This is Ferrari’s new front-engined V12 flagship

While it might peer into the mists of time aesthetically, the technology is right up to date. There’s active aero to achieve that uncluttered look, electronic manipulation of torque delivery depending on the chosen gear – a first for a naturally aspirated engine, says Ferrari – the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that was first seen in the SF90 Stradale, brake-by-wire with what Ferrari calls ABS Evo and independent rear-wheel steering borrowed from the mighty 812 Competizione.

The V12 is essentially lifted from the run-out 812 too, complete with 9500rpm redline and sliding finger followers in the valvetrain to help achieve it, just like the fastest superbikes. Power is 819bhp while torque is rated at 500lb ft, but not until a heady 7250rpm. The 12Cilindri has grown slightly in every dimension over the car it replaces, though its wheelbase is shorter by 20mm. At 1560kg dry, it’s 35kg heavier than the 812 Superfast too.

And what do we make of the name? It’s as literal as they come, but I suppose we need to agree if we’re pronouncing it ‘twelve cilindri’ or using the proper Italian, ‘dodici cilindri’. The coupé starts at €395,000, rising to €435,000 for the folding hardtop variant. This will be quite the year for new 12-cylinder GTs with Aston Martin’s Vanquish just around the corner. Based on what we know so far, are you going Gaydon or Maranello?