Since its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the arrestingly-styled Ferrari F12 has found its way into the homes of around 350 very lucky UK owners, making it one of the most popular Ferrari V12 GTs on these shores. And a quick glance at the car's headline-grabbing power figures shows exactly why.
When a 620hp 599 GTB isn't enough...
The F12's direct-injection, 6,262cc, 65-degree V12 delivers unprecedented performance for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder engine, both in terms of power and revs. With a massive 740hp at 8,250rpm and 509lb ft of torque from 6,000rpm the engine is in a league of its own. As you would expect, 62mph is dispatched in the blink of an eye - well, 3.1 seconds to be exact - and the top speed is described as 'over' 211mph.
An improved seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drives the F12's rear wheels, whilst owners prepared to splash out a cool £303,370 on a new one could happily spec the car to suit their own exacting requirements.
Resurrecting the iconic Tour de France name from Ferrari's past, an F12 TdF was released in 2015, employing the same 6.3-litre V12 engine as the standard car, but with tweaks to the variable geometry intake trumpets and the inclusion of race-spec mechanical tappets - raising power output to 780hp at 8,500rpm and cutting the 0-62mph time to 2.9 seconds. This model also features a more Spartan cabin and the extensive use of carbon fibre inside and out to shed 110kg. Four-wheel steering was added and the dampers were revised, with a more aggressive aero package reducing drag and increasing downforce at higher speeds.
Hold on tight, in comfort!
Noticeably quicker than the 599, yet more enjoyable at low speeds too, the F12 is part GT but definitely part supercar. The steering in particular is pretty sharp and requires constant monitoring. Given the car's relative youth few cars have suffered any major issues, but some 2014 and 2015 F12s were subject to a recall for faulty airbags. Check the history to confirm whether this has been carried out.
Despite the F12's amazing spec it is a pretty new model, and that means values are decreasing. "The newer GTs are still falling in price and often represent great value for money, with F12s as low as £180,000," confirms Glass's Antony Glynn.
Current prices start at around £200,000. "But these values are falling somewhat as the Ferrari 812 Superfast is now on the horizon," advises Robert Redman. Longer-term, John Collins at Talacrest is sure the F12 will prove a good investment, but for now at least the entry price to the F12 club is falling.
Buy if: You can't decide whether you want a Ferrari GT car or a Fiorano track monster
Don't buy if: You have to ask how much it costs, or what it'll be worth in a year
We found: 2015 F12, Grigio Silverstone, full service history, 3K miles, £259,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £200,000
Good: £200,000 to £300,000
A1: £300,000+
Special Editions: F12tdf commands over £500,000