better to drive around during crappy weather!
     
  3. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    Nice writeup. Thanks for posting.
     
  4. ml321

    ml321 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2008
    254
    London/Munich
    sounds like a great car. I have an FF as my only car (have a dog , so I need a little more space) and am craving an F12 in addition to it. alas currently funds don't allow that, but hopefully at one point I will have both. Wish they made it with a manual though as I do miss the extra interaction when driving my car (first one without a manual) - so maybe will have to get a 550 at some point.

    your colour combo sounds great - any chance of a pic...
     
  5. Solid State

    Solid State F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 4, 2014
    10,577
    Full Name:
    Maximus Decimus Meridius
    Enjoyed your post. I found that after the initial 2,500 miles the sound seemed to get even deeper/better and a bit louder. Glad you are enjoying your F12 on a daily basis. Its rare that I actually sit in traffic but I just use it as an opportunity to watch the gauges - particularly the water temp and oil pressure. I think its also the only time I prefer paddles over a manual.
     
  6. Jasone

    Jasone Formula 3
    Owner

    Nov 15, 2011
    1,203
    Tampa Florida
    Full Name:
    Jasone
    I always smile at the question about the radio or Bluetooth music... I never turn the radio on in my Speciale or FF.. why would you?

    I have an FF and can attest.. it's almost as exciting as the F12 with nearly the same sound.. the extra seats and versatility make it a MUST have vehicle.

    congrats on the F12.. thanks for the write up.
     
  7. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,666
    virginia usa
    Great write up and have to say I feel the same way about my F12...and i must echo it has the best sound of most any modern Ferrari..
     
  8. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,608
    Congratulations and thanks for the writeup. I really enjoyed reading it! :)
     
  9. phanliu

    phanliu Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 21, 2015
    671
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Noel
    1+ same here
     
  10. DaveMc

    DaveMc Formula Junior

    Nov 29, 2012
    412
    Palm Coast, Florida
    I don't see the cause for concern, according to the specs....the gas tank is huge..

    Fuel Tank capacity...24.2 gallons
    Cruising Range city...267 miles
    Cruising range highway..388 miles
     
  11. 33pds

    33pds Karting

    Jul 9, 2010
    111
    Inching in traffic is not really the mission of this car, but since I use it as my DD, I face it from time to time.

    MPG is not really the right metric when the car is not moving much, it's more likely gallons per hour (not meant as a joke). What I have unscientifically observed is that when the car is inching along in traffic the burn rate is far worse than I would expect based on the numbers you noted above. I guess all that power has not been optimized for non-moving efficiency. Not a shortcoming of the car really, just the way it is.;)
     
  12. FFMAC

    FFMAC Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2012
    397
    UK
    Full Name:
    Mac
    +1. FF is the same. Guess Ferrari's V12s get bored in traffic and just drink more :)
     
  13. LV Eric

    LV Eric Formula Junior

    Apr 1, 2006
    541
    LA & LV
    Full Name:
    eric
    The more fuel a car uses, more I like the car. Dead serious.
     
  14. Brian L

    Brian L Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2015
    1,943
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Brian
    Traffic in any Ferrari is probably depressing.
     
  15. FFMAC

    FFMAC Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2012
    397
    UK
    Full Name:
    Mac
    Traffic in any non Ferrari is far more so! :)
     
  16. Brian L

    Brian L Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2015
    1,943
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Brian
    True that :)
     
  17. italiafan

    italiafan F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 19, 2006
    16,121
    Full Name:
    Stickbones Swagglesmith
    My F12....
    Remember this feeling?
    Christmas morning, about 5 am...sneak down the stairs...there in the living room is the tree, last night not much there...but magically gifts galore under the tree....ooooo...tingly feeling.
    That is the feeling I get when walking to the garage and open the door and see her...
    Remember when you saw a big gift with your name on the tag..from "Santa..."
    As you pull the wrapping paper off...is it my Lone Ranger gun set?
    That is the feeling I get when I sit in her, fire the engine..idle..waiting for some temperature.
    Shift gears in memory lane...
    High school...back of my Dad's Mercury..big seat...my girlfriend...couple beers...music
    That is me pulling out of the drive!
    LOL
    :)
     
  18. Milanno

    Milanno Formula Junior

    Feb 23, 2012
    949
    Hybrid stuff would be amazing addition to F12/FF. In slow traffic you can use electric motor, when you want thrill push pedal little harder to wake up V12 monster :D
     
  19. Liquid Assets

    Liquid Assets Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2009
    391
    Cloud 9
    Agreed!
     
  20. Brian L

    Brian L Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2015
    1,943
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Brian
    The engine on and off would be super annoying. Starting the V12 is an event, not a small detail of traffic.

    Electric would be tricky to implement in a way that was cool. I'm not sure how they would do it, the car running is the point.
     
  21. Milanno

    Milanno Formula Junior

    Feb 23, 2012
    949
    If that is the case where Ferrari is unable to develop awesome hybrid system that is cool, V12 is left with turbo charging as only option.
     
  22. srslusso

    srslusso Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2005
    875
    Encino,Ca.
    Full Name:
    Steve S.
    I am about to trade up to a F12 from a 575m which I mainly use for FCA events not tracking . Instead of buying a 2014-2015 used I am going to order a new 2016 with very few options other then front end lifter comes with rotating headlights , diamond stitched full power seats, chrome edged front grill and parking cameras. Titanio/Burgandy. I don't like carbon fiber nor shields and skipping leather covered everything will allow me to buy a new car with full warranty. Any comments ?? Is there any other options I must have ............?
    Another problem I haven't driven one for more then 5 minutes once, Does anyone in So.Cal have one I can drive or at least ride in for a longer period 😀.
     
  23. Liquid Assets

    Liquid Assets Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2009
    391
    Cloud 9
    My 15 Aventador has the Start/Stop feature which comes on when the fuel level is below 1/4 tank but can also be turned on/off when the car is on by a push of a button. So its as easy to use as the front lift system. I don't find it annoying.
     
  24. Liquid Assets

    Liquid Assets Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2009
    391
    Cloud 9
    It also has the 6 cylinder mode where if your foot is on the peddle under 3,000rpms, it turns off half the motor and runs of 6 cylinders.
     
  25. Liquid Assets

    Liquid Assets Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2009
    391
    Cloud 9
    #25 Liquid Assets, Oct 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

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