The captivating Ferrari F12tdf

Oh I’m so in love. I’m writing this right after getting home. First it’s a Ferrrari V-12, that’s usually enough right there. It’s like a regular car though, a traditional one with the engine in front, doors that open out instead of up, rear glass you can see out of, the door sill isn’t too wide so ingress and egress is easy and it’s quick, insanely quick. It’s not a space-shippy, UFO looking oddity and actually, seemingly obtainable because of the natural shape. It has swoops and curves like a beautiful woman lying down (on either her front, back or side). It’s the car a Maserati Grand Turismo wishes it could be. Behold! It’s the Ferrari F12tdf! Now bow down in reverence!

The F12tdf is the monster from Maranello named after the Tour de France race Ferrari dominated in the years before the bicyclists, winning ten times from 1951 to 1964 almost all with the 250 GTO, a similar looking car. The F12tdf is a F12 Berlinetta that’s been lightened, more powerful, revised suspension, transmission, aerodynamic enhancements, rear steering added and a sharper edged version of the F12. This particular version has upgrades including a front axle lift, upgrade audio and a stunning selection of personalization with blue tinted carbon fiber. The blue helping highlight the various aerodynamic upgrades over the standard F12 that create 500lbs of downforce at 125mph.

The 6.3 liter V-12 has a horn section. It blares, blasts, plays notes and talks to you with aural feedback like only a Ferrari V-12 can. The brass section changes tunes depending upon the gear and throttle position. Rated at 769hp at 8500rpm, up from 730hp in the Berlinetta. The torque peak is 519lb-ft. at 6250rpm but 80% of that available from 2500rpm and the redline is 8900 rpm. The power builds in a linear rush with no dead spot or lacking under a particular rpm, a rheostat connected to the foot similar to the wife’s LaFerrari. And as he says, it is a front engine LaFerrari, albeit noticeably slower. Well slower to him.

The transmission upshifts are 30% quicker and the downshifts 40% quicker with 6% shorter ratios, turning roughly 3000rpm at 80mph in 7th gear. The suspension features magnetorheological suspension control (generations beyond the first system developed by Delphi) with dual coil system. In order to help with immediate turn-in, the first application of rear steering by Ferrari is with a controller by ZF and software by Ferrari, the system is called Passo Corto Virtuale which basically means short wheelbase. It allows for rapid rotational change as if the wheelbase was shorter and helps keep the rear end stable. For ultimate grip, tires are 275s in front and 315s in the rear and the overall weight is reduced a reported 220lbs.

The owner said the standard F12 Berlinetta was a very good car but wasn’t passionate about it and his wife wasn’t really a fan, but this car is on an entirely different level. More reminiscent of his 599 GTO which he thoroughly enjoys, this F12tdf handles extremely well, rotates immediately, and feels lighter than the weight reduction would indicate which many attribute to the rear wheel steering. The owner, now very experienced and frequent track day participant in extremely high horsepower cars scoffs at reports the car is tricky to drive at the limit. Who goes ten-tenths on the street anyway? However feeling that turn-in a level of effortless grip shames many street legal cars.

Opening the passenger door the custom color choice glossy carbon fiber door panel is stunning, as it contrasts nicely in the interior. The shifting paddles are very long and the steering wheel has multiple functions on the front versus levers behind it.  The display in front of the driver includes front and rear camera views. There is a lot of finished details inside with the carbon fiber and it works great. Plenty of legroom in the footwell was another pleasant surprise and the thin backed carbon fiber seats are perfect with an interestingly firm center section in the back that, while noticeable for a new passenger, were very comfortable. The yellow mesh headliner helps brighten the interior and the blue Alcantara compliments without being garish. Peering in the rear, the hatch opens up revealing a cargo area sufficient for a small suitcase and gym/duffel bag. It’s not a small coupe with a 107.1” wheelbase but under the hood long, blue carbon fiber airboxes lead to the V-12 that actually sits behind the front axle line.

Weight distribution is 46% front, 54% rear. Despite the engine not being behind the driver, traction off the line at a stop light is fierce and even with wheelspin, the fantastically responsive traction control allowed the car to accelerate extremely hard. This is a sub-3 second 0-60mph car with proper traction and run the quarter mile deep in the low 10s and trap speeds likely in the upper 130s. For comparison sake, a heavier, lower horsepower Lamborghini LP750 SV clocked a 10.5 @ 136mph.

One would think this is a numbers car with all the figures tossed around. It’s not, it becomes immaterial when going for a ride in this. Would it matter if it only ran low 11s? What if it only turns 1:35s at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca? It doesn’t matter. The numbers simply aggregate into an audible, visual, and g-force sensation experience. A seriously sexy beast, the owner loves it, even more than expected. It’s just so cool, especially as bespoke as this one. Possibly the pinnacle of front engine, rear wheel drive cars, it also may be the last of the naturally aspirated and non-hybrid Ferraris. This may be the last of the standalone V-12s with Ferrari. If you ever see one, take your time and really examine it, take it all in. Why? Because V-12, that’s why.

Link to pictures and video:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.887414341363278.1073741878.378354382269279&type=1&l=0b37f84926

Ferrari 488 GTB owner interview

Over three years ago I published a comparison article of the Ferrari 458 Italia versus the McLaren MP4-12C. Now the same owner has a Ferrari 488 GTB and was gracious enough to share his insights. Tony Gaples, owner of the Blackdog Speedshop and driver of the #11 Blackdog Speedshop Chevrolet Z/28.R Camaro in the Pirelli World Challenge GTS series broadcast on CBS sports is the very happy owner of the black model pictured here.

First some background on the Ferrari 488 GTB which is the replacement for the 458 Italia, considered by many to be the best sports car in the world. Dropping the normally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 engine that peaked at 597 horsepower in the Speciale model, the engine is now a 3.9 liter twin turbo V8 producing 661 horsepower and 561 lbs ft of torque at 3,000rpm. By all accounts it is an improvement over the 458 except in one area. Read on.

Q: How would you sum up the Ferrari 488 GTB?
Everything is amazing except the exhaust sound which is exactly the same as my M5. You can't feel the turbos, I think Ferraris should always be naturally aspirated.

Q: What is your overall impression of the 488 GTB?
My overall impression of the car is Ferrari makes some of the best cars in the world. The 488 is a quarter step past the 458. I would still say the 458 is the second best manufacturer built performance car you can buy. This after its replacement, the 488. It is fast, with physics defying handling and amazing brakes all wrapped in a user friendly package with some of the best looks, which were carved in the wind tunnel.

Q: What do you like the most about it?
What I like the most can also be said about all the mid-engine Ferraris. They are like a motorcycle on four wheels. Frantic acceleration with an incredible suspension, stop-now brakes and great ergonomics.

Q: Is there anything you don’t like about it?
There isn't much to not like with the 488. Even though the turbo power comes on as if they weren't there, I feel Ferraris should be naturally aspirated. The exhaust note still has a Ferrari sound to it but not as intense as prior models without turbos. I'm not sure if I have an electrical glitch, but under heavy braking it turns on the hazard lights. This I don't like at all. I don't want to advertise how fast I'm scrubbing off speed.

Q: Any surprises with the car?
No real surprises, but I'm glad Ferrari has finally adopted a keyless ignition since you had to hit a start button anyway. Also it’s neat to have a speedometer and tachometer for the passenger. The exhaust note is reminiscent of a BMW M5, yet louder and more bravado but still definitely a Ferrari.

Q: Ferrari purposely tuned the power delivery to mimic a naturally aspirated engine. What is your feedback having experienced this?
The power and torque curve has a very naturally aspirated feeling. There's always a kick in your back with any press of the go pedal in any gear. Hard not to like, but again I prefer naturally aspirated.

Q: What differences and improvements that you noticed versus the 458 Italia?
If you had a 458 it's a natural progression sitting in the cabin if the 488, not much has changed and what has is for the better. I'm not missing a thing. The improvements are all small. More power and better usability over the 458.

Q: What about a 458 Speciale, the last normally aspirated, non-hybrid assist, mid-engine Ferrari?
I also own a 458 Speciale and will probably keep that car forever. The pinnacle of the 458's.

Q: Any plans to track the car, especially given your level of experience and knowledge?
Even though the 488 GTB comes out of the box ready for race track, I suspect I'll never take on there because if I'm at a race track I'm generally working on my #11 Blackdog Speedshop Chevrolet Z/28.R Camaro or trying to squeeze out better times from my 2014 COPO Camaro depending on the track. Note: Tony’s Copo Camaro is a deep 9-second, 140+mph dedicated drag car.

Q: Turbo cars are easy to modify with increasing boost, would you ever consider it or have you looked into it?
I don't anticipate playing with the turbos on the 488 for more power, but we may see some Blackdog turbo packages for Camaros and Corvettes in the future.

Q: Assuming McLaren has made improvements to their cars over the years, would you consider a 650S or 675LT?
After the McLaren MP4-12C I've been soured on buying another McLaren. They may be much better cars now, but I'm not going to take the risk to find out.

Q: Any final words?
It’s fast as (insert favorite expletive here)! In any gear.

A review of the extraordinary Ferrari LaFerrari

You could hear it coming from behind as you walk on the sidewalk of Main Street. A deep mechanical humming with a 12 cylinder bark at low speeds. It wasn't visible yet, the Giallo Triplo Strato (pearlescent yellow) would soon stand out, despite being absurdly low to the ground. It sets off car alarms in the downtown area. And then it appears, all sorts of mechanical noises from the back, the long nose in front. And a stunning touch, blue carbon fiber instead of black. Giving the ultra-rare car an even more custom, specially tailored look.

This is the LaFerrari. A name you quickly don’t mind once you see the car in person. It’s forgotten when you hear it start up and rolling. Only 499 of these will be made by Ferrari. Seeing them roped off at Goodwood and passing by at a distance, I was non-committal about the car. Now, having time to view it at all angles up close, and then being a part of the V-12 experience, it’s now my favorite car, of all time. I don’t care if it costs 1.5 million dollars. Its a hypercar and I'm in love.

The V-12 produces 789hp by itself. A stunning number and one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in automotive production history. It has a throaty roar at low rpm and a deep scream in the upper rpm range. The sound is simply glorious and it trumps everything else that isn’t a mid-engine supercar. This is the only way to go, a large displacement mid-engine and it must be experienced at least once.

Asking the owner who has spent some time with the car observing the factory break-in, one of the most surprising elements is how quiet, smooth and comfortable the car is, including space in the cabin. Besides the passenger leg room being compromised, it is a very comfortable car with fixed seats from the factory as part of the carbon fiber occupant tub. The pedals are adjustable and the seatback angle is the only seat position adjustment measured by the factory. The back-up camera is a much liked and appreciated feature, although a front camera is needed with the long, low nose.

Other dynamics that stand out are the razor sharp throttle response. There is no lag, no hesitation, the acceleration rate occurs based on throttle position until you lose traction. And what accompanies all that is glorious, howling V-12 soundtrack. It is the acceleration and volume control that goes to eleven. The transmission shifts are perfectly adaptable to around town driving yet fast and sudden during monster full-throttle runs.

Steering and turn-in are extremely responsive and said to be similar to his Ferrari 458 Speciale. When taking an on ramp at a speed that seemed impossible for anything that seats four adults, let alone two, hard jerks on the wheel to the inside of the turn redirected the nose into an even tighter arc without lean, delay or slop. This car demands comparisons to open-wheel race cars.

P1 comparisons are also inevitable since he owns both, and the track could be the deal breaker for picking a favorite. However the LaFerrari is quieter at cruising speeds, has a more compliant ride, quicker throttle and steering response, more interior room, a more stylish interior and puts the power to the ground better. This is a case where 950hp is better harnessed having a big, heavy V-12 close to the drive wheels with ultra-wide 345 series special model Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires providing traction. Under similar conditions, the  traction control doesn’t seem as intrusive and we speculated that the rear brakes are not activated as quickly or programmed to be less intrusive. There is less “scrabbling” for traction from the tires. Another interesting point, is the electronic differential may also play a role versus the open differential in the P1. Perhaps the recent Motor Trend test of the same car I reviewed suggests this as well. While the McLaren has the swoopy, outrageous styling, it appears shorter by more than the 5”. However the sound of the V-12 trumps all. It is that compelling, that memorable.

The only potential improvement in this masterpiece is lighter weight. The chosen color combination of the metallic yellow, blue carbon fiber, blue brake calipers and black wheels is masterful. I’m uncertain a traditional red colored model could be better configured from a visual standpoint.
There is a hybrid function, very limited by itself for approximately 6 miles but an extra 161 horsepower never hurt anyone except in weight gain. There is an engine stop-start function that should never have been offered. On second thought, hearing the V-12 start often could be a plus.

The center of gravity is 1.4 inches lower than its predecessor, the Enzo. At speed it produces an amazing 800lbs of downforce. Acceleration is brutal. At full throttle the sound is filling your ears while pinning your head against the headrest. First and second gears occur so quickly, that in 3rd gear you’re over 90mph and that sinking feeling in your stomach is building in intensity and
not falling off as speeds approach the triple digits.

Ferrari has made a glorious machine with extraordinary capabilities, a driving experience that is comparable to a race car but on pump gas, with a warranty and pedigree of a successful motorsports company. The question now is what would be different besides less weight if the electric portion of the powertrain is removed?

Photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.638460112925370.1073741853.378354382269279&type=1&l=471632dee9