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Ferrari 12Cilindri (2025) Review

Ferrari 12Cilindri (2025) Review

Indrive cast Apr 22, 2026 13 min
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About this episode

The Indrive cast review spotlights Ferrari’s 12Cilindri (2025) as a bold defense of the naturally aspirated V12 era. The discussion centers on the F-140HD engine’s 830 hp, 9,500 rpm redline, titanium internals, F1-derived valve train, and “aspirated torque shaping” that mimics forced-induction feel without turbos or electrification. They also cover the Daytona-inspired front visor, active aero, and Virtual Short Wheelbase steering, plus the dual-cockpit digital interior with classic tactile controls. The episode frames it as an emotional counterpoint to algorithmic, silent performance.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Ferrari 812 Superfast

"The successor to the 812 Superfast arrives not as an evolution, but as a bold reaffirmation that the naturally aspirated V12 remains the beating heart of Ferrari's identity."

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the earlier Ferrari V12 supercar that the new 12Cilindri is replacing. The hosts say the new model isn’t just a small update—it’s more like a bold continuation of the same V12 idea. That helps you understand what kind of driving experience Ferrari is aiming for.

Concept

naturally aspirated V12

"The successor to the 812 Superfast arrives not as an evolution, but as a bold reaffirmation that the naturally aspirated V12 remains the beating heart of Ferrari's identity. Unveiled on May 3, 2024, during Ferrari's 75th anniversary celebration in America at"

A naturally aspirated V12 is a V12 engine that doesn’t use turbochargers or superchargers to force air in. Because it’s not “boosted,” it tends to feel more direct and can rev freely. The hosts are saying Ferrari is choosing that classic, high-rev V12 experience on purpose.

Term

hybrid complexity

"Instead of hybrid complexity, it revealed an 830 horsepower V12 masterpiece revving to 9,500"

“Hybrid complexity” means a hybrid car has extra systems beyond a normal gas engine. Those extras can make the car more complicated to manage and maintain. The hosts are saying this new Ferrari avoids that and sticks with a traditional V12 approach.

Term

revolutions per minute

"revolutions per minute, a pure mechanical orchestra untouched by turbochargers or electric assistance."

RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. When RPM goes up, the engine is working harder, and the sound and power usually change a lot. It’s one of the main ways drivers judge an engine’s character.

Concept

turbochargers

"revolutions per minute, a pure mechanical orchestra untouched by turbochargers or electric assistance."

A turbocharger is a device that helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air into it. If a car isn’t using turbos, it typically makes power by revving and breathing naturally instead. That often changes the sound and throttle response.

Concept

electric assistance

"revolutions per minute, a pure mechanical orchestra untouched by turbochargers or electric assistance. It was not just a launch."

Electric assistance means the car uses an electric motor to help the engine. That can make acceleration feel stronger or smoother, especially at low speeds. This segment is saying the car aims to feel more “pure” than that.

Term

dual cockpit interior

"From its Daytona-inspired front visor to its dual cockpit interior that immerses both driver and passenger, every detail serves one purpose. Connection."

A “dual cockpit interior” suggests a cabin layout that emphasizes both driver and passenger experience, often with closely integrated controls, seating, and visibility. In this segment, it’s described as immersing both occupants to create a more engaging, shared driving environment.

Term

Daytona-inspired front visor

"From its Daytona-inspired front visor to its dual cockpit interior that immerses both driver and passenger, every detail serves one purpose. Connection."

This is a front design piece meant to look like something you’d see on classic Daytona race cars. It’s mostly about styling and heritage, though front aero parts can also help manage airflow. The hosts are using it to connect the car to racing DNA.

Term

2.9 seconds sprint to 100 kilometers per hour

"Its 2.9 seconds sprint to 100 kilometers per hour is impressive, but what truly defines the visceral drama of that engine, titanium rods, advanced intake systems, and a soundtrack"

That’s a measure of how fast the car accelerates from a stop to 100 km/h. It’s one way people compare performance between cars. The segment uses it as a baseline, then argues the engine feel is the real story.

Part

advanced intake systems

"the visceral drama of that engine, titanium rods, advanced intake systems, and a soundtrack that no algorithm can replicate."

The intake system is how air gets into the engine. If it’s “advanced,” it’s designed to deliver air more effectively so the engine responds better and sounds more exciting. That’s why the hosts connect it to the roar as revs rise.

Part

titanium rods

"the visceral drama of that engine, titanium rods, advanced intake systems, and a soundtrack that no algorithm can replicate."

Connecting rods are internal engine parts that help transfer piston motion to the crankshaft. Using titanium can make those parts lighter, which can help the engine rev and feel more responsive. The segment is pointing to this as part of the car’s high-performance character.

Term

front-mounted V12

"So settle in. Feel the heat of that front-mounted V12. Hear the intake roar as it climbs toward red line, and understand this truth."

A front-mounted V12 means the big 12-cylinder engine is placed up front. That can change how the car balances and how it feels when you accelerate. In this segment, it’s also used to emphasize the drama and heat you can feel.

Term

red line

"Hear the intake roar as it climbs toward red line, and understand this truth. This isn't just a grand tourer."

The red line is the top safe engine speed. If you go past it, you can risk damaging the engine, so the car usually limits you. The segment is saying the engine sounds especially dramatic as it nears that limit.

Term

aluminum, carbon fiber

"It is a declaration carved in aluminum, carbon fiber, and fire. It arrives in an era where performance is increasingly measured in kilowatt hours, charging curves,"

Aluminum and carbon fiber are materials that help keep the car light. A lighter car can feel quicker and handle better. The segment is using them to emphasize that this Ferrari is built with performance-focused materials.

Concept

charging curves

"It arrives in an era where performance is increasingly measured in kilowatt hours, charging curves, and silent acceleration, yet this machine refuses to whisper."

A charging curve shows how fast an EV charges at different points during the charging session. It often slows down as the battery gets fuller. The hosts are contrasting that with the Ferrari’s focus on how the engine feels.

Concept

kilowatt hours

"It arrives in an era where performance is increasingly measured in kilowatt hours, charging curves, and silent acceleration, yet this machine refuses to whisper."

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) are a way to measure how much energy a battery holds. EVs are often discussed in terms of battery size and how much energy they use. The hosts are saying this Ferrari doesn’t fit that “energy accounting” mindset.

Concept

silent acceleration

"charging curves, and silent acceleration, yet this machine refuses to whisper. It does not adapt politely to the times."

Silent acceleration is what you often notice in EVs—when they speed up, there’s much less engine noise. The segment is saying this Ferrari is the opposite: it wants you to hear and feel the car, not just watch the speed change.

Car

Ferrari 12Cilindri

"It roars unapologetically, like a sovereign reminding the world that power is not only about speed, it is about sensation, identity, and legacy. At the very center of this masterpiece lies the heart of the sovereign symphony, the F-140HD engine."

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is a Ferrari with a big V12 engine. The point of this segment is that the engine’s sound and how it pulls through the revs are a huge part of what makes the car special.

Term

F-140HD engine

"At the very center of this masterpiece lies the heart of the sovereign symphony, the F-140HD engine. This is the latest evolution of Ferrari's legendary 65-degree naturally aspirated V12, an engine lineage that traces its bloodline back decades."

Ferrari calls the engine in this car the F-140HD. Think of it as the engine’s “model name,” and the hosts are saying it’s the newest version of Ferrari’s V12.

Term

titanium connecting rods

"Ferrari equipped it with titanium connecting rods, 40% lighter than steel, reducing rotational mass and allowing the engine to spin with incredible freedom."

Connecting rods are parts inside the engine that move power from the pistons to the crankshaft. Using titanium instead of heavier steel helps the engine rev more freely and feel more responsive.

Term

sliding finger followers

"One of the most revolutionary innovations lies in its valve train. Borrowed directly from Ferrari's Formula One technology, the engine uses sliding finger followers instead of traditional tappets. This reduces friction dramatically, enabling the engine to rev higher, faster, and with greater reliability."

This is a valve-train part that helps open and close the engine’s valves. The idea is that it reduces friction, so the engine can rev higher more reliably.

Concept

aspirated torque shaping

"Ferrari also introduced a groundbreaking system known as aspirated torque shaping. For the first time in a naturally aspirated engine, software is used to subtly sculpt torque delivery in specific gears. This does not add artificial power."

Even though the engine is naturally aspirated, Ferrari uses software to make the car’s torque feel smoother and more consistent. It’s like tuning how the power comes on so it pulls strongly without sudden spikes.

Term

8-speed dual clutch transmission

"Power is delivered through Ferrari's refined 8-speed dual clutch transmission, which shifts so quickly and seamlessly that it feels almost predictive, anticipating the driver's intentions before they are fully expressed."

This is a special automatic gearbox with two clutches. It can switch gears so quickly that the car keeps pulling without a noticeable pause.

Term

cofango

"The front hood is engineered as a single massive clamshell known as a cofango."

“Cofango” is an Italian term commonly used in automotive design to refer to the front end/hood area as a unified bodywork piece. In this context, Ferrari is describing a single-piece front clamshell that helps reduce panel gaps and improve the car’s sculpted look.

Term

clamshell

"The front hood is engineered as a single massive clamshell known as a cofango."

A clamshell hood is a big one-piece front cover. It’s designed to look smooth and fit tightly, and it can also help the car feel more solid.

Term

active aerodynamic flaps

"At the rear, active aerodynamic flaps remain hidden until needed, deploying automatically at higher speeds to generate significant downforce without disrupting the vehicle's elegant silhouette."

These are movable aero parts that adjust themselves. At higher speeds they help push the car onto the road for better traction and control.

Concept

downforce

"At the rear, active aerodynamic flaps remain hidden until needed, deploying automatically at higher speeds to generate significant downforce without disrupting the vehicle's elegant silhouette."

Downforce is the “suction” effect from the air that pushes the car down onto the road. More downforce usually means the tires can grip better when you’re going fast.

Term

Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0

"The independent four-wheel steering system, known as Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0, allows the rear wheels to turn independently, effectively altering the car's perceived wheelbase depending on driving conditions."

This is a system that steers the rear wheels too. At low speeds it helps you turn more easily, and at high speeds it helps the car feel steadier.

Term

side-slip control system

"Complimenting this is Ferrari's latest side-slip control system, now in its most advanced form."

This system helps control how much the car slides sideways. The goal is to keep the car stable and predictable when you’re driving hard.

Term

ABS EVO technology

"Working alongside ABS EVO technology derived from Ferrari's mid-engine supercars, it continuously monitors traction and grip levels."

ABS is the system that prevents your wheels from locking up under hard braking. “EVO” here means Ferrari’s upgraded version that helps the car stay in control and keep traction.

Concept

controlled oversteer

"The result is a driving experience that allows controlled oversteer and dynamic handling while maintaining an invisible safety net."

Oversteer is when the rear of the car wants to slide outward in a turn. “Controlled” means the car is set up so it can do that a bit without becoming scary or losing control.

Car

Toyota Grand Highlander

"With an adult-sized third-row, everyone's welcome in the Grand Highlander."

They’re talking about the Grand Highlander as a bigger family SUV. The point is that the third row is actually comfortable enough for adults.

Car

Toyota Sienna

"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system, slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive, and let's go!"

They mention the Toyota Sienna because it can come with entertainment for passengers in the back. It’s meant to make family trips easier and more comfortable.

Car

Toyota RAV4

"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system, slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive, and let's go!"

They’re talking about the RAV4 because you can get it with all-wheel drive. That helps the car handle better when roads are slippery.

Term

Manitino Drive mode dial

"The iconic Manitino Drive mode dial still sits proudly on the steering wheel, offering immediate access to the car's dynamic personalities, [755.3s] from composed grand touring comfort to aggressive track-ready intensity."

This is a physical knob on the steering wheel for changing how the car drives. Instead of going through menus, you can switch modes right away to make the car feel calmer or more aggressive.

Term

Rosso Corsa

"Buyers can select from classic Ferrari colors such as Rosso Corsa, Rosodino, and Giallo Modena, [773.8s] alongside elegant metallic finishes like Grigio Silverstone and Blue Tour de France."

Rosso Corsa is one of Ferrari’s famous red paint colors. It’s a popular choice if you want the car to look like a traditional Ferrari.

Term

Rosodino

"Buyers can select from classic Ferrari colors such as Rosso Corsa, Rosodino, and Giallo Modena, [773.8s] alongside elegant metallic finishes like Grigio Silverstone and Blue Tour de France."

Rosodino is a specific Ferrari paint color option. The point is that Ferrari lets buyers choose unique, brand-specific colors.

Term

Giallo Modena

"Buyers can select from classic Ferrari colors such as Rosso Corsa, Rosodino, and Giallo Modena, [773.8s] alongside elegant metallic finishes like Grigio Silverstone and Blue Tour de France."

Giallo Modena is a named Ferrari paint color, usually a yellow. They’re listing it to show how many different colors you can choose.

Term

Grigio Silverstone

"[766.3s] Buyers can select from classic Ferrari colors such as Rosso Corsa, Rosodino, and Giallo Modena, [773.8s] alongside elegant metallic finishes like Grigio Silverstone and Blue Tour de France."

Grigio Silverstone is a specific metallic gray paint color Ferrari offers. It’s included to show the car can be finished in very particular, premium-looking shades.

Term

Blue Tour de France

"[766.3s] Buyers can select from classic Ferrari colors such as Rosso Corsa, Rosodino, and Giallo Modena, [773.8s] alongside elegant metallic finishes like Grigio Silverstone and Blue Tour de France."

Blue Tour de France is a specific blue paint option Ferrari offers. They’re mentioning it to show how many special, named color choices you can get.

Concept

Ferrari's tailor-made program

"Through Ferrari's tailor-made program, nearly limitless combinations of paint, materials, stitching, and interior finishes [788.3s] allow each 12-cylinder to become a deeply personal expression."

This is Ferrari’s customization program that lets you personalize the car. You can choose things like paint, interior materials, and stitching so it feels truly yours.

Concept

12-cylinder

"[788.3s] allow each 12-cylinder to become a deeply personal expression. [793.7s] Ultimately, the 12-cylinder represents something profoundly emotional."

A 12-cylinder engine is a big, multi-cylinder engine that usually sounds and feels special. Here, they’re saying the V12 is about emotion—how it drives and how it sounds.

Concept

electrification

"In a future increasingly dominated by silence, automation, and electrification, [811.9s] this car stands as a reminder that driving can still be an art form, a sensory experience,"

Electrification means cars are increasingly powered by electricity instead of (or alongside) gasoline. The hosts are basically saying that as cars get quieter and more automated, they still want driving to feel human and exciting.

Concept

automation

"In a future increasingly dominated by silence, automation, and electrification, [811.9s] this car stands as a reminder that driving can still be an art form, a sensory experience,"

Automation is when the car helps drive for you using sensors and computers. They’re contrasting that with the idea that a great car should still feel connected to the driver.

Concept

Maranello

"This is not merely engineering from Maranello, it is an act of courage, [882.7s] a statement that while technology may evolve and trends may shift, true legends are not erased by time."

Maranello is where Ferrari is based. When they say “from Maranello,” they mean it’s a Ferrari with the brand’s traditional identity and engineering culture behind it.

Concept

digitized experiences

"In a world increasingly filled with sanitized performance and digitized experiences, this car stands like a lighthouse in a storm..."

The hosts are talking about how modern cars can feel more like computers—lots of screens and software. They’re contrasting that with cars that feel more mechanical and “alive” through the way the engine and controls respond. It’s more about the vibe of the driving experience than one specific part.

Concept

hybrid era

"Is the naturally aspirated V-12 still the ultimate expression of automotive soul, or has the hybrid era already claimed the throne? Let the debate ignite."

The “hybrid era” is when more cars use both a gas engine and an electric motor. That usually makes the car feel different—often quieter and sometimes more efficient. The episode is basically debating whether that modern approach still delivers the same excitement as classic engine sound and feel.

Part

rear seat entertainment system

"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system. [1077.8s] Slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive."

This is the entertainment setup for people sitting in the back seats. It usually means screens and audio so passengers can watch shows or movies during the ride.

Term

all-wheel drive

"Slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive. And let's go!"

All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four tires. That usually helps it grip better on wet or snowy roads than driving with just two wheels.

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