Fastest Ferrari Poised for U.S Debut

Ferrari SpA introduces North America to its fastest and most powerful model ever the F12berlinetta this weekend at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The car made its global debut at the Geneva auto show in March.

The two-seater's all-new 6.3-liter V-12 engine produces 730 hp and 730 lb-ft of torque and delivers it through Ferrari's seven-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. The naturally aspirated engine delivers 80% of its torque at 2500 rpm.

Ferrari says the F12berlinetta can zip from zero to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds and hit twice that speed in 8.5 seconds. Yet at nearly 16 mpg, the car is 30% more fuel efficient than its predecessor V-12 coupe.

Carbon dioxide emissions are 350 g/km, which Ferrari claims is best in the coupe's supercar segment and 30% below the 599 GTB Fiorano it replaces.

The 3,590-lb F1berlinetta is shorter, lower and narrower than the 599. It also rides on an all-new spaceframe chassis constructed of 12 aluminum alloys some of them new to the auto industry. Ferrari says torsional rigidity is 20% greater than the previous model.

The driver's seat is lower and positioned closer to the rear wheels, resulting in a lower center of gravity and 45%/55% front/rear weight distribution. Aerodynamic features, including a domed hood, generate 271 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and give the car a coefficient of drag of 0.299.