AUTOCAR 612 roadtest -----------------------

Score out of 5

Design & engineering- 3
A technological triumph spoiled by fussy styling.

Performance /brakes- 5
Towering performance, yet responsive and tractable.

Handling & ride- 4 1/2
No car this big ever felt so small;excellant ride.

Comfort, safety & equipment-4
Short on toys but big on interior space.

Running costs- 2
Pricey, whatever waynyou measure it.

AUTOCAR VERDICT - 4
IF ONLY IT LOOKED BETTER.

The most broadly talented Ferrari ever? Probably.

If the 612 was beautiful-and every tester had reservations about the exterior styling and the aesthetics of the interior-this would undoubtedly be an effortless 5 star car, for the dynamics and packaging desrve nothing less.Fortunately, you're not conscious of the clumsy proportions from behind the wheel, for it is here that the 612 shrugs off its size and weight and displays the enourmous range of talents that ensure it a place as one of the world's most illustrious GT cars.
cost aside, no Ferrari has ever been so easy to live with, so effortless and friendly in its manners ,so honest in its behaviour.That it is also sensationally quick-yes, quicker in the real world than the 575M- and, at last for this particular V12, sounds great,is almost taken for granted.
It has one other vital quality;in involving the driver directly in every level of dynamic communication, the 612 is unique and stands Ferrari far apart from new rivals such as Benley GT and MB CL 65. It might be practical , but this is a drivers' ferrari as much as any other.
Ultimately, we can forgive the gawky appearance , because it is this alone that stands between the 612 and true greatness.

 

http://www.autocarmag.com/RoadTest_Summary.asp?RT=208851