If the Ferrari 12Cilindri marks the conclusion of naturally aspirated V12 engines, it serves as a remarkable finale.

      Jerry Perez

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      What’s your engine of choice? Personally, I’m a fan of the four-cylinder turbo for its lively character and straightforward design. Naturally aspirated V8s have their charm as well, and I predict that many of you will voice that preference in the comments. However, surpassing those two—and indeed, nearly any other internal combustion engine—is the V12. But not just any V12; it must be a naturally aspirated one. And if it comes from Maranello, that’s even better.

      I recently had the chance to spend a few days and several hundred miles with the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. You can read my full review here. Driving a Ferrari, irrespective of the model or engine, is always a memorable experience. However, getting behind the wheel of a front-engine, V12 convertible Ferrari is exceptionally special. This is the kind of experience usually reserved for a fortunate few, so to enjoy it as if it were mine for a few days, even though I can’t afford the down payment on its $661,000 price, is—just as Max would say—simply delightful.

      Jerry Perez

      By any measure, the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 nestled beneath the long, elegantly designed hood is a masterpiece. Although the fundamental design of the engine has been utilized in several of the 12Cilindri’s successors, it has undergone extensive revisions and tuning for its current use. Having driven a variant in the Purosangue a couple of years back, I can certainly recognize some of those enhancements and adjustments. Most notably, what impresses me most about this V12—beyond its performance—is its rarity.

      Codenamed the F140HD, the 6.5-liter engine generates 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It launches Ferrari’s flagship sports car to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 mph. In its current form, it has borrowed hardware, software, and tuning from the 812 Competizione for improved performance, while also being revised to reduce weight. New aluminum alloys were developed for several components, including fresh pistons, and the choice of titanium over steel resulted in a 40% drop in rotating mass. This significant reduction allows the engine to rev extremely quickly, attaining an impressive 9,500 rpm.

      Ferrari edited by The Drive

      When you start the V12, you’re welcomed by a loud growl that soon settles into a rich rumble. If your right foot is itching to unleash its power, patience is required; the engine needs some time to warm up. A display on the digital gauge cluster indicates the engine's temperature, and after sitting overnight, it generally takes about 5 minutes of idling to reach optimal warmth. Once ready, pressing the gas pedal rewards you with one of the most magnificent engine sounds produced by any current production car. Check it out in the video below.

      The revs climb astonishingly fast and fall almost as quickly, delivering the sound and feel characteristic of a racing engine built for purpose. Then there is the high-pitched exhaust note that genuinely gave me goosebumps. Only one other car has evoked such a response from its sound alone, and that is a Pagani Zonda. I could also mention the Honda RA272 Formula 1 car, but that might be bending the rules.

      Today, there are fewer than 10 V12-powered cars available: this one, the Purosangue, the Aston Martin Vanquish, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan, the Lamborghini Revuelto, and the Mercedes-Maybach S680. Among these, only the Ferraris utilize naturally aspirated engines; the others are turbocharged and/or hybrid.

      What’s the conclusion? The V12 is not just a dwindling breed—and I dislike the term because it's often overused to evoke fear—but the non-turbocharged V12 is nearly extinct. Were it not for these two Ferraris, there wouldn’t be any left. And I know you might counter with the Gordon Murray vehicles featuring that remarkable Cosworth V12! Yes, they do, but those are custom-made cars from a boutique manufacturer, while the Ferraris—even if limited—are still regarded as production vehicles. Even including those, the total count would remain around 10 cars globally.

      Jerry Perez

      With the current trends, it likely won’t be long before there are no V12s remaining, let alone naturally aspirated ones. Very few people can afford any of the models mentioned, so if you’re among the lucky few, relish the privilege and treasure the opportunity. What will the halo and aspirational vehicle landscape resemble when the last V12 finally disappears? Will there still be other kinds