Chris Harris, "It is unquestionably the best car they make at the moment!"

Super excited to get mine !!!!

 

Extremely nice review. It’s good to see that Ferrari made improvements to the previous car. You can tell from all the hidden aero near the rear bumper it’s both stylish and very high performance.

 

Throws a bit of a spanner in the works for those who think new = bad. He was unusually enthusiastic. And why not? It’s a beautiful new Ferrari V12. How many more like it will there ever be?

 

As always Chris is very good and mostly unbiased. Loved the note about small improvements to steering and brakes…I wish they could recalibrate the 458 series for me! lol

Huge disappointment on the sound in cabin, sadly. Quieter than an 812 is not the right direction.

 

What a video. We with allocations should all be even more excited!

 

Two things I got out of this video.

1. Harris really likes the 12C
2. Harris needs to go on a diet.

 

I've got one coming, but this review seems highly unusual for Chris....way too over enthusiastic and full of praise for a car with clear flaws....it's almost as though he found an Italian paper bag in the glovebox....

 

Most exciting part of the video was 13:00 hearing they may be going back to buttons

 

Exactly my thoughts. When he said he thought the f12 and 812 might have been too loud you know something is off.

 

Are you wanting the 12 Cilindri to sound like a FXX at Monza?

 

No, I never said that. But my f12 (stock) rocks it. Not too loud but gives me goose bumps. 12C doesn’t.
his review didn’t make sense. Just check how he’s speaking of the 458, the f12, the tdf. Then check this review. There’s something off.

 

Does it have to be one extreme or another?

It's almost a universal fact that the 812 in particular GTS form is too muted. To suddenly claim its "too loud" to promote the sound of an even quieter car seems absurd.

We are talking Ferrari flasghip....needs a little more noise and emotion.

Even when Chris reviews his personal favorite Porsche GT cars, he has a few negatives to point out each time.

 

He had just dined at Cavallino and was spending the day driving w/Dario Benuzzi. He didn't want to be rude.

 

Someone like Chris needs to understand his reviews hold a lot of weight with people making decisions to buy cars, and even the values of cars. I know I certainly rely a large part on these reviews to make a purchasing decision as I often don't get the luxury of test driving them

"Not being rude" over maintaining unbiased journalism is irresponsible in my opinion

To put up a video that has done over 300k views in less than 24 hours is testament to the amount of sway he has in the car industry

 

CH is particularly thrilled that Ferrari still offers a naturally aspirated, non hybrid V12 sports car. That by itself is worthy of excitement in 2025.

I agree the exhaust sounds muted. Hoping that Novitec offers a solution that delivers ~25% more sound volume and extra grit.

 

I am not sure what the “clear flaws” are. Unless of course you have driven the car and have a personal opinion. Otherwise, it is hard to see any obvious problems and find it hard to dispute a respected journalist. Mechanically the car is an evolution of a good recipe, so it is expected to drive better than its predecessor. Visually it is a matter of taste of course but the 812 was not universally hailed as a beauty either and I still remember the snide remarks on the rear of the F12. Both of those designs have aged well and I think the 12C is also a very interesting design. The sound is muted, but this is not Ferrari’s choice, it is regulation.

Several other magazines posted videos yesterday and all of them were also very positive (unless I missed any negative ones), so I dont think Chris is out of consensus here.

Don’t get me wrong, I was not wowed when the car came out, but I must say I was pleased with the review. I would also bet the F80 review will be terrific too…

 

reflective screens in the sun that can't be read
buggy and laggy system that can affect important functions like nose lift
touch buttons as everyone knows
muted noise
lack of luggage space for a GT car
...to name a few mentioned in the other reviews so far

Looks are of course subject - but the overwhelming opinion is not good. Especially to people who are not die hard car enthusiasts. I showed the car I'm getting to some friends and family - the first response was usually "what's that?" followed by VW? Audi?....when I said the new Ferrari I was usually met with looks of (polite) confusion

 

My take was that Harris didnt spend too much time fiddling or even caring about screens. He just was enjoying the interplay of the engine and chassis. So to me, it’s just a man who loves cars, being in Italy, at Ferrari, enjoying some nice company, driving with the man who is responsible for why these cars drive remarkably, and just having a great day. It’s interesting, because, despite all the screens and buttons, or not, and all the other stuff, its Enzo Ferrari’s age old quote that he sells you an engine and throws in the car for free.

On the screens, the reviews of the spider are in Portugal, clearly done some time ago. Whereas Harris is in Maranello and driving the coupe. It seems the sun can be an issue for the spider, maybe not so much for winter time in Maranello?

My reaction to his discussing the F12/812 exhaust sound is, like all of us, Harris is getting older. And, the world is getting less tolerant of loud cars. Most cars are quieter than before. Because loud/quiet/ are somewhat relative measures, it could just be that Harris is appreciating a car that makes a nice noise but isnt too obnoxious. I have some cars with loud exhausts, whereas in the past I was happy to go blaring down the road. These days I think more about where I do it. Thats just me, but thats also how I am understanding his comment about the exhaust. I do think the 12 Cilindri would be better if it were louder and also a little clearer. It seems to sound very good in the cabin.

When I was out in Pebble Beach last year I asked several people what they thought of the new 12 Cilindri. Everyone liked it, but what was interesting to me was the reactions of those who are more into cars and, specifically, Ferrari, they were more critical; whereas, those who were not as into all of this said it was beautiful.

 

I am sure his review is genuine, have to admit him saying it's much better than the 812 made me curious about driving one!

 

I really liked his enthusiasm got me excited, maybe one day I can get into one.

My goodness he did gain weight from the last video I saw of him

 

I just thought he was wearing a puffy jacket. Maybe because it was filmed on an iphone instead of a proper camera like most of his other videos?

 

Totally 100000000%. Come on my man, absurd.

 

But prior to the 12Cilindri being introduced there was no other point of reference so the F12 & 812 were the default. Now that he got to experience a GT Ferrari that sounds different perhaps he appreciates that this is how it’s supposed to be or that it makes for a better experience and thus arrived to his comment about them being too loud. Also Chris is 50 now so perhaps this is what he likes now …

 

This hits the nail on the head. At a certain point, quality of noise is more important. The gearbox and engine are fantastic. I don’t care anymore if it is a little quieter. You can clearly hear in the cabin that it still sounds great. It will make driving one a tremendous experience, especially with the added ability CH talks about. Like everyone here, I am getting older and have now been fortunate enough to have had many such cars. A cultured and beautiful sound, in appropriate measure, allied to a V12 engine with a quick-fire gearbox and Ferrari-honed chassis, wrapped in a body I have grown to like? Yes please. I have no bother about those who don’t like it because they have a simple solution. The other alternative is a harder path - spending the ever-increasing £’s to buy one. I don’t believe CH is playing games here, you can clearly see he had a great time in the car. Probably hadn’t yet read in fchat that you’re not supposed to think that

It seems the 12C is a brilliant car. Unfortunately.