The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Ever wondered what it's like to spend time in a Ferrari V12 GT?
I wondered too! I arrived at the Manchester address to see my test car sitting waiting for me. The stunning 612 Scaglietti finished in Blu Tour de France with sabbia Daytona and blue inserts. This to me is heaven unlike other Ferraris no one really notices it, it just another car! Until you drive it, then its 100% Ferrari.
To me the 612 Scaglietti is statesmen like, majestic, elegant, and I haven’t driven it yet! The 612 Scaglietti is the result of an avant-garde design that continues the great Ferrari 2+2 tradition in fabulous style. Penned by Pininfarina, the 612 Scaglietti is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary Modenese stylist and coachbuilder responsible for bodying some of the most beautiful Ferraris of the 1950s and 60s. The 612 Scaglietti epitomises Ferrari's talent for innovation and design.
This thrillingly nimble, beautifully balanced sporty front-engined rear-wheel drive berlinetta offers a cabin capable of accommodating four occupants in unprecedented comfort, thanks to a host of accessories and a fantastic specification. The 612 Scaglietti isn't just another 2+2 but a sumptuous, roomy two-door four-seater that's a pleasure to be aboard regardless of driving conditions.
Introduced in 2005 as the successor to the Ferrari 456, the Scaglietti earns praise for its powerful performance attributes and luxurious accommodations. We came away with the firm impression that this is the best four-seat car on the road in terms of performance and handling ... and smiles per mile." Still many say the Scaglietti isn't perfect. While reviewers report that it drops jaws, many concede that it still doesn't look as hot as they'd like. We think they must be look at the wrong car.
Consider the facts. 540 bhp from a 5,748 cc 65° V12, meaning 0 - 62 mph acceleration in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. No red button, the car fires up on a key, and a swift to the left engages first gear Yes you have read this right it’s a manual
This was my first experience in a 612 so I called up a friend two days before test day and asked him about a manual 612 he replied I hope you have a strong left leg and don’t get in traffic. With this in mind I decide to head onto the Motorway but within minutes I am in total gridlock after twenty minutes in this car the manual gearbox is fine, the clutch may be slightly heavy but when the gearbox is harmed up it becomes much easier to select gears. However its visual impact is classic Ferrari these touches, together with the 'Daytona' seats, beautifully-finished alloy air vents and dials give the car a classy, gentlemen look. The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme’ will allow a customer to make his car truly bespoke, but really the standard spec cars are finished elegantly. Our car was equipped with the optional modular 5-spoke split-rim wheels with titanium screws, as well as the integrated CD player/sat-nav and rear parking sensors, Daytona seats with blue inserts and the best Bose sound system I’ve heard in any car.
The visibility being generally good all round and the speed-sensitive electronic power steering allowing one-handed cruising. Opening the car up reveals it’s true nature, grand touring at its best With the Sport setting activated the 612 is a tight performer. The 5,748 cc V12 gives its peak 540 HP at 7,250 rpm and when revs rise above 4000 rpm all hell breaks loose, inside the exhaust valves open up, allowing the car to breathe easier, and what was urgent V12 howl changes instantly into a hollow race car sound via a sports exhaust,
In short, it’s designed to be the ultimate 21st century GT car, a machine specified by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo to set new standards of weight reduction, performance, interior space and comfort. The 612 Scaglietti is just a master peace. I loved this car before I drove it and now I have I can truly say this is the greatest grand tourer on the market today Sergio Scaglietti legendary Modenese stylist would be delighted with this beautifully peace of 21 century art.