Article about the Ferrari F512M
By: Andrew Naber

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." So goes the story of the mid-engine 12 cylinder boxer engine. With its last appearance in the F512M --which is a story about evolution. The F512M, the F for Ferrari the M for modifcato (modified), traces its roots back to the Testarossa from 1984. While the word Testarossa isn't in the name of the car it is still considered this by many. The car was a sign of a new era for Ferrari as consumers demanded more reliability and comfort in a car. The F512M was the transition for Ferrari into today's modern market.

The F512M debuted in October 1994 at the Paris Auto Show and hit markets early in 1995 with an MSRP of $195,780 U.S. dollars. Like its two predecessor the F512M looks strikingly similar in design with the most noticeable changes in the front and rear of the car as well as a softening of the cars edges. The sides of the car remained nearly untouched from the previous two models and kept the instantly recognizable lateral air scoops located just in front of the rear wheels. A masterpiece from the famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina. Designed by Sergio Pininfarina himself, the Testarossa will always remain in Ferrari history.

The most notable change to the F512M's body style from the pervious models is the absence of the popup headlights. Ferrari designers opted for single eye projection lights set behind glass. This obviously allowed for better airflow and reduced the car's coeificient of drag. Two small NACA ducts were added to the front hood, or bonnet, for increased air to the passenger interior and add to the car's already aggressive styling. Other changes to the front share design elements very similar to the F355 with the round fog lights. The rear of the car featured for the first time round indicator lights as opposed to the square lights. With the addition of the round lights Pininfarina changed the rear grill, which no longer covered the lights. The wheels on the F512M kept their five spokes but were still changed considerably. The wheels were shaped like a fan and helped to cool the brakes.

The F512M's interior improved driving conditions and comfort over the previous models. Ferrari offered an adjustable adjustable driving position and adjustable pedals (pedals were only adjustable by the dealer). Owners also had the option to have installed carbon-fiber Recaro seats.

Significant weight reduction was achieved with the F512M by using more aluminum throughout the car. The F512M was fitted with aluminum shock absorbers, brake calipers, hub carriers, wheel rims, and shift knob. The car had classic Ferrari tubular steel frame with insulated stainless steel exhaust. The suspension was race-car derived with 4 wheel independent shocks. Four disc brakes, with 4 piston calipers were used to bring the beast to a screeching halt. The drivetrain was a 5 speed, reverse longitudinal gearbox, with synchromesh.

Amedeo Felisa, the engine developer, incorporated forged aluminum-alloy pistons, titanium connecting rods, and a lighter crankshaft to further the weight reduction. For optimal weight distribution on the front and rear wheels respective the engine was mounted in the center of the cars frame. The flat 12 (called 180� V12 by Ferrari) now produced 440 bhp@6750 RPMs up from 390 bhp of the first Testarossa. The engine itself remained much the same, 4 overhead camshaft, 4 values per cylinder. Added was a Bosch Motronic M 2.7 engine management system to help boost power. The engine was cooled by twin radiators, a header tank and automatic fans.

With 440 bhp the F512M could obtain a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph) and reach 0-100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds. This put the car at the top as Ferrari's fastest car ever until the following year when the F50 was released.

The F512M was a perfect end to the already beautiful tale of the V12 boxer and Testarossa. With the new line-up of models bringing the engine back to the front (456M, 550, and 575M). We are left with the hopes that Ferrari will reach back in history to bring us yet another mid-engine V12. Let us hope it is sooner rather than later.

Spec sheet for the F512M

Labels: Ferrari Dealerships