Meet the Ferrari F12tdf, the F12berlinetta’s Hot Younger Sister

Ferrari F12tdf (Credit: © Ferrari)

The Ferrari F12berlinetta has long needed an overhaul, particularly under its hood. Sure, its 731-horsepower V-12 is plenty powerful, but fans have been asking for more. Ferrari has just answered those calls and more with the introduction of the outrageous F12tdf.

The F12tdf, which pays homage to the Tour de France, comes with the same 6.3-liter V-12 as the standard F12berlinetta, but Ferrari cranked its output from 731 horsepower and 508 pound-feet of torque to 769 horsepower and 519 pound-feet of torque. Sure, these power increases are minor, but they are only part of what went into developing this limited-edition model.

Delivering the power to the wheels is a revised F1 dual-clutch transmission. This gearbox has 6 percent shorter gear ratios, and delivers 30 percent quicker upshifts and 40 percent quicker downshifts. This results in the F12tdf hitting 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and 124 mph in just 74.9 seconds.

Ferrari F12tdf (Credit: © Ferrari)

Ferrari isn’t one to just improve upon a car’s output then call it a day, and the F12tdf is no exception. Under its skin, Fezza installed a new rear-axle-steering system, known as the Virtual Short Wheelbase system, which makes the model more agile and suitable for less-experienced drivers. This new rig also receives 20 mm wider rubber up front – from 255 to 275 – for a better corner entry.

Extra power: check. Updated chassis: check. All that’s left now are the aero bits that’ll assure this is the best of the F12s. Ferrari installed enough downforce-generating components to add 236 pounds of extra downward force when compared to the F12berlinetta, taking the F12tdf to 507 pounds at 124 mph. These components include an aggressive front splitter, dive planes, floor wings, a 2.4-inch-longer and 1.2-inch-taller rear spoiler, and GT-racing-derived strakes that account for 30 percent of the extra downforce.

Ferrari F12tdf (Credit: © Ferrari)

Styling is the icing on the Italian cake with the F12tdf. From front to rear the F12 underwent a serious metamorphosis from the berlinetta to the tdf. These changes include a new front grille, vents over the rear wheels, a reshaped rear window, a new center strip between the taillights, and all-new exhaust surrounds. Inside, this limited model plays up to its race-inspired exterior and powertrain with a fairly stripped-down cabin. Here, you’ll find loads of carbon fiber, no glove box, Alcantara, and aluminum in place of the floor mats.

There is no mention of when this model will hit showrooms, nor did Ferrari mention pricing or how many it will produce. These details should emerge soon, so stay tuned.