With just a few weeks to go before Lamborghini’s first hybrid super sportscar makes its debut, the carmaker is saying farewell to its renowned naturally-aspirated V12 engine. With a history going back to the very first Lamborghini car, the V12 engine is very much a part of the brand’s DNA and success.
“The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our history and our marque’s success,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridization at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12 with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalization.”
A light blue Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster was the last pure, naturally-aspirated V12 Lamborghini to be produced, bringing an era to the end. Lamborghini has sold more Aventadors than the sum of all its previous V12 models, delivering its 10,000th Aventador in September 2020.
Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in 2011 as the Aventador LP 700-4, the Aventador was a game-changer at its launch, and stood as the flagship model of the sportscar maker for 11 years of production.
“The Aventador is a jump of two generations in terms of design and technology, with an exceptional package of unique, innovative technologies and performance that is simply overwhelming,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini at the time of its launch.
Although it seems like every carmaker has a SUV today, that’s not really been the case. Ferrari did not jump on the SUV bandwagon like Lamborghini but even they have to offer customers such a car. And as with some other carmakers, they have tried to disassociate their new Purosangue as ‘another new SUV’ but rather, another new Ferrari.
Porsche tried that same line too when they launched the Cayenne as their first SUV, referring to it more as ‘another new Porsche’. And Rolls-Royce, perhaps feeling ‘Sport’ and ‘Utility’ are not appropriate for the brand to be associated with, chose to initially refer to their Cullinan as ‘a high-bodied car’.
But ‘SUV’ has become so embedded today, after having been in use since the `1990s’, that carmakers trying to call their SUVs something else have eventually had to call them that. Some try to use crossover which refers to a blending of SUV and passenger car, with a bit more of the latter.
Anyway, here it is – the first ever SUV in Ferrari’s 75-year history. Just as Volvo took a long time to come out with its first SUV because it had to be satisfied that the important issues of safety were fully addressed, Ferrari has also taken time to ensure that the driving dynamics and performance of allow the Purosangue to have the Prancing Horse on its bonnet.
Although the models which Ferrari usually publicises are those produced in more than a single unit, there are also cars which the carmaker has made which are not shown or mentioned because the customers may not like publicity. But some do agree to the exposure and the customer who commissioned the Ferrari BR20, the latest addition to the brand’s One-Off series, is one of them.
The BR20 is a 2-seater V12 coupe developed on the GTC4Lusso platform which, in terms of its philosophy and styling approach, references the Ferrari coupes of the 1950s and 1960s, without the slightest hint of nostalgia. Instead, it incorporates styling themes typical of some of the most iconic 12-cylinder models in Ferrari history, such as the 410 SA and 500 Superfast.
The GTC4Lusso’s two rear seats have been removed to add extra dynamism to the BR20’s ultra-sleek fastback line. The new car is about 75 mm longer than the original, thanks to a specific rear overhang treatment designed to create a silhouette that beautifully emphasises its proportions.
One of the cornerstones of the design process for this one-off was the radical modification made to the cabin volume. This in turn gave the design team the freedom to conceive the innovative proportions that ultimately produced a powerful yet stylistically coherent exterior design theme.
The new cabin design creates the impression of a pair of arches running lengthwise from A-pillar to rear spoiler. The rear volume of the arch has been hollowed out to create an aerodynamic channel with the air outlet concealed by the black rear fascia under the spoiler. This modern take on Ferrari’s ‘flying buttress’ theme firmly connects the car to the brand’s signature styling cues not just from its GT tradition, but also sportscars such as the 599 GTB Fiorano.
Ferrari GT4CLusso
To visually lighten the cabin, the black paint of the roof visually connects the windscreen to the rear screen, which stands above the surface of the rear tailgate as if to channel the airflow. A muscular rear bumper melds with the aggressive look of the rest of the car. Twin taillights create a visual dialogue with the tailpipes, which are lower and set into a prominent aerodynamic diffuser with active flaps on the underbody. Even the BR20’s twin round exhaust tips were designed especially for this one-off model.
The BR20’s many carbonfibre details highlight the edgy dynamic characteristics and powerful performance of this car which has all-wheel drive. The wide front grille sports an upper carbonfibre element, a note of stylistic consistency with other recent Ferrari one-offs, while unusual chrome side inserts help underline the car’s dynamic front stance.
The BR20’s unique identity is further underscored by the front grille’s striking new horizontal slats that lend a powerful sense of three-dimensionality. A virtually endless list of elements was designed specifically for the BR20, not least its modified headlights. They are lower in height compared to those of the GTC4Lusso with slimmer DRLs, which makes the bonnet seem even longer and sleeker. The 20-inch tone-on-tone diamond-finish wheels were also created especially for this unique car.
The BR20’s interior, trimmed in two shades of brown leather and carbonfibre, was developed to meet the customer’s expectations. The seats are trimmed in dark brown Heritage Testa di Moro leather and sport an exclusive pattern at the front as well as silver cross-stitching. The cabin volume runs uninterrupted from the windscreen to the luggage compartment at the rear, creating a sense of unique lightness and airiness for occupants. Oak trim with carbonfibre inserts adorns the rear bench and luggage deck, which conceals a deeper loading area when folded flat, as well as the door handles.
Customers who make use of the Special Projects programme receive unique cars with an exclusive design following the requirements of the customer. This is a one-of-a-kind car and ownership of all design features and elements will be the customer’s. The entire process of development from the time the customer provides a brief can last, on average, more than one year. Typically, customers are involved in every phase of work.
Described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’, the limited-edition special series 812 Competizione takes the 812 Superfast to a higher level than ever before. Unveiled to the world from the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track at the factory, the 812 Competizione was accompanied by the targa-top 812 Competizione A which is also produced in a limited series.
Re-engineered V12 engine
Both Competizione cars have similar 6.5-litre V12 engines which can produce up to 818 bhp at 9250 rpm, with 692 Nm generated at 7000 rpm. Though derived from the Superfast, several areas have been significantly re-engineered while optimising the fluid dynamics of the intake system and combustion, and reducing internal friction.
Ferrari engineers revealed that there has been meticulous redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than steel versions whilst delivering the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) to reduce the coefficient of friction to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3% lighter than the previous version.
The most significant improvements, however, are to the distribution and the cylinder heads, which have both been completely redesigned. The cams (which now also have the DLC coating) now action the valve stems via DLC-coated steel sliding finger followers, which are derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience and were developed specifically for this engine to provide a higher lift profile.
To maintain the traditional V12 engine sound, whilst simultaneously introducing a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to the exhaust system that ensures compliance with the very latest emissions regulations, the engineers added a new exhaust tailpipe. This unusual and innovative design solution reinstates the medium-high frequency sound muffled by the use of the GPF. Work was also carried out on the intake tract to which a second pair of resonators was added to enhance specific frequencies, creating the perfect melding of the sound from the exhaust and from the intake system.
Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A use a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with calibration of the control strategies reducing shift times by a further 5%. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the shifts are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs.
0 – 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds
Together with the significantly improved aerodynamics, the claimed top speed is over 340 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h said to be bridged within 2.85 seconds. Like on the 812 Superfast, the front diffuser is equipped with a passive mobile aero system which opens when running over 250 km/h, allowing the car to reach its maximum speed.
The rear screen, for the first time on a production model, is completely closed and allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. From the LaFerrari onwards, vortex generators of this type have been used on production cars to maximise downforce generated by the flat underbody. However, this solution was applied to the rear screen on the 812 Competizione to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Focus on boosting overall performance levels
The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version. This called for the development and use of many innovative components and contents. Specifically, these include the first use of independent 4-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.
The fact that the car is faster into corners demanded an improvement in braking power. Compared to the 812 Superfast, the brake cooling concept was completely redesigned around the new front Aero caliper which debuted on the SF90 Stradale and which has an air intake integrated into its casting.
Lightweight strategy
Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in 38 kgs being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell. Carbon-fibre was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes.
Much attention was also given to the design of the cockpit with the extensive use of carbonfibre trim, lightweight technical fabrics and a reduction in soundproofing. There are also dedicated sporty, lightweight forged aluminium rims and titanium studs. All-carbonfibre rims are also being made available for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 and can offer a total weight reduction of 3.7 kgs.
In terms of its interior architecture, the 812 Competizione has remained faithful to the 812 Superfast, retaining the same general parameters and main dash and door panel interfaces. The door panel itself has been lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit.
Occupant comfort in targa top version
Occupant comfort in the targa-top configuration is ensured by the introduction of a flap integrated into the windscreen header rail which deflects the energised, incident flow upwards so it won’t cause turbulence for the occupants. This extends the bubble that covers the entire length of the cockpit, thereby also avoiding excess pressure in the area behind the occupants’ heads.
The targa top is made from carbonfibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. It is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. With the top stowed, the roll bars partly jut out above the rest of the bodywork but because they are carbonfibre, they become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance buy instead amplify the visual lowering of the side view.
Pricing and production schedules have not been announced although it’s a sure bet that potential customers have already been informed and would have placed their orders. In fact, given their limited-edition status, these two cars are unlikely to be in showrooms except when an owner is kind enough to allow the dealer to display it for a while before it is taken away.
While its name remains a secret (until May 5), Ferrari has released the first official images of its latest limited-edition special series, described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’. It encapsulates and epitomises the company’s 70+ years of experience on racetracks around the world as well as draws on thoroughbred sportscar DNA to offer numerous uncompromising engineering solutions and innovations.
As is the case with all of Ferrari’s cars, the most striking feature lies at its very heart: the latest evolution of the legendary 65° V12 engine. It will produce the highest output of any Ferrari road-car engine – 830 cv (181.3 bhp) – and spin up to 9,500 rpm, also the highest of any Ferrari combustion engine.
Redesign of key components
The use of state-of-the-art materials, redesign of many of the engine’s key components, a new valve timing mechanism, and a new exhaust system are some of the technical solutions that contribute to delivering performance levels that are said to be unprecedented in the V12 segment.
The powertrain is paired with class-leading vehicle dynamics control systems to allow the driver to fully exploit the performance and have maximum driving pleasure. The adoption of independent steering on all four wheels enhances the feeling of agility and precision when cornering as well as providing greater responsiveness to steering inputs.
Lower overall weight
Another noteworthy engineering achievement is the development work undertaken to reduce the car’s overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. This was achieved in particular by extensive use of carbonfibre, both on the exterior and in the cockpit. Lastly, the new model premieres version 7.0 of the renowned Side Slip Control vehicle dynamics system.
In-depth aerodynamic research
One of the most striking aspects of this new model is how in-depth aerodynamic research has altered the car’s lines. Working in close synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the aerodynamicists have adopted solutions that are extreme in form and featuring profiles that are unprecedented for a road-legal car. The aerodynamic redesign of the whole car was aimed at maximising downforce levels – from the new front air intakes, rear diffuser and exhaust configuration to the patented design of the rear screen which now hosts vortex generators.
From a design point of view, this new special series has a strong personality that differentiates it significantly from the 812 Superfast on which it is based. This was achieved by choosing styling themes that further enhance the architectural design and dynamism of the 812 Superfast.
Vortex generators instead of glass screen
One example of this is the decision to replace the glass rear screen with a single-piece aluminium structure. The vortex generators incorporated improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency but the design solution chosen, which is fully integrated with the roof, simultaneously creates a backbone effect that underscores the car’s sculptural forms.
Together with the carbonfibre blade that traverses the bonnet, this motif changes the overall perception of the car’s volumes. The bonnet seems shorter, emphasising the width of the car, and the tail now has a more powerful, fastback look, thus making it appear more compact and competition-like despite it sharing the 812 Superfast’s silhouette, proportions and formal balance. Even the rear spoiler now looks more imposing: it is higher but the specific design treatment used also makes the tail look very wide, almost horizontal.
The interior architecture very much reflects that of the 812 Superfast, retaining the main dashboard and door panel interfaces and volumes, including the signature motif. Along with other elements of the interior, the door panel has been redesigned to reduce weight and, combined with the introduction of the H-gate theme on the tunnel, this lends the cockpit a sportier, more modern edge that reflects the car’s racing spirit.
