Comments:
They really shouldn't leave me with this guy and the key...
No heel/toe needed, the F12 is designed with a robotic clutch, so there are only two pedals.
I really wanted to take this car out for a drive, but there were people blocking every turn...
What are your thoughts about the car?
The Ferrari F12 - a new personal favorite?
Let's start at the beginning...
The first Ferrari I ever drove was the Ferrari 599 GTB. I posted my impressions (no photos unfortunately) of the car on PuristSPro back in 2009. A truly special experience, and one that I'll remember.
I then drove the Ferrari California. And this was a car that I really enjoyed. Ferrari purists would say this isn't a true 100% full blooded Ferrari, but I have to say that I liked the way it drove. This was the second Ferrari I ever drove, and I've had the pleasure of driving this vehicle twice. Even today, I still think it's a very nice car.
When the Ferrari FF came out, I really had my doubts. A hatchback Ferrari? A V12 hatchback? An AWD Ferrari? A two gear transmission for the front wheels? My head was spinning. But despite all of that, I gave it a fair chance, and that was a wonderful wonderful car. And I really enjoyed driving that car. You can read my impressions about it here...
The race cars from Maranello have always had a special place in my heart. The modern designs penned by famous designers, many at Pininfarina in my opinion were beautiful interpretations of road art. Even today, I have a special affliction for the 575M Maranello, perhaps my favorite car by Ferrari design-wise, when I saw the 599, I thought it was a beautiful car with incredible aerodynamics that had function as well as form, but I still liked the 575's shape and aesthetics more. Then I saw the new F12 while at Pebble Beach last year... And I truly think this car is beautiful. Judge for yourself.
Ladies and Gentlemen... The show of magic is about to begin...
30mm lower engine, okay, that's nice
Your 599 is obsolete, buy this new one.
My favorite picture...
Passenger tachometer and speed display, a very nice touch...
They really shouldn't leave me with this guy and the key...
No heel/toe needed, the F12 is designed with a robotic clutch, so there are only two pedals.
I really wanted to take this car out for a drive, but there were people blocking every turn...
The perfect watch to go with it...
This watch has Magic 18K gold with ceramic to make it more scratch resistant...
I like this watch much more than the Ferrari watches in the past by GP and Panerai
A good fit for Ferrari...
My favorite picture... again...
FANTASTIC! Pure sex on wheels...
You forgot to mention that this car is the fastest ever car made by Ferrari. That says it all.
Another thing, is that even with such extreme performances, its comfortable enough to be driven every day. The real challenge is here.
Very impressed with the huge amount of technology packed in this car.
Looks amazing too, cabin is out of this world.
Thanks for this great post, that would almost help forget about our watches wish list 
best,
Thanks for viewing...
I don't think I could ever forget about the watches wish list. But boy, this car just started a "car wish list."
Can't wait to get behind the wheel and drive one.
LOL! this just goes to show, Patrick, Fricks, that while we can try to make objective
(read: consistent from one person to another) comments and conclusions about objects, the perception and "feel" of those objects (notice the roots of the words Objects and Objective...) can vary completely and greatly from one person to another, regardless.
I love the 599 - how it drives, how it handles (despite being a bit heavy) and that drive train...mmmm...
While I hated the California (at least on the Monticello track; I also tried it for a short time on the street and my opinion hasn't changed)
We all seem to be in agreement about the FF, but I am slowly warming to the body (ugh heaven forbid!)
I share your warm feelings for the 550/575 design, Patrick, but I am not a fan of the F12 body styling, though I do like the LaFerrari more and more...
Kinda reminds me of the conversation I had with a friend about the Porsche 997.2 GT3RS - the 991 GT3 with PDK might be faster (will be faster, I'm sure) but I don't care, I'll always love the feel of DRIVING a three pedal manual, rather than STEERING an automanual with floppy pedals (with all due respect to Mr. Preuninger...)
Thanks for your post, Patrick, nice pics and presentation.
TM
You know what I think...
"I think this Patrick character you speak of is just Not Man Enough to handle a Ferrari 599. He likes the Ferrari California and the Ferrari FF hatchback more than the Ferrari 599? What kind of a Ferrari fan is that? He ought to have given the 599 a second chance!"
- Alter Ego
Not a big fan of the styling of the FF either. But was really impressed with how it drove. That car is easy to drive, fun to drive, and a very capable car that was very light on its feet, despite having a 4000+ pound weight.
I am a huge fan of the styling of the Lamborghini Aventador styling, as I am a big fan of military airplanes. I think it looks utterly fantastic. I've never driven a Lamborghini nor have even been in a moving example. But at this point, it's almost more about piloting/flying the car than driving it. Just a figure of speech.
Thanks for reading and you are right, perception is so different from one person to the other. A novice may like the California but feel less comfortable in the 599. While an experience incumbent may feel the California lacks when the 599 gives.
Goo'day! Patrick, many thanks for the beautiful pictures......
When it comes to cars, since I have known myself as a person
Ferrari has always been "The" car! There are many Ferraris that I love, including one which is not considered by Purists a "real" Ferrari which is the Dino, the 346 Dino, of course, a Real Jewel in my book. I am in a way an unconditional "biased" Ferraristo (singular) as some in the horological world would be Patek's!
Ferrari has always been "The" car! There are many Ferraris that I love, including one which is not considered by Purists a "real" Ferrari which is the Dino, the 346 Dino, of course, a Real Jewel in my book. I am in a way an unconditional "biased" Ferraristo (singular) as some in the horological world would be Patek's!In Switzerland, where I come from, in the, say, 1970's there were those who were either Ferrari or Porsche. That was the norm, (at least from my fading memories) Porsche had that German "technology" thing, Ferrari had that "beauty" thing, Porsche sounded like a bunch of "rattling pans" while the V12 Ferraris or even the V6 and the boxer 12 sounded like a philharmonic orchestra!
Porsche had that German "technology" thing, Ferrari had that "beauty" thing, Porsche sounded like a bunch of "rattling pans" while the V12 Ferraris or even the V6 and the boxer 12 sounded like a philharmonic orchestra! It is very dificult for me to choose "a" favourite Ferrari, as it would be very difficult, from a, say Patek aficionado to choose which PP is his or her favourite, however some come to mind, the 365 GTB Daytona, the Dino 346, the 512BB, of course the California, the original!!! So many Ferraris are good and beautiful, actually, all are. Ferrari is Ferrari. Italy is Italy, good taste IS good taste. On a "somber" note, I cannot afford a Ferrari, so the dreams go on! Fantastic!
Please Patrick, let me know if you take me for a spin in you Ferrari in Paris or in California! Just so I can arrange my flight schedule
Cheers, Francois
Thank you for sharing your passion...
I don't have a Ferrari. So I'm not able to take you in a spin in one. Unfortunately. But if you are in Northern California, I can take you for a spin in a normal car! But if you visit Southern California during a PuristSPro event, there may be even nicer cars for you to look at and potentially get a ride in!
I really like quality things that are well designed and well built. I'm a big fan of now slightly older cars such as the Mercedes-Benz G550 and the older Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (from 2001 to 2002) because I believe these cars were well built, well designed, and will last a very long time in terms of reliability and drivability. Golden oldies.
Thank you for sharing your passion about Ferrari!
Great Report Patrick!
it really seems much nicer than the predecessor
And the Hublot Magic Gold is a nice watch to accompany the car
Sam
I think so...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people really love the 599, we have a few to several 599 owners here on PuristSPro. I wonder if we have any 575M owners? As I would be curious to hear their assessment of the car.
I do like the Hublot. And while I'm not normally into car branded watches, I do have to say, I like this Hublot more than I've ever liked any other car branded watch! But in general, I think many different Hublots and other watches go well with this car.
Forgot to add! If the feet on the pedals are yours, I love your..
Moccasins, as for Hublot for " Ferrari" been nicer than, say.. GP for "Ferrari" ...well, I could, perhaps disagree depending on the model
Cheers, Francois
These are my feet...
These are my feet... The one with the brown driving shoes. Thank you for noticing!
Which GP do you like? Do you have a photo? Very curious to know!
Thanks again!
Sign me up.
The only problem is by the time they would get around to selling one to a non F car owner most will have moved on to something else. I bet if you buy a FF you will be moved up on the list, only problem is the resale prices on the FF is not pretty (unless you want to buy one). I actually really like most views of the FF and it drives like nothing I have ever driven, the problem is the view I do not like.
I think the F12 is stunning.
JerryW
I think the F12 is stunning.
JerryW
Agreed...
I think the consensus of the FF is pretty much universal.
I do like the F12. And I'll wait a few years, I have other priorities.
Thanks for taking us step by step ...
... through the various points of the aerodynamic design. I appreciate the car and what the designers were trying to achieve even more. Form follows function, and what a function. Brilliant post.
Hope I get a chance to drive one some day. I will certainly be reporting back here.
Andrew
You'll be taking us step by step...
You better be careful to not have too much fun on that test-drive. Or else you'll soon be taking us step by step with the paperwork of your first Ferrari...
After all, it's a highly functional car...
NIce post, nicer car.
But my heart belongs to the FF, it's a feeling I can't control. After being working with Hublot at the Ferrari weekend here in Valencia, and spent some time in the FF and the F12, my feeling was confirmed. I would be completely happy with a FF as my everyday car, no complaints. I was wearing the Magic gold for two days, and with a very positive sensation about it. I'll try to post some pics soon, I have MANY.
Thanks for sharing.
Vte
Would have been a nice experience.
Maybe in the next future, it was a novelty and nobody but Alonso and Massa were driving it. They let me drive a 430, and co-piloting the FF, not bad.
cheers
Vte
I've never driven the F430...
I've never driven the F430, but I'd definitely be keen to try that one out!
a Ferrari is so far out of my league that i can only dream about them
i do like the design and the use of aerodynamic 'holes' in the body to improve downforce. the pics go a long way to helping me undersfand how these work.
i have to admit to having a dream Ferrari, and that is the 575 Super America. i dont know why, but the clever flip over roof just makes me weak at the knees. hopefully i will win the lotto before the one i like sells
thanks for the review Patrick. dont worry about your alter ego, i think the FF is a very practical car as well and a clever addition to the Ferrari lineup as it probably appeals to people who wouldnt otherwise look at a Ferrari.
G.
Another 575 fan...
The normal 575 makes me weak at the knees already.
I used to get rides from a mate of mine who had a Subie Legacy. I really like that car a lot.
I've never even been inside...
I've never even been inside a super america, but it just hits me between the eyes everytime i see one which isnt often.
There is a perfect example for sale in UK. Right hand drive, floppy paddles(i like auto's), 2006 model, 9000 miles, rosso red, black daytona interior.
All i need is a lotto win then i will buy it in a flash along with an Omega central tourbillon and a Vanderbilt Carver one which is the perfect rich mans toy(pic attached).
I would keep the Legacy as it does everything brilliantly, even fuel economy is ok for a 3 litre 270bhp car.
It just needs a stainless exhaust with middle cat removed and sports cats on the down pipes, a quick tweak on the remap and it should be 300bhp.
Best
G
I remember that Carver...
I'm hoping you get the 575 you mentioned. Sounds like a good one!
Now if only I could find one here in the States, for around 5 pence.
despite being a Ferrari guy...I dont like it much, even adjusting for my V12 bias
fastest road Ferrari ever...granted
most aerodynamic road Ferrari...granted
safest road Ferrari ever...granted
but so what??!!!??...where is the soul? where is the passion? its all numbers, sales...big numbers, big sales.....
I might be switching over to Lambo side of the equation, after a decade of Ferrari. damn..even a Lotus is more appealing to me.
740bhp...impressive figure...my humble cut price GTR is at 650bhp...and there are at least 10 GTRs i know that exceed 800 bhp...so what's the big deal. I find the 5 year old stock California with 420-450 bhp more exciting as a car proposition then this...maybe I am exotic car fatigued.
Aventador has the looks and the power. Lotus has the suspension and ride. Porsche has the usability and price advantage. I used to think Ferraris has all the above in one package...not anyore...esp not the F12.
best,
Horo
Hmm...
Soul. Passion. These are things that aren't quantifiable. I'm just fond of the styling, I think the car is a genuinely beautiful car. Haven't driven it yet, so I can't attest to the way it drives.
I LOVED the GTR when I drove it. So much character. So raw. But still tame-able, but like a wild bengal cat, only lightly domesticated. I don't know if the one I drove was modified or stock. So unusual yet interesting.
The Aventador does have the looks. And I do love the styling of that car. Unfortunately that car requires more than champagne budget.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The soul/passion card is difficult for me to understand, especially for someone who has no real super-car ownership experience. I haven't had to live with them for more than a few days, and usually not for more than a couple hours at a time. So admittedly, it's all novel to me. But after that new-toy novelty fades, is when you realize you love it or not. And I've never had to endure that. I've never had to endure many things after the honeymoon period.
Great looking at this after some time has passed...
The F12 definitely holds up. It is still *the* supercar to have. Even after McLaren and Lambo have had quite a bit more time to take some shots at it. Admittedly stuff coming out between F12 intro and now has been in the works since before the F12 was intro'd, so there will be undoubtedly more to come.... there always is... but the F12 has withstood even the intro of the LaFerrari. At this point is is fairly certain that this is one of those few Ferraris that rise above the rest, the very rare super Classic in the same rarefied group as the Enzo. What a car.
I still haven't driven one...
I haven't driven the F12, and I unfortunately (you'll see why I say unfortunately in a moment) have driven the Lamborghini Aventador.
I've driven the Ferrari 599, multiple Californias, and even the Ferrari FF hatchback in the past (you'll note, I haven't driven the most popular models a la 458, 430, nor 360). And while all of these cars were exceptional cars, I... And it's hard to say this... I found the Lamborghini Aventador much easier to drive and to acclimate to.
Granted, if I had more time in a Ferrari 599, and learned to understand the car, listen to its feedback, etc. I may have enjoyed it even much more than I did.
But driving this Lamborghini Aventador, wow, let me tell you, that's the most amazing car I think I've ever driven. It's true, I've driven more technically advanced and expensive vehicles, but the Aventador really gets my blood boiling.
As a result of my less than an hour long experience with the Lamborghini Aventador. And this was the first Lamborghini I've ever driven. I have to say, I am completely smitten. I'm in love with this car. And here's the unfortunate part. I haven't stopped thinking about this car since August 2013 when I experienced it.
I've driven some wonderful cars since the Aventador. The Porsche Cayman is another fantastic favorite that I love very much. But there's a problem with the Cayman, it could use more power, it leaves me wanting more power. Plus the styling is not my cup of tea (the rear design especially the ducktail wing is not my thing). There have been more vehicles.
I have this crazed obsession with this Lamborghini Aventador. Once you've experienced it, there is no antidote, and withdrawal from the drug is painful. All I can say, is don't try this particular model of cocaine; or else you may be thinking about it more often than you'd like upon withdrawal. I have thought about this car EVERY SINGLE DAY since August 2013. There has not been a time more than 48 hours that I have not thought about the car. Perhaps, the Ferrari F12 will be the same?
Over a decade later...
Over a decade later... I still have to say, the Ferrari F12 is a beautiful machine!