the F12
? A nice problem for Ferrari to have in some ways, given the existing F12 combines jaw dropping looks with off-the-scale performance courtesy of a 740hp naturally aspirated V12. Still looks extraordinary written down now doesn't it!
Astonishingly there has proved to be headroom in the package, and a desire among buyers to indulge it. Ferrari has unleashed its
limited run TdF
, with 780hp and four-wheel steering, while aftermarket tuners like
Mansory
Bengala
have been readily catering for those whose wallet outstrips their sense of self-restraint.
So what lurks under the body cladding of this front-engined Ferrari prototype testing around Maranello? 'F12 M' was a designation previously used when TdF prototypes were first spotted and being used again this time round. From the proportions it's clear enough the car - or at least this mule - is F12 based. But what lurks underneath? A turbocharged V8 like that used in the 'downsized' GTC4 Lusso T? Hybrid assistance like that old 599 HY-KERS concept and carried into the LaFerrari? A diesel?
Probably not the latter. According to Autocar possibly hybrid at some point but not for a while yet. And we'd be surprised if Ferrari would put a V8 in its flagship coupe now. So let's work on the assumption it'll be a bit of TdF style power increase and - likely - the four-wheel steering, just minus some of the extreme weight saving and aero. We'll place our bets on finding out more at Geneva next year...
[Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]
