The new, limited edition Ferrari F12tdf celebrates the iconic Italian car-maker’s success in the legendary Tour de France endurance race – yes, they had one without the bicycles as well, especially in the 1950s and ’60s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta, which won four consecutive editions. The F12tdf, according to Ferrari, “is the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track”. Just 799 units will be built.
Power comes from the naturally-aspirated, 6262cc V12 derived directly from the F12berlinetta, but in case of the F12tdf, Ferrari engineers have worked to boost maximum power output from 730 hp to 769 hp at 8,500 rpm. Maximum torque has risen to 705 Nm (up from 690 Nm) at 6,750 rpm with 80% already available at 2,500 rpm. The F12tdf is equipped with a specific version of the F1 DCT with 6% shorter gear ratios that delivers 30% faster upshifts and 40% faster downshifts. All of these factors combine to dismiss 100 km/h from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds, while 0-200 km/h is dispatched in 7.9 seconds, in addition to a substantial boost in lateral acceleration.
The F12tdf’s dynamic behavior, specifically its lateral acceleration in corners, has been honed further due an 8% increase in the ratio of the front tyres compared to the rear ones. It also employs a rear-wheel steering system – known as the Virtual Short Wheelbase, while a significant increase in down-force – +87% has been achieved, which endows the F12tdf with a Fiorano lap time of just 1’21”. Furthermore, a redesign of the bodywork, interior, engine, transmission and running gear, along with the abundant use of carbon-fibre inside and out, has slashed 110 kg off the car’s overall weight.
The F12tdf’s aerodynamic efficiency figure is 1.6, almost double that of the F12berlinetta, while downforce is 230 kg at 200 km/h, which is 107 kg more. Styling wise, the F12tdf gets a redesigned front Aerobridge, a competition car-inspired front splitter, incorporating dive planes, floor wings and louvres, along with three pairs of GT-racing-derived strakes above the rear wheel arch. The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and now sports a system of three active flaps.
Inside, things get deliberately Spartan, with carbon-fibre housings for the instruments and satellite pods. The door panels have been pared back to a single carbon-fibre shell, while the glove compartment has disappeared to be replaced by simple knee padding. Alcantara, rather the traditional leather was chosen for the cabin trim, technical fabric for the seats and patterned aluminium instead of mats for the floor. The F12tdf’s specification is completed by lightweight alloys with five twinned spokes that are designed to have the narrowest section possible to reduce unsprung weight.
F12tdf Technical Specifications
Engine
Type 65-degree V12
Overall displacement 6,262 cc
Max. power output* 574 kW (769 hp) at 8,500 rpm
Max. torque 705 Nm at 6,750 rpm
Max. engine speed 8,900 rpm (limiter)
Dimensions and weight
Length 4,656 mm
Width ` 1,961 mm
Height 1,273 mm
Dry weight** 1,415 kg
Weight distribution 46% front – 54% rear
Tyres and wheel rims
Front 275/35 ZR 20″ 10″ J
Rear 315/35 ZR 20″ 11.5″ J
Performance
Max. speed in excess of 340 km/h
0-100 km/h 2.9 sec
0-200 km/h 7.9 sec
Fiorano lap time 1’21”
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Fuel consumption*** 15.4 l/100 km
Emissions*** 360 g/km
* Engine power is expressed in kW, as defined by the International System of Units (SI), and in cv (1KW=1.3596216 cv). With dynamic ram effect
** With optional lightweight options
*** ECE+EUDC with HELE system
