Road & Track on the Scaglietti

club0 · Apr 23, 2004

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=1285&page_number=1

I hope this is not a repost..

Performance. Performance. And performance. This single-mindedness about performance is what helped Ferrari build its long-standing reputation of producing the worlds premier road-going sports cars. The most recent, the Ferrari Enzo, is an amazing supercar for the select few. But for 2004, by prancing horse standards, the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a return to reality. It is an all-new 2+2 Grand Tourer replacing the 456M GT that first appeared in 1992. Despite being a more practical Ferrari, the engineers and designers behind the 612 never deviated from the companys mantra of exciting performance.

And to talk about performance for any Ferrari begins with the cars soul: the engine. The 612 Scaglietti comes with an awesome 5.75-liter powerplant, code-named Type 133. This all-aluminum 65-degree V-12 is capable of producing 532 bhp at 7250 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 5250 rpm. Its variable geometry intake ensures robust power output at any given engine rpm and vehicle speed. And dry-sump lubrication guarantees that all the inner workings of the engine are well protected under extreme acceleration/braking and lateral forces.

With a Bosch Motronic ME7 engine-management system working with a drive-by-wire throttle, response is quickened for a sportier driving experience. The Scaglietti can be ordered with the now popular F1-style paddle-shifting transmission. The hydroelectrically controlled manual gearbox is improved not only for quicker upshifts and downshifts, but also for smoother actuation in the automatic mode. Ferrari estimates 90 percent of the Scaglietti models will be purchased with this type of transmission.

With the 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari wanted to provide a roomier interior and better ride comfort but not at a sacrifice of performance. To accomplish these goals, engineers adopted the all-aluminum space-frame chassis first seen on the 360 Modena. Despite extending the 456M GTs wheelbase by a whopping 13.8 in., and increasing the overall length, height and width by 5.5 in., 1.7 in. and 1.4 in., respectively, Ferrari reports the larger Scaglietti body-in-white weighs nearly 100 lb. less than the comparable 456M GT, with an overall curb weight increase of 390 lb. to 4056. Not bad considering the significant interior room gained for both the front and rear passengers, as well as a 25-percent improvement in cargo capacity.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has a strong road presence. From the photos, it is difficult to discern its large footprint. The Pininfarina design hides the size of the 2+2 well. The twin-projector xenon headlights lead the long and muscular front shoulders, which then give way to the smoother hoodline that slopes forward to meet the familiar Ferrari grille. The long scallop detail that runs along both sides of the car is reminiscent of the design cues seen on the 375 MM.

Inside the 612, a rich Italian leather treatment abounds. The steering wheel, the instrument cluster and the circular air vents are similar to those seen on the Enzo. Luxury amenities befitting a Grand Tourer such as the dual climate control and a 6-channel Bose stereo/CD-changer come standard, while heated seats and Bluetooth capability for cell phones are options.

Climb aboard the 612 Scaglietti and the first thing youll notice is how spacious it is. The view all-around is good. Turn the ignition switch, select 1st gear, and step on the throttle: The sports car hidden underneath the 2+2 Grand Tourer comes alive. The power delivery from the V-12 engine is velvety smooth and there is a tremendous buildup of forward momentum accompanied by a throaty growl. According to the factory, 0100-km/h (062 mph) acceleration takes only 4.2 seconds, and top speed is 199 mph.

At cruise, the Scagliettis ride is appropriately supple for a GT car. Switch on the sport mode, and adjustable damping works with the front/rear double wishbone suspension to tighten up the car for better steering response and handling. On twisty country roads, the Scaglietti stays poised; its CST (Control for Stability and Traction) adding a layer of safety for driving in slippery road conditions.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is due to arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall with an approximate price tag of $250,000. The sales volume is projected to be around 500 cars a year.

The 612 Scaglietti is a worthy successor to the 456M GT, a Grand Tourer perfect for sharing the Ferrari experience with family or friends.
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Kds · Apr 23, 2004

"Performance...performance...and performance"

While I am confident that Roseanne Barr could obtain the same objective in bed as Giselle Bundchen......wouldn't you rather do it with the lights on ?

Funny that they are silent about it's controversial styling.

They sound just like BMW new car salespeople....."if you could only drive the new 5 series"........

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Road & Track on the Scaglietti

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