Lexus' First Super Car

Lexus LF-A

The LF-A concept is one of the first steps into the sports car segment of cars by the automobile maker Lexus and was first introduced in 2005 followed by two more concepts being introduced; the second 2007 and the third in 2008. The production model the “LF-A” was revealed in October 2009 at the Tokyo motor show. The LF-A is the first super car developed by Lexus and is the successor to the IS F (another performance inspired model).

The chassis of the LF-A is made up of a central Monocoque made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and two sub frames (one in front and one in the back) made of aluminum. The CFRP is similar to aeronautics grade carbon fibre. The CFRP makes up about 65% of the chassis weight while the 35% left is of the aluminum. The chassis has an awe-inspiring weight distribution that is front: back is 48%:52%. It this amazing weight distribution that allows the LF-A to handle smoothly.

The body of the LF-A is designed with one feature in mind; Downforce. It has sharp cuts and edges that enhance the aerodynamics of the car and allow for better grip. This is possible only due to the carbon fiber body of the car. The rear fenders scoop up the air and help cool the brakes.  The horizontal hood gap helps feed air to the engine. Two aft vents in the underbody of the car help cool the exhaust pipes. The LF-A has a rear mounted Gurney flap that deploys at 50 mph. the tail lights are LEDs.

The heart of the LF-A is a 72 degree 4.8 litre V10 with dual vvt-i.it is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods and solid titanium valves. This super strong engine churns out 412 kW (590 PS) at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque is 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) at 6800 rpm but 90 percent of this is available at just 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm but the fuel cutoff is set to 9,500 rpm. The engine is placed at 72 degrees (as opposed to the conventional 90 degrees for V10s) to completely balance the firing force of the pistons. This enhancement therefore improves engine efficiency whereas decreases total weight of the car.

 The gearbox is a six-speed automated sequential gearbox (electro hydraulic transmission). This is operated using Toyota’s in-house constructed paddle shifters. A dual clutch transmission was also tested but the design team felt that it just didn’t have that sudden power boost feel to it. It is a surprising to see this transmission being favored as Lexus cars are usually all about smoothness.

The interior of the LF-A features a great harmony of alcantara, carbon fibre, leather and metal. There are two bucket seats that offer tremendous back and side support, as should be in car that can do 200 mph. The display is TFT screen that displays speedometer with color changing backgrounds, size changing numbers and submenus that appear on the side. The tachometer features a layer acrylic plastic that creates a 3-D effect. A compact high tech 12 piece Mark Levinson audio system is installed to provide high quality sound. Custom made Tumi suitcases are made for the interior of the LF-A

The LF-A is a remarkable achievement by Lexus. Their first super car has already beaten the likes of Ferrari 599 GTO, Mercedes SLS AMG, Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Nissan GTR in independent track tests by various automobile enthusiast magazines. It has been praised as “the greatest high-performance car ever from Japan”.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• ENGINE
• Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
• Cylinders/arrangement: V10
• Displacement: 4,805 cc
• Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
• Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
• Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
• Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
• PERFORMANCE
• 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
• Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
• DIMENSIONS
• Overall length: 4,505 mm
• Overall width: 1,895 mm
• Overall height: 1,220 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
• Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
• WEIGHTS (kg)
• Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
• Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg
• TRANSMISSION
• Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
• BRAKES
• Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
• Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm
• SUSPENSION
• Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
• Rear: Multilink with anti-roll bar
• TYRES AND WHEELS
• Front wheels: 20x9.5j BBS alloy
• Rear wheels: 20x11.5j BBS alloy
• Front tyres: 265/35R20 95Y
• Rear tyres: 305/30R20 99Y

The Redesigned Super Roadster

Porsche Boxster S 981

Announced on 13^th march 2012 at the Geneva Motor show, the 981 is the third generation of the Boxster roadsters built by Porsche.

The Boxster was already had a superb agility but with this third generation 981, the previous models are outclassed. The according to its design, the base specifications were impressive: wheel base increased by 60 millimeters, both axils have a wider track and larger tires. This improves stability allowing higher speeds to be achieved.  These Improvements are shown on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife track as the 981 completed the circuit in 7:58 minutes, that’s 12 seconds faster than the previous model. Optional systems with the new Boxster 981 are Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) a system which enhances cornering and load transfer when bending around a curve, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) controls suspension settings according to road conditions or driver settings and 20 inch wheels that offer maximum grip on road at high speeds.

The Boxster 981 has many new design features. The front end of the car boasts Bixenon headlights. The 981 Boxster takes some cues from the 918 Spyder. The rear end of the car is completely redesigned. The tail wing and lights are linked by a prominent edge. The tail lights curve around the corners of the car. The new Boxster has no lid for its convertible top. The top is completely integrated with the body. This causes the Boxster to look lighter and still is very efficient. It is powered by electric means and can be toggled by means of a rocker switch placed in the centre console.

The Boxster s is powered by a 3.4 litre mid flat-6 engine with 315 bhp and a choice of six speed manual or seven speed PDK transmissions. Without PDK: 0-100 in 5.1 seconds, top speed 279kmph, fuel consumed 8.8l/100 km and 206 g of CO2 per km. with PDK: 0-100 in 5.0 seconds, top speed 277kmph, fuel consumed 8.0l/100 km and 188 g of CO2 per km. the new generation Boxster runs on 18 or 19 inch wheels fitted as standard in all new Porsche models. The new tires were developed with weight, performance, braking and rolling resistance in mind. The new tires reduce rolling resistance by 7 percent and rolling circumference on front and rear axles is increased by 4 percent. These stats are in relation to the previous model.

The new generation Boxster has a most stunning shape. It s shape has great aerodynamic abilities. The rear wing and wrap around separation edge have great effect on this. This is because both generate more down force then previous models. The new generation Boxster has a redesigned interior with clean straight lines influenced again by its race class sibling the Porsche Carrera GT. It has an upward sloping centre console with the important controls of the car being grouped in logical circles. The gear lever is placed at a short distance from the steering wheel adding to driving pleasure and comfort. The CDR audio system is placed higher so that it is clearly seen and easily reached. The new addition to the Boxster interior is the 4.7” VGA Multi-Function display. It allows access to the important controls of the car along with GPS maps.

 Technical Specifications

·                     Engine type:  3.4 litre flat-6 engine

·                     Transmission: 6 speed (Manual) or 7 speed PDK (Automatic)

·                     Body type: Monocoque lightweight body in a combination of steel, Aluminum and Magnesium

·                     Clutch: Manual:- 240mm (dual mass flywheel), PDK:- 202/153mm

·                     Brakes: Front internally vented discs, 13.0 x 1.1-in; Rear internally vented discs, 11.77 x 0.80-inch discs, 4-piston aluminum monobloc calipers front/rear

·                     Suspension: Front and rear are Fully independent double-wishbone with trailing links, tie rods, and spring struts

·                     Tires: 235/40 ZR 19 Front 265/40 ZR 19 Rear

·                     Dimensions

o                  Overall Length: 4,374 mm (172.2 in)

o                  Overall Width: 1,979 mm (77.9 in)

o                  Overall Height: 1,280 mm (50.4 in)

o                  Wheelbase: 97.4 in

o                  Front track: 1,526 mm (60.1 in)

o                  Rear track: 1,540 mm (60.6 in)

o                  Curb Weight (Manual:PDK): 2910lb:2976lb

o                  Fuel Capacity: 64 l (16.9 gal.)

o                  Turning Circle: 11.0 m (36.0 ft)

·                     Performance

o                  Maximum power: 315 HP @ 6,700 RPM

o                  Maximum torque: 266 lb-ft @ 4,500 - 5,800 RPM

o                  Top speed: 277 km/h (172 mph)

o                  0-60 miles (Manual:PDK): 4.8s:4.7s

The New Bull On The Block

Lamborghini Aventador

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor show, the Aventador is to be the successor to the Murcielago and the new flag ship for the Lamborghini brand. The Aventador takes Lamborghini into the future while taking super sports car making to the very limit.

It has the power and essence of a bronco, after all it is named after a most courageous bull that entered the bull fights in 1993 and went on to claim an award for its bravery. Just like the original Aventador, the sports car counterpart aims to do exactly the same.

Like all high end car manufacturers, Lamborghini enters the future with the use of light weight carbon fibre technology and the development of monocoque for its new sports cars. The bull like Aventador ironically has a very light weight of 1.5 tons. That is light for a car of its power. The unibody monocoque is one complete structure with a tub and roof which house the passenger. This increases precision driving along with ensuring safety of the driver and his passenger. The entire monocoque weighs in at nearly 150 kg. The weight bearing monocoque is a single unit. This means that monocoque acts a roll cage to ensure driver safety. Further the chassis uses a double wishbone suspension and ceramic brakes to add to the designs uniqueness.

The Aventador portrays the brands design philosophy inspired by aeronautics which is to have a care with maximum possible functionality and razor sharp edges and bold lines that combine to make a very precise and bold design, kind of like the origins of its name. the scissor doors further add to the wildness in the Aventador. In the first glance you realize that this is a Lamborghini because of the finesse in its design the boldness in its lines and edges and the balance of jaw dropping beauty and rogue aggression. The design emphasizes the mastery of Lamborghini in the field of carbon fibre technology. This design is the creation of the Centro stile at Lamborghini who have kept their commitment to the brands design philosophy.

The Aventador is an extremely powerful car. The Aventador uses the new 700 PS (510 kW), 690 bhp 6.5 litre V-12 engine internally known as L539. Maximum torque is 690 Nm and max rpm is 8250. The new engine is the fourth in house engine made by Lamborghini. It is very light, only 235 kg. The R&D department at Lamborghini developed this engine for maximum possible performance. The transmission made for the Aventador is a perfect companion to its V-12 engine. It’s the Independent Shifting Rods transmission (ISR). This innovative transmission is lighter than conventional dual clutch transmissions and smaller in size, key factors for light weight sports cars. These specs make the car get up to a top speed of 349 kmph and it can achieve a 0-62 miles in 2.9 seconds. The braking is tuned so that the Aventador can stop from 60 mph to a complete halt in about a 100 ft.

 High performance isn’t only what is in the engine but also the shape of the body itself. The Aventador uses a unique method to control its aerodynamics: air flow over the car. The rear spoiler is deployable. It lies flat in rest. It turns to 4 degrees at high speeds for greater speeds to be achieved with minimum drag. While at 11 degrees it provides greater down force for the car so that it may remain stable. The aerodynamic elements have all been integrated into the monocoque shell from front to rear.

 Technical Specifications

• Engine type:  V12, 60°, MPI
• Transmission: 4WD with Haldex generation IV
• Gearbox: 7 speed ISR, shifting characteristic depending on drive select mode
• Clutch: Dry Double plate clutch, Ø 235 mm
• Brakes: Dual hydraulic circuit brake system with vacuum brake booster; front and rear CCB, 6-cylnder brake calipers, 4-cylinder brake calipers Ø 400x 38 mm – Ø 380 x 38 mm
• Suspension: Front and rear horizontal monotube damper with push-rod system
• Tires: Pirelli 255/35 ZR19(front); Pirelli 335/30 ZR20(rear)
• Dimensions
• Overall Length: 4,780 mm (188.19 in)
• Overall Width: 2,030 mm (79.92 in)
• Overall Height: 1,136 mm (44.72 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.30 in)
• Front track: 1,720 mm (67.72 in)
• Rear track: 1,700 mm (66.93 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,575 kg (3,472 lb)
• Fuel Capacity: 90 l (23.8 gal.)
• Turning Radius: 12.5 m (41.0 ft)
• Performance
• Maximum power: 700 HP (515 kW) @ 8,250 RPM
• Maximum torque: 690 Nm (507 lb-ft) @ 5,500 RPM
• Displacement: 6,498 cm³ (396.5 cu.in.)
• Top speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
• 0-62 miles: 2.9s
• ¼ miles: 350 km/h (217 mph)
• Braking 60-0: 100 ft
• 
  

The Responsible Sports Car

Fisker Karma

Revealed in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, the Fisker Karma is the first production car from a relatively new manufacturer Fisker Automotive, founded August 1^st 2007. The Karma is the first car in the world to be truly electric with an extended range.

Fisker is new company. It doesn’t have the attitude that other manufacturers have developed from past success. This allows all the engineers and designers to express themselves and add their ideas to solve previously unsolved problems. The designer of the Karma, Henrik Fisker, has previously designed cars such as the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage! A sedan with a coupe like appearance, the Karma shows a distinct athletic and aggressive stance most highlighted by a long hood, short deck, low roofline (accustomed to sports cars), pronounce fenders and 22-inch wheels.

 The Karma is the first production car in the world to have a purely electric power train. It is powered by a 20 kWh lithium ion battery, which was developed by A123 systems. The nanophosphate technology increases power, safety, energy and reliability. The battery, which is rechargeable, can be charged in about six hours and the battery alone can cover about 80 kilometers in a single charge. The power train is known as True EVer (Electric vehicle with extended range). The battery is directly connected to the wheels and provides driving force to the wheels. The on board 260 bhp, 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine is used for extending the range of the Karma by 403 kilometers. This also is activated in sport mode for achieving top speed. This adds up to about 483 kilometers in total. Along with this the Karma has a solar panel integrated in its roof and regenerative brakes that supply the power back to battery whenever the brakes are applied.

The Karma has two drive modes: Stealth mode and Sport mode. In stealth mode the Karma minimizes power consumption as it uses just the lithium ion battery for power. This enables a top speed of 153 kmph and achieves 0-97 kmph in 7.9 seconds. With this the range is 80 kilometers. In Sport mode the engine kicks in along with the battery powering the Karma to achieve a top speed of about 201 kmph and gets from 0-97 in 5.9 seconds which is significantly fast for an electric power train (the engine doesn’t directly power the wheels, it just charges the battery!). In Sport mode the extended range of 403 kilometers is achieved.

It is the first American car made for the markets of the world. With the ability to drive with no emissions, the Karma is the responsible luxury car of choice for such luxury buyers. It is competitive with other luxury sedans such as BMW 750i active hybrid, Porsche panemera S, Audi A8 TDI, Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide. The Karma is designed for higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact, thus providing responsible luxury.

Fisker automotive implies the Sustainable and Accountable design philosophy in its cars and this is clearly visible in the Karma as its cabin is host to many eco friendly features. The cabin is made from reused materials and those that aren’t recycled are made through low energy impacting processes. The wooden dash is made from wood from bottom of lakes or from forest fires, first time ever in the automotive industry. The leather used in the trims is either high grade textile leather or high quality hides. The process of leather making used is low pigmentation and free from chrome, significantly dropping the energy required to make the leather and is relatively new in car making. Optional Diamond Dust paint is available for the Karma; this is yet another first in the industry. The centre piece of the dash is the Fisker Command Centre, a haptic force feedback touch screen that enables the driver to use controls for climate, audio, telephone, navigation and other controls. It also displays the power output of the battery, engine and regenerative brakes along with power gain from roof integrated solar panel.

Technical Specifications

• Motors: Two rear-mounted electric traction motors, mid-mounted lithium ion battery pack and front/mid-mounted range-extending gasoline engine/generator set
• Battery: 20 kWh, 180 kW lithium ion w/Nanophosphate™ technology (A123 Systems)
• Range-extending gasoline Engine/Generator set: 2.0-liter, 260hp, low-emission, four-cylinder direct fuel-injection w/ turbocharger (GM Ecotec®) and 175 kW generator
• Traction motors: 403 hp (300 kW) total [2 x 201.5 hp (150 kW)]
• Torque: 981 lb.-ft (1300 Nm)
• Transmission: Single-ratio gearbox/Limited Slip Differential combination
• Dimensions
  • Overall Length: 196.7 in. (4996mm)
  • Overall Width: 78.1 in. (1984mm)
  • Overall Height: 52.4 in. (1330mm)
  • Overhang [f/r]: 35.9 in. (913mm) / 36.3 in. (923mm)
  • Wheelbase: 124.4 in (3160mm)
  • Track [f/r]: 66.6 in. (1692mm) / 67.0 in (1701mm)
  • Cargo Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft. (195 l)
  • Curb Weight: 5600 lbs. (2539 kg)
  • Fuel Capacity: 9.5 US Gal. (36 l)
  • Turning Radius: 40.4 ft. (12.3m)
• Performance
  • Stealth Mode
    • Lithium-ion battery power only
    • 0-60mph (97 km/h): 7.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 5mph (153 km/h)
  • Sport Mode
    • Lithium-ion power with Engine/Generator
    • 0-60mph (97km/h): 5.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 125mph (201 km/h) electronically limited
  • Range
    • Total Range: 300 miles (483 km)
    • Electric only: 50 miles (80km)
    • Extended range: 250 miles (403 km)

Pagani's Wind Demon

Pagani Huayra

The Pagani Huayra is the successor to the Zonda and it debuted online on January, 2011. The world debut was at the Geneva Auto Salon, March 2011. The design o the Pagani has been inspired by the element o air and so is the name as it is named after the Inca’s god of wind and air ‘Huayra-Tata’. The car has more then met the requirements of such an inspiration. It is classified as a super car and for good reason.

The Huayra has a monocoque build and is made from carbotitanium alloy. This advance composite was first used in the Zonda. The Huayra features gull wing doors that cut deep into the roof and to achieve this much research was done focused mainly on achieving high rigidity. To achieve maximum weight reduction resulted in numerous new features one being that all the ventilation ducts are integrated into the monocoque and therefore external air ducts aren’t required. This detailed focus on weight reduction has resulted in the Huayra being 1,350 kg, meaning it is the lightest sports class in its class.

The Huayra also features active aerodynamics meaning it can adjust its flaps so that air flowing over it does not encounter drag. This allows greater down force and thus the car goes faster and moves with more control. The flaps and the suspension can also be adjusted so that during hard braking the weight shift is counter acted. The active aerodynamics is handled by a control unit that has data feeds from the ABS and the ECU. The car has engine intake on the sides of the body. This allows undisrupted flow of air to the engine. The air vents for the radiators are also carefully planned. They are made in such a way that the hot gases are used for greater performance, one example being that the central radiator’s air flows through the wheelhouses thus heating the brakes if cool.

The Huayra is powered by the Mercedes-Benz AMG ‘M158’ twin turbo V12. This has been modified with a different intercooler configuration, reduced turbo lag, improved response and a reprogrammed ECU all at the request of Pagani. This allows the Huayra to churn out 700bhp and 1000nm o torque. The Huayra like many other high performance cars uses dry sump lubrication. The benefit to this being that it prevents oil surges during extreme lateral acceleration and the engine can be mounted lower thus reducing the centre of gravity of the car. A seven speed, dual clutch gearbox from Xtrac that weighs only 96 kg is Huayra’s secret to high performance. Xtrac made the Zonda’s gearbox and so it was definitely the choice for a new high speed gearbox. It offers far better comfort than race car gearbox and has a better behavior during a case of rear impact.

The Huayra gives its drivers everything in less than an arm’s reach. The gear shifts have been placed on the steering wheel making sure that the driver always has his car under complete control. The seats are designed to provide comfort along with counter acting G forces that are likely to build up during extreme driving.  With the Huayra, emphasis has been made it being a living breathing being as it is of course inspired by air. The gearshifts and the dashboard are made from aluminum. The dashboard takes its inspirations from Swiss watches and has a central multi function display screen that displays performance relevant information during SPORT mode and trip related information when in COMFORT mode.

The Huayra has strict safety features (some not even required by the law). This helps maintain passenger safety at high speeds. It also has specially designed tires thanks to Pirelli. These are the ‘Bespoke P Zero’ tires made to be able to handle speeds of more than 370kmph and G forces of 1.5 G’s. They also help reduce the emissions of the car.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-Turbo
• Displacement: 5980 cc
• Power: >700 CV
• Torque: >1.000 Nm
• Transmission: transverse sequential seven speed gearbox; AMT robotyzed system with driving programs
• Dimensions
  • Length: 4605mm
  • Height: 1169mm
  • Width: 2036mm
• Dry weight: 1.350 kg
• Weight distribution
  • Front: 44%
  • Rear: 56%

Dawn Of The New Generation McLaren

McLaren MP4-12C

Announced on 8 September 2009 and launched in the year 2011, the McLaren MP4-12C is its new generation super car. It is the second road car that is completely produced by the McLaren team at their award winning McLaren Technology centre in Surrey. It is made up by a carbon fibre chassis and is powered by a mid mounted V8 twin turbo engine. It uses the technologies developed through Formula 1 racing such as brake steer and has a 7 geared seamless shift dual clutch gearbox transmission. It has a sleek design and cutting edge aerodynamics.
The name for McLaren MP4-12C is one with an interesting background.MP4 has been the name given to the chassis designed for the McLaren formula 1 since 1981. Since 1997 has stood for McLaren project 4. 12 refers to the internal rating scale used by McLaren to rate its cars performance and also rate rival car manufacturer's vehicles. The C refers to carbon highlighting the importance of carbon fibre technology to the performance of the car.

It is aimed at the “core” segment of the super car market where it stands in the highest rank of the segment: the “Ultimate group”. Here it will compete against cars such as Mercedes McLaren SLR, Buggati Veyron, Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg and its key rival the Ferrari 458 Italia. McLaren believes that there is still a lot of potential in the “core” segment as its chairman pointed out that the sales of this segment in particular have increased from 8000 units in the year 2000 to 28000 units in the year 2007. This clearly marks out the increase in the market for high performance super cars.

At the core of this McLaren monster is a carbon fibre composite chassis: the Carbon Monocell. It is based on the F1 car design of a single carbon fibre tub. It weighs only 80kg and is made by a set of different processes and uses biaxial and triaxial carbon fibre fabric. This reduces the time required to produce a carbon fibre Monocell from 5000 hours back in the 90’s for McLaren F1 to just 4 hours for the McLaren MP4-12C.

The MP4-12C is powered by a M838T 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 engine designed and built by McLaren through partnership with Riciardo. It produces 592 bhp horsepower and 601 Nm of torque. This propels the car to a top speed of 333km/h. it uses a seamless shift gearbox for its transmission that allows the driver to preselect the next gear just by slightly tapping the paddle. The main performance feature is its aerodynamics and road grip that allow the car to “make the corners bend around it” and thus maintain high speed.

The 12C’s inside is aimed to make the driver and the passenger feel more comfortable and safe. The interior trim can be specified in an asymmetrical configuration known as the “Driver zone”. The interior includes portrait touchpad and multiple controls such as cruise computer, active dynamics panel etc. The 12-C was designed with emphasis on aerodynamics, performance and efficiency while also remaining elegant and sleek. The bonnet (not having to house any of the engine components and radiators) is placed low. This provides excellent storage space while also allowing for more road grip.

Technical Specification

• Engine configuration: V8 twin turbo
• Compression ratio: 8.7:1
• Redline: 8,500 rpm
• Engine displacement: 3799 cc
• Power: 600 PS / 592 bhp @ 7000 rpm
• Torque: 600 Nm / 443 lb-ft @ 3000-7000 rpm
• PS per litre: 158
• Transmission: 7 Speed SSG with Pre-Cog
• Wheelbase: 2670 mm
• Length: 4507 mm
• Width: 1909 mm
• Height: 1199 mm
• Wheel sizes
  • Front: 19" x 8.5" J
  • Rear: 20" x 11" J
• Tyres: Pirelli PZero
  • Front: 235/35 R19
  • Rear: 305/30 R20
• Maximum speed: 330 km/h (205 mph)
• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 3.3 s
• 0-200 km/h (124 mph): 9.1 s
• 0-400 m / ¼ mile: 10.9 s @ 216 kph (134 mph)
• 0-1000 m: 19.6 s @ 272 kph
• Braking
  • 200-0 km/h: 123 m
  • 100-0 km/h: 30.5 m
  • 62-0 mph: 100 ft
  • 124-0 mph: 403 ft
• Power to weight: 461 PS (455 bhp) per tonne
• CO2: 279 g/km
• Fuel consumption (combined): 11.7 l/100 km / 24.2 mpg (UK)

The 2013 Ferrari Super Car

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Revealed in the 2012 annual Geneva motor show, the F12berlinetta is Ferrari’s most powerful and greatest performing road car. It is a mid-front engine sports car and it will hit the market in 2013.

The F12berlinetta has an all new space age chassis designed and perfected by Scaglleti. The new chassis contributes to the car’s performance. New types of joints and 12 new alloys have been used in the making of its chassis, some for the very first time in the automotive industry! This enables 20% more structural rigidity of the chassis and balances the weight of the car just fine.

The awe inspiring design of the car is made with joint efforts of the Ferrari style centre and Pininfarina. It is a blend of the classic with the amazing new aerodynamics. The aerodynamics include the aero bridge that increases down force of the car and the new car active brake cooling that uses the surrounding air to cool the car’s brakes. This makes for less drag and quicker brake cooling contributing to both performance and safety.

The F12berlinetta has a brand new engine the ‘Prancing horse 12-cylinder’ that delivers high performance. This provides 690 nm of torque at 6000rpm and 740 cv of power at a maximum rpm of 8500. 80% of the torque is achievable at just 2500 rpm. It has a top speed of 340 km/h and total displacement of 6262 cc. along with the amazing high speed engine is the F1 double clutch gearbox with gears with closer gear ratios to give this car its outstanding performance. This provides great cornering speed for the F12berlinetta and amazing handling at high speed.

As tremendously fast as the car is, the element of luxury is a Ferrari tradition and a tradition that lives on in the F12berlinetta. It is mix of perfect aerodynamics and a true exotic look. It is an aggressive exterior that hides within it great luxury and performance. It has a unique style, which although a custom of Ferrari automotives, stands out from the rest of its siblings. Inside it is a marvel of human ingenuity. It has all new Frau Leather that brilliantly harmonizes the new technology and the sophisticated human touch. The new carbon fiber and aluminum air vents sit in between the lean leather dash.

All this luxury usually comes with inefficient drive trains that consume a lot of gas. Well not with the F12berlinetta. Its new engine and drive train are not only high performance they are also highly efficient. It needs 15 liters/100km which is amazing for a super sports car. It is eco friendly as it emits 350g of CO2 per km.

Technical Specifications

• Engine
  • Type: 65-degree V12
  • Total displacement: 6262 cc
  • Maximum power output: 740 CV at 8500 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 690 Nm at 6000 rpm
• Dimensions and weight
  • Length: 4618 mm
  • Width: 1942 mm
  • Height: 1273 mm
  • Dry weight: 1525 kg
  • Weight distribution: 46% front, 54% rear
  • Weight-power ratio: 2.1 kg/CV
• Performance
  • Maximum speed: >340 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: 3.1 s
• Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)
  • Consumption: 15l/100 km
  • CO2: 350 g/km