New Ferrari is out: Yay or Nayyyy?

[scottjua]

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.mv?file=car.mv&num=1705

more pics on that page...

The 612 Scaglietti is the perfect marriage of sporty thoroughbred Ferrari berlinetta performance and excellent onboard comfort for four occupants. The replacement for the highly successful 456M, the new model’s own winning combination derives from a roomy interior enhanced by significantly larger dimensions, a 60 kg reduction in weight, and a range of uncompromising design solutions. The 612 Scaglietti’s most significant features include:

- All-aluminium space frame chassis and bodywork construction used for the very first time on a Ferrari 12-cylinder and built entirely by Ferrari at the Scaglietti light-alloy technologies facility. The result is a massive 60% increase in overall structural rigidity (rigidity-weight ratio). The 612 Scaglietti’s advanced aluminium construction also translates into improved comfort and handling, in addition to offering maximum occupant protection in the case of a collision.

- A mid-front layout with the engine mounted behind the front axle, and the gearbox and differential in unit at the rear ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as far back and as low as possible. This in turn significantly improves the car’s dynamics in terms of performance (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), stability and braking efficiency, as well as delivering much nimbler handling. Excellent weight distribution (46% front, 54% rear) is enhanced by a performance-oriented handling set-up with active damping and the special CST stability and traction control system, used here for the very first time on a Ferrari.

- A 65° V12 engine with a displacement of 5,748cc which is rounded off to give the figure 6 (litres) in the 612 model designation. The V12 represents the very pinnacle of Ferrari engine design, thanks in particular to improved fluid dynamic characteristics of the intake and exhaust manifolds, generating a blistering 540bhp at 7,250 rpm. The six-speed mechanical gearbox is available with both a manual and a new generation electro-hydraulic set-up, known as the F1A, designed to marry fast manual gear shifting with comfortable automatic use.

Designed by Pininfarina to epitomise dynamism and elegance, the 612 Scaglietti boasts characteristic scalloped sides that recall the famous 375 MM bodied by the Turin coachbuilder for Rossellini and used by Ingrid Bergman. Its thoroughbred spirit effortlessly combines with outstanding comfort and space on board, from the ease of entry for all four occupants and the notable legroom (helped by an increase in length of 139 mm compared to the 456M), to the excellent rear seating layout with extra headroom. Lastly, the overall roominess of the 612 Scaglietti is complemented by a 240-litre luggage compartment - a full 25% larger than the 456M’s - which can hold a five-piece Ferrari luggage set or two golf bags.

The level of on-board comfort is completed with a range of new generation of ergonomic features: the instrument binnacle and steering wheel-mounted commands designed for maximum driver control, dual-zone climate control, and a Hi-End Bose sound system specifically developed for the 612 Scaglietti’s sophisticated aluminium and leather interior which can, naturally, be fully personalised on request.
There are 9 user comments on the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Comment on the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

General specifications
Country of origin Italy
Year of introduction 2004
Introduced at 2004 NAIAS
Numbers built N/A
Body design Pininfarina / Ken Okuyama
Weight 1840 kg / 4056.5 lbs

Drivetrain
Engine 60º V12
Engine location Front, longitudinally mounted
Displacement 5.748 liter / 350.8 cu in
Valvetrain 4 valves/cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Fuel injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Gearbox 6 Speed Manual
Drive Rear wheel drive

Performance figures
Power 540 bhp / 402.8 kW @ 7250 rpm
BHP/Liter 93.9
Torque 588 Nm / 433.7 ft lbs @ 5250 rpm
Power to weight ratio 0.29 bhp/kg
Top Speed 198.8 mph / 320.0 km/h
0-60 mph Acceleration 4.20 s

 

[JPS Europa]

It looks good. I believe that car has the biggest smile I have ever seen on any car. It looks just so damn happy to be a car! And a Ferrari at that!!!

 

[NetViper]

I like it more than the 456GT, but it doesn't look great. I think the interior of the 456 looks better than this new car.

I wish the NSX had this power plant! damn!

 

[blknsxnoc]

Anybody else notice that the front looks like the Infiniti G35.

IMHO, Ferrari should stick to mid-engine sports cars.

If someone told me they just got a Ferrari, 360, 355, F50s come to mind. Not 456 and 550s.

 

[Teej]

I usually think of a 550 first, then 360, 355, F50, Enzo....etc...

Whats up with the center lower console? Looks like a Corvette emblem.....

It does sorta have an Skyline Coupe (or Inifiniti G35) front end, but it also is reminiscent of an Aston Martin as well. Most cars look somewhat like parts of other cars anyway.

I like the 456 better.

 

[Elite]

Very Nay. If it didn't have the badge. It wouldn't even get a second look. Mo - Elite

 

[NSX/MR2]

It's only OK!

 

[len3.8]

If it looks like this from the Top side view I love it. The front end is pretty bland in the pic. It is hard to get a real sence of the true dimensions of the body in this pic. This was the concept drawing below.

The rake on this drawing seems to be more dramatic. I hope it looks more like the drawing. That would be real sweet.

Len

 

[Zuerst]

Front looks like a mix between the BMW Z8 and the Infiniti G35... Looks OK...

 

[96-EJ6]

Is that the new Ferrari Thunderbird? LOL!

 

[POWERED by HONDA]

That's what I was going to say. It looks like a Ford Thunderbird and a Hyundai Tiburon had sex. Yuck.

 

[GQ NSX]

Hell Nay.

 

[NSX UNITED]

A big mix of Z8, Porsche Cayenne and 928. Check out the wheel gaps

 

[silverNEEK]

My vote is NAY, looks too happy and i agree, thunderbirdish. I do have to say the instrument pod looks interesting. It incorporates an analog tachometer with a computer like display for everything else (exception looks like Km speedo). The middle AC vents remind me of my grandmothers (yes, shes a cool grandma)original, pristine 240Z.

 

[NeoNSX]

Honda HSC copies the Ferrari Enzo.
Now Ferrari copies an Aston Martin!
Where will it all end?


<IMG SRC="http://www.classic-british-cars.com/images/am-vanquishv12-01.jpg">


no wait... they copied this aston martin!

<IMG SRC="http://www.classic-british-cars.com/images/am-bond26t.jpg">

 

[gheba_nsx]

Whats up with the center lower console? Looks like a Corvette emblem.....

It is the Scaglietti emblem.

 

[Zishan]

Ugly! I would pick the 355/360 over that car any day!

 

[TigerNSX]

I thought that 456 was the least attractive Ferraris ever created (in addition, I was informed that it has the worst resale value among Ferraris). I agree. I prefer the mid-engine Ferraris.

 

[tmeekins]

The HSC is looking better and better...

 

[4AU4LIFE]

I don't like the car. But that engine is nice.

 

[NSXLuvr]

ugly car, great engine. The 456 was better looking(and its resale is quite poor).

 

[ajnsx]

hideously plain. It does look happy though, in the future you will see people lining up in car parks to hug it.

The concept drawing looks much better, maybe a better angle is needed.

If you cant be with the one you love, hug the car your in

 

[scottjua]

I'll agree with the masses...this jsut doesn't "do it" for me...

Ferrari is losing it's edge/Pinninfarina, whoever is designing these things now... I jsut don't get all riled up like I used to when I saw a Ferrari. All the shapes are getting more bland. And even the Enzo, which IS crazy looking, isn't very sexy. It's nutso looking but not the same way the F40 or F50 was.

the back is even more boring, but I admit I'll probably be the first one to go "HOLY Crap! it's the new XXX Ferrari" when I see one on the road:

 

[kenjiMR]

nay.... its a GT car... who cares?

 

[poet_x]

it looks a bit TVR-ish to me. I'll hold my judgement until I see pics of the real thing and I see one in person.

Also I see the new T-Bird in it, as well as original Corvette in the door styling.


As for my thoughts on the 456, the resale is poor (1999 for under $100,000, cost $250,000+ new), but I like the car for what it is. If I had the money, I'd be happy to make one my daily driver...