The 612 Scaglietti | Part Two

The overall layout – engine mounted behind the front axle, gearbox in unit with the differential at the rear – ensures an ideally balanced weight distribution (46% front, 54% rear), as well as permitting a lower centre of gravity, which benefits the dynamic behaviour of the car. The performance-orientated handling is enhanced by active damping and a new CST stability and traction control system, making its first-ever appearance on a Ferrari. The 612 will run on 18 inch diameter front wheels shod with 245/45 tyres and 19 inch rear wheels with 285/40 tyres.

The 612’s 5748 cc, 12-cylinder, 48-valve, 65°V engine is a product of the most advanced Ferrari technology. The all-aluminium power unit has a compression ratio of 11.2:1 and generates a maximum output of 540 bhp at 7250 rpm, with 434 lb ft (588 Nm) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The new car is expected to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.2 seconds, and to achieve a top speed of 196 mph (315 kph).

All 612 models will be fitted with a six-speed mechanical gearbox, with a choice of manual, and semi or fully automatic gear selection. Newly developed for the 612, the electro-hydraulic system is known as the F1A. It is designed to deliver both fast driver-selected semi-automatic and ultra-smooth fully automatic gear changes.

Designed by Pininfarina to epitomise dynamism and elegance, the 612 brings the name of Sergio Scaglietti back into public awareness. Scaglietti was the coachbuilder who brought to life some of the most beautiful Ferrari models in the 1950s and 60s. The new 612 features scalloped sides that recall the famous 375 MM which Pininfarina created for Italian film director Roberto Rossellini as a gift to his then-wife movie-star, Ingrid Bergman.

With a significantly longer wheelbase than the 456M, the 612 has been designed to offer ease of entry for rear-seat passengers to an outstandingly luxurious cabin which will accommodate four adults in comfort. On-board comfort is boosted for the driver – by the adoption of ‘new generation’ ergonomics for the instrument binnacle, steering-wheel mounted and fascia-mounted controls – and for passengers by the fitting of dual-zone climate control and a Hi-End Bose sound system, specifically tailored to suit the unique acoustics of the leather and aluminium trimmed interior.

The capacity of the luggage compartment has been enlarged to 240-litres – 25% bigger than the 456M – and will hold a five-piece Ferrari luggage set or two full sets of golf clubs. The new 612 model is 139 mm longer, 37 mm wider, and 44 mm taller than the 456M, with the wheelbase increased by 350 mm to ensure the latest Ferrari is a genuine 2+2 four seater.

First deliveries of the 612 Scaglietti in Europe are scheduled for March 2004, with right-hand drive models for the UK anticipated from mid-2004. Prices will be announced later this year.