Bye-bye 456M: Ferrari\'s 612 Scaglietti successor features a 402kW 5.7-litre V12.
Ferrari’s new 612 Scaglietti is faster and lighter than the 456M it replaces
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS 21 October 2003
Ferrari has finally revealed the replacement for its decade-old 456M.
Named after a famous Ferrari coachbuilder, the Pininfarina-penned 612 Scaglietti features an all-aluminium space frame chassis and bodywork, which contributes to a 60kg overall weight reduction over its predecessor, despite being substantially larger. It’s also 60 per cent more structurally rigid overall.
Power comes courtesy of a 5.7-litre V12 engine sited behind the front axle. Combined with the rear-mounted gearbox, the 612 boasts a 46 per cent front/54 per cent weight distribution.
Quicker and faster than the outgoing 456M, the 612 produces a maximum of 402kW at 7250rpm and 588Nm at 5250rpm, which are good enough to propel it to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 315km/h.
Drive is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox of either a conventional manual design or a new electro-hydraulic sequential clutch-less set-up called F1A
Active damping and stability and traction control systems help keep the rear-wheel drive Ferrari in check.
The new 2+2 cabin, which complies with the 456’s four-seat configuration, offers more room for front and rear occupants. The 240-litre boot is also 25 per cent larger, and can hold two golf bags.
Ferrari will unveil the 612 Scaglietti at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
