Ferrari 12Cilindri Bridges Heritage And Innovation Like Few Supercars Can
A classic, reimagined
FOR ANY AFICIONADO, driving a Ferrari is at the top of the bucket list, but experiencing one in India takes it to a whole new level.
You’re immediately bombarded by a rush of sensations and plenty of attention. A crowd gathers within minutes, gawking
at the low-slung proportions, only to be drowned out by the soulful V12 soundtrack as the car rockets into the distance.

For the driver, piloting a ₹9-crore Ferrari on Indian roads might seem intimidating, but the 12Cilindri is surprisingly docile and not too difficult to handle. You do, however, have to be mindful of the long bonnet housing that glorious V12 engine.
The gearbox is smooth, the ride isn’t backbreaking, and the nose-lift feature engages instantly, making those pesky speed
breakers far less of a nightmare.
Despite its 830bhp output, the 12Cilindri isn’t a loose cannon; it handles with the finesse of a luxury sports car, only scaring the driver when truly provoked. A raft of onboard safety systems further helps its cause, providing impressive traction despite sending power solely to the rear wheels.
In that sense, the 12Cilindri is a true Grand Tourer—capable of whisking its occupants to ludicrous speeds in an instant (0–100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds) yet never detaching from the driving experience. Its V12 powertrain, unassisted by any hybrid system, is a work of art, one that invites you to chase the upper reaches of its prodigious 9,500 rpm rev limit just to revel in its glorious soundtrack.
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Compared to its predecessor, the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri feels more relaxed in its demeanour, better embracing the classic Ferrari V12 supercar character. The ride quality is certainly firm, but it’s still entirely possible to drive this supercar every day without much fuss.
Inside, the cabin is an alluring blend of Ferrari’s heritage and its sharp focus on technology. Multiple screens sit seamlessly
among rich, fragrant leather, while the gear selector pays homage to the gated manual shifters of Ferraris past. The steering wheel houses most of the controls, including the indicators, and the long, fixed gearshift paddles offer a more engaging drive.
This isn’t some stripped-out racing car either. All the creature comforts are accounted for, along with enough luggage
space for a quick weekend getaway.

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The car’s name, Dodici Cilindri, pays homage to the V12 engine. Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, was famously besotted with it, and this latest creation proudly carries that legacy forward, albeit with far more power.
In an era when most have turned to electrification, there’s simply nothing else on the market quite like it. Ferrari has
stayed true to its roots, crafting a supercar that bridges the past and the future with effortless poise.
Of course, the sky-high price tag means the 12Cilindri will be the privilege of only a few. But after our first drive, one thing
is certain: Ferraris do, in fact, work on Indian roads.
To read more stories from Esquire India's November 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine


