Anyone gone from 12 Cylinders 'back' to 8?

I thought this interesting thread had started earlier.

In any case, the F12 remains Ferrari's fastest road car, whether it is a GT, sports car, or whatever. I don't have one but can understand why someone would opt for it, then think about or be reluctant to go back to a "less serious" car. As for the California, it has a different nature, regardless of torque. It is more informal, sporty, and of course offers the open air. The 12 vs. 8 cylinder aspect plays into this difference.

 

There is something extra special about a v12, I am in an ff not an f12 , but have come from italia and spider. Had a couple of 612's before as well and j have to agree that a v12 motor just seems to have that extra special feel, it's not about speed it's just the feel of the thing, I don't think I could go to a Cali T ...would happily have a 458 as well in the stable bit cannot afford both ... I love v12's just looking at the engine does it for me

 

Never ... I happen to be fortunate enough to have an FF and a Cali. If one had to go it would be the Cali in a heartbeat. I only drive the Cali when the FF is broken or when the weather is REALLY nice. There is something very addicting with the V12 sound and performance that is missing with a V8.

Rick

 

Not sure about that. The V8 speciale is already faster than the f12. The 458 replacement, be it two years down the road, will be much faster, until the F12 replacement eventually arrives.

To put it bluntly, this is really an age bracket thing. If you are 45+ or 50+ you will prefer the V12s and be better placed to afford the higher depreciation too, if under 45 the V8s will put a bigger smile on your face.

 

Not according to Ferrari, the speciale is .5 slower around Fiorano.

 

If you are serious, according to ferrari, the speciale is 0.1 sec faster to 0-100 km/hr.

But that's not the point. One is a front engined GT car, the other a mid-engine sports car. Age plays a factor here. Many move on from v8s to v12s when the time is right.

 

I will add the following: When people gaze though the glass into the engine bay of my 458 they say something like, "Hey that's cool," or "Neat." But when I open the mile-long hood of the FF and they look in, there are sometimes audible gasps.

 

Excellent point, wisdom comes only with age.

 

0-100kmh is much less relevant to overall performance than lap times. I'm 35 and would take the f12 in a heartbeat.

 

+1

 

Who cares 0-100. I only care for 0-300


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I am 58 and have turned down 2 F12s. I like the sports car factor of the 458. I have driven the F12. It's a GT car to me. I have several GTs. The F12 is a great car but not my favorite GT. YMMV.

 

Have you driven an F12 ... I think not

 

I don't understand when people say the F12 is more GT than a 458... is it simply because you believe that must be the case since one is front engine and the other mid? Or have you driven both on a track?

I have owned both and have driven both on a track. The F12 doesn't feel any more GT than the 458 to me.

I think people are making a mistake by comparing the F12 to prior 12 cylinder Ferraris. It is really quite amazing. And also a practical daily driver.

 

It's the sound of the v12. It has the build up and top end tingy noise. The v8 is different.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFf4h86PlIU]Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano sound!! Startup, revs, acceleration... - YouTube[/ame]

Not the best example but you get the point.

 

When I was at the dealer and started the Cali, it was a really neat sound and I liked it. When I started the FF, I blushed. My oh my what an engine - what a sound. I ended up with the Cali because overall it fit us better (love open top), but the 12 still calls me...

I think when you move from the 12 to the 8, you will really miss the 12, but the rest of the car will make the difference. And then the F12 convertible will arrive and all your problems will be over!

 

Trust me the Speciale isn't going to be quicker from 200- 280 km/h....as academic as those speeds are.

 

So which is the more essential experience: The rush and freedom of open air... or the feel and sound of the Ferrari V12? It's like deciding what is your favorite poetry. Perhaps one lands based on rareness -- there are many ways to get your open air experience; but there are few Ferrari V12s. But our spirits are restless, and change is in the air ...

 

Have had 458 coupe and Spider, but my 599 (which is soon to be replaced by an F12) was a more authentic special experience. The V12 engine is still the king of engines, it is the essence of where Ferrari came from and links history. That is not to say the V8 cars are not special, they are magnificent. In a V8 you are trying to arrive, in a V12 you've arrived. F12 more than ever, is the most practical special car you can buy (though I agree the FF is also gaining special recognition here, and is also of the same ilk). I would buy a V8 again, but if I could only have one car. it would be a V12. Enjoy them whilst they last and exist.

 

I think you want a 599 Aparta .

 

The F12 was designed ground-up as a coupe, 46/54 wt. distr., weighs 3,593.5 lbs. (kerb)

The California was designed as a convertible ground-up, 47/53 wt. distr., weighs 3,825 lbs.

The factory would likely prefer a metal roof to preserve the look of the F12 coupe and give the car a sophisticated look but since the F12 was not designed to lose its roof, it would need a lot of stiffening especially with the heavier V12 engine in front. A metal roof would also add a lot of weight plus bulk to the already high trunk.

The resulting car would likely be too handicapped. That's probably why previous open top V12 models were the Barchetta and Aperta. But targa top Fcars are neither practical nor versatile, only exclusive and pretty (top-off).

It would probably be a lot easier to put a V12 engine into a California than to make an F12 convertible. The California is in its own class not without reason - it's designed as a convertible.