Ferrari’s V12 Convertible Delivers a Unique Engine Experience

Last year, Ferrari embraced nostalgia by introducing its premium Grand Tourer, the 12Cilindri, named in tribute to the remarkable V12 engine that has graced many of its iconic models throughout the brand’s history. This move subtly acknowledged the impending end of the naturally aspirated 12-cylinder engine due to tightening emission regulations. Now, the 12Cilindri Spider has arrived, featuring an open-top design, enhancing the connection between driver and the enveloping sound of an engine that refuses to fade quietly.

Experiencing a V12 Ferrari engine up close is a thrill, especially with modern technology allowing for minimal compromises in the convertible version. Unlike the Roma Spider, which showcased a traditional fabric roof, the 12Cilindri Spider boasts a retractable hardtop. With the roof closed, the car resembles a sleek coupé, but with the push of a button, an intricate mechanical transformation occurs, revealing its convertible nature.

With the roof lowered, two aerodynamic fins remain behind each seat, highlighting the rear’s sculptural form, complemented by a glass “window stop” that can be adjusted. The folding roof’s multilayered construction provides the advantages of a hardtop, offering protection from the elements and effective sound insulation. When the weather permits, retracting the roof allows for unobstructed visibility and a full auditory experience of the melodious V12 engine. Performance metrics are nearly identical to the hardtop variant, with the slight increase in weight hardly noticeable.

The upper echelon of the GT segment includes high-performance vehicles achieving incredible speeds, and the 12Cilindri certainly fits this profile. However, choosing the Spider version introduces an emotional nuance that softens its fierce persona. With its roof down, the futuristic contours take on a romantic character reminiscent of classic 1950s films, evoking an era where efficiency blended with aesthetic beauty. While this Spider can outperform anything from the past century—and its power is immense—the enjoyment derived from cruising at a leisurely pace with the engine’s gentle rumble can be profoundly satisfying. When the mood strikes, accelerating reveals an exhilarating wave of power and torque.

If the exhilarating engine sound becomes overwhelming, a premium Burmester sound system enhances the driving experience, expertly calibrated for open-air acoustics with 15 speakers delivering 1600W. Inside, the 12Cilindri Spider maintains the same luxurious, high-tech, dual cockpit interior familiar to owners, albeit at the cost of some rear seating and reduced trunk space, now only 200 liters compared to the coupé’s larger capacity—a trade-off for the folding roof. Still, anyone planning a leisurely drive down the shore will likely require minimal luggage.

As with many luxury items, the Spider commands a premium, priced £30,000 higher than the standard 12Cilindri, yet this modest increase relative to the already considerable base price of £336,500 seems justifiable for the added joy of driving this open-top marvel.