Novitec gets busy with 12Cilindri Spider
How to improve on Ferrari's greatest ever V12? An Inconel exhaust and even more carbon, of course
Ferrari appears pretty well attuned to the tastes of its customers. So much so, in fact, that it’s recently re-engineered the DCT to behave like a manual gearbox, because the paying punters said they missed the combination of click-clack and a V12. The 12Cilindri Manuale is actually a tailor-made creation, perhaps the most extreme interpretation of the personalisation programme yet. But clearly there’s still scope for customisation beyond the factory standard, because here is Novitec’s latest raft of upgrades for the V12 drop-top.
It says a lot about just how far-reaching factory-grade options have now reached that Novitec’s effort no longer really looks like the aftermarket alternative. Partly that’ll be due to black paint hiding the additional carbon, but also relatively modest wheels and an exhaust that doesn’t look crazily out of place.
No doubt a different colour (or choice of wheel) would make the 12Cilindri stand out more, though plenty has been altered. Check the video for the most immediate evidence; the ‘high-performance exhaust system’ certainly delivers the soundtrack that’s perhaps missing a tad from the factory. Plus it can be gold-plated and tipped, which even Ferrari doesn’t do yet. No power gain is claimed for the 6.5-litre V12; you’d like to think most wouldn’t need more than 830hp.
Wheels, as often with a Novitec enhancement programme, have been designed with Vossen. These particular rims are forged NF12s with ‘a hub cover in centrelock style’; if these don’t suit, then a host of others are available, all of which can be buffed, bushed, or polished. Keeping them silver will be the niche choice soon enough. A standard 12C has 21-inch wheels all-round; here they’re staggered with 22s at the back, lending just a bit more muscle to the look (helped by lowering springs). Which always seems a bit sacrilegious given the effort that’s put into making a Ferrari drive how it does, but then it does look cool. And that matters as much as anything when buying a V12 Ferrari convertible.
Novitec claims additional downforce from its aero add-ons, which here include the rear three-piece spoiler and diffuser as well as the front apron. Again, that will surely be less of concern than aesthetics, but probably nice to know given the 211mph potential. Despite what it might look like here, Novitec’s experts can redo this interior any which way you want. As is often the case, there’s the potential to make something truly out there if you give the German tuner enough time and cash.
Novitec’s 12Cilindri parts are available now - you wouldn’t be alone in finding the standard wheels a bit plain, for example, as shown on this Spider. And actually, the front end looks a bit meek without the carbon spoiler. Which should probably be complemented by the rear one. And the diffuser. Don’t forget the exhaust, either…
They're bloody nice!
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