"As everything else is derived from this," Enzo Ferrari stated about his initial V-12 design. Back in 1934, under the guidance of both Il Commendatore and engineer Gioacchino Colombo, they birthed the very first Ferrari V-12 engine. By 1947, their creation was seen on roads with the introduction of the 125 Spyder Corsa. Fast forward to today, we now have the 2025 model. 12Cilindri Spider traces back to Ferrari's grand touring origins and its front-engine, V-12 essence.
The 12Cilindri Spider marks the beginning of a crucial year that could significantly impact the brand’s legacy. This year, the company plans to launch six new products, with their inaugural electric vehicle set to debut in October. Additionally, Formula 1 enthusiasts eagerly await the Australian Grand Prix, hoping for another chance to see Lewis Hamilton at the Scuderia Ferrari pit area. Much like Enzo, Hamilton exudes natural charisma and style, which lends a distinctive flair to contemporary Ferraris compared to those offered by competitors.
Getting Emotional
On the verge of expanding its electric lineup, the 12Cilindri Spider boasts a naturally aspirated, front-placed 6.5-liter V-12 engine—a testament to Ferrari’s legacy in internal combustion engines and a sheer delight. The car’s raison d'être lies in the unrestrained opera-like sound of its engine when driven top-down. For Ferraristi, this creates a tantalizing sensory journey. Crafting such an encounter was indeed the mission for the 12Cilindri Spider.
“I’m becoming quite sentimental,” remarked Ferrari designer Andrea Militello, chuckling slightly. As the lead for sports design initiatives at Ferrari, Militello was among several engineering and product strategy experts who took part in a panel talk the previous evening prior to our seaside excursion. He detailed how the team collaborates closely, including engineers, designers, and test drivers working together seamlessly. “There’s an essence about the vehicle’s ultimate design which eludes verbal explanation,” he stated. “It resonates deeply within us.”
The design of the 12Cilindri Spider draws inspiration from the iconic 1969 365 GTS/4, also known as the Daytona Spider, which was penned by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. Classic proportions are evident in the elongated, shovel-like hood and the setback passenger compartment. Contemporary styling elements seamlessly integrate with these traditional features, accentuating the vehicle’s sleek silhouette and perfectly framing the sizable 21-inch wheels. The A-pillars have an aggressive rake, while aerodynamic supports flow smoothly from the headrest area down to the rear deck lid.
Driving La Dolce Vita
The Spider is intended to be enjoyed outdoors amidst nature, which led us to head to Cascais, Portugal, for our test drive. In Cascais, we discovered several Spiders painted in Verde Toscana, a vibrant emerald shade that shimmered under the sunlight. This model was designed primarily with novice drivers in focus according to Ferrari. To understand what these drivers seek in a Ferrari, we had Raffaele de Simone, Ferrari’s lead development driver, guide us through the vehicle's handling characteristics. As he listened attentively, we activated the 12-cylinder Spider's engine using the touch-sensitive button located at the heart of the steering wheel, allowing him time to appreciate the impressive sound before explaining further details about the driving experience. Bellissimo! "It sounds like music,” he remarked. De Simone suggested using the 1600-watt Burmester audio system’s Live mode (which isn’t the only option—there are also Pure, Comfort, and 3D Surround settings) alongside the V-12 engine's soundtrack. The Live setting creates a live-concert feel by how it disperses the sound across the speakers. This is among the most remarkable setups we’ve experienced, effectively blending the auditory experience with the roar of the engine—even when the roof is down.
As Act One of the 12Cilindri Spider Opera commenced, we began heating up our tires on the scenic Portuguese coastal routes designed during the reign of King Luis I in the 19th century. To enjoy an unrestricted drive, we deactivated the ADAS using the capacitive control button. Although the haptic-touch controls initially seemed finicky, they grew increasingly user-friendly after around eight hours behind the wheel. Compared to modern standards, the car’s 10.3-inch central touchscreen and the 8.8-inch secondary display might seem somewhat understated. Purosangue's more digitally based cockpit.
A fierce windstorm had turned the road into a sandy track, but the 12Cilindri’s small movements during corners provided an exhilarating testament to its rear-wheel-drive setup and V-12 power. As the paths became more open, we chased after the engine's delightful ascent to 9500 rpm. We shifted gears repeatedly, experimenting with different driving settings, savoring the tangible response from the car’s 819 horsepower as the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox demonstrated its smooth precision. With the top down, the Spider amplified the majesty of the V-12 motor.
We didn’t witness the advertised 211-mph top speed on public roads—as with the coupe—but reaching 60 mph happened swiftly within approximately 2.8 seconds, accompanied by the sound of four exhaust pipes acting like trumpets for those overtaken. Precise steering and reliable carbon-ceramic brakes ticked off essential features desired in a grand tourer. Additionally, the adaptive magnetic dampers ensured a comfortable journey over rough pavement, adding another layer of satisfaction.
The climate control system, which includes air vents positioned at neck level, along with the adjustable rear window located between the headrests, contributed to maintaining a calm environment inside the vehicle. This allowed us to concentrate fully on enjoying the driving experience. When shifting into third and fourth gears, Ferrari employs advanced electronic management techniques for torque delivery similar to those used in their previous turbocharged vehicles. These methods ensure a smooth increase in power output without interruptions, according to the manufacturer’s claim that this approach does not compromise acceleration speed. Subsequently, we opted to close the convertible top; an operation completed swiftly within just 14 seconds. The process of raising or lowering the rooftop can even occur while moving, provided the car isn’t traveling faster than 28 miles per hour—a delightful feature activated via a button centrally placed in the cockpit.
Whether you tilt upwards or downwards, the 12Cilindri Spider delights all five senses.
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