Ferrari 12-Cylinder Spider Review: A Tribute to the Joy of Driving

      Jerry Perez

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      With just one push on the accelerator, and my foot nearly to the floor, I find myself justifying the $661,000 price tag of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider I’m currently experiencing. The naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 engine positioned ahead of me is howling in excitement as the tachometer approaches 9,500 rpm. The symphony emanating from the exhaust resembles that of a '90s Formula 1 car—far more piercing than one would expect from the convertible’s substantial frame.

      This machine is made for driving. It’s a car for the soul.

      It’s not merely the performance of the 12Cilindri Spider that tempts you to contemplate unethical means for quick cash. Even at a standstill, it amazes in ways that other supercars fail to achieve while on the move. Start the engine and press the throttle, and the revs rise so swiftly that you need to adjust your expectations—and how fast you lift your foot to keep the readings from soaring too high too quickly. A 40% reduction in rotating mass, titanium connecting rods, and new alloys in the crankshaft contribute to this quick responsiveness.

      Jerry Perez

      Despite boasting 819 horsepower, 500 lb-ft of torque, a top speed of 211 mph, and a plethora of engine, chassis, and aerodynamic management software, the 12Cilindri Spider offers a driving experience that feels analog and almost nostalgic when it truly matters. As some manufacturers may suggest otherwise, the experience of piloting a ridiculously fast computer is far from satisfying.

      Design

      If you think Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari's chief designer, set out to create something entirely innovative in one of Maranello's cherished segments—the front-engine V12 car (technically mid-front)—you’d be correct. To some, it’s striking; to others, overly sharp. In my view, it strikes a balance of both. Yet what is undeniable is that, despite its modern flair, the elongated, sculpted hood, floating cabin, and pronounced flying buttresses pay homage to Mille Miglia icons such as the 335 S.

      Jerry Perez

      Whether the power-folding roof is deployed to shield you from the elements or compactly tucked between the rear seats and trunk, the slanted cabin stands out with its bold angles and fighter-jet cockpit appearance, particularly from a distance. Up close, it appears and feels softer, likely due to its low profile. That is the visual allure of the 12Cilindri Spider: it dazzles with intricate details that you may not notice at first glance, especially in my tester's lustrous Verde Toscana hue. Perhaps it’s the light strip beneath the headlamp that extends beyond the housing, traverses the tire, and continues toward the door panel as a satin aluminum line. It could also be the active aerodynamic flaps that sit flush on the trunk lid's corners but adjust independently when navigating turns, or the retro dual headlights cleverly integrated into the futuristic rear light bar. The more you observe, the more it captivates you.

      Among the Ferraris I’ve driven, the 12Cilindri Spider's interior is the most approachable in terms of design, usability, practicality, and comfort. It's even more user-friendly than the Purosangue, in which I once road-tripped across Italy with my father and a trunk full of luggage, or the incredibly fast 296. The horizontal layout effectively divides the dashboard into two sections: the upper part accommodates driver-centric controls in the gauge cluster along with the passenger display, while the lower portion provides a central 10.25-inch touchscreen. Everything is well-organized, ensuring it doesn’t feel mainstream despite the central screen. In my opinion, the screen is optional; you can manage most basic functions without it, allowing you to focus on the driving experience through the digital gauge cluster.

      Jerry Perez

      Ferrari describes the interior as a dual-cockpit configuration, which is quite accurate. The driver can engage with driving tasks within their controlled environment, while the passenger can similarly enjoy their own screen equipped with media, comfort, and other features. Separate roles, distinct zones. The center display serves as a common ground for both, which I appreciated. Everyday driving made me wish the Purosangue or 296 had a similarly sized screen, as it’s practical for parking, destination searching, music browsing, and adjusting settings.

      The optional Goldrake seats wrapped in terracotta leather were perfectly suited for the purpose of the 12Cilindri Spider. Supportive and firm, they didn’t feel excessively rigid in corners or unbearable on long drives. However, I can't say the same for the material used in the speaker grilles—more on that shortly.

      Jerry