The 2006 ferrari 612 Scaglietti is powered by the latest evolution of the V12 used in the discontinued 575M Maranello. More important, though, is the 612’s all-aluminum space frame and body-panel construction design, the first for a V12 Ferrari. At 4,056 pounds, the 612 is no lightweight, but it’s still 600-1,200 pounds lighter than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz CL65 and the Bentley Continental GT. The Ferrari’s V12 is mounted rearward enough that the 612 can be considered a front-midengine car and as a result has a 46/54 front/rear weight balance. Ferrari claims that 85 percent of the car’s weight is between the axles.
The 612 Scaglietti is equipped with a 5.7-liter V12 that develops 540 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 434 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm. The engine’s power is sent to the rear wheels by either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed “F1″ transmission. The F1 is a computer-controlled, electrohydraulic manual transmission with an automated clutch. Drivers can choose a fully automatic shifting mode or manually select gears via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. According to Ferrari, the 612 Scaglietti is capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and hitting a top speed just shy of 200 mph.
Though the decision to give the 612 a front midship design has led to somewhat awkward proportions and styling, there’s little doubt that Ferrari’s focus on weight reduction and handling balance has been beneficial. Indeed, the 612 is the sharpest-handling coupe among already heady GT-oriented exotics like the Aston Martin Vanquish and Bentley Continental GT. This is arguably the 612’s greatest advantage.
The 2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a two-door exotic sport coupe that can seat up to four people. Only one trim level is offered. Standard equipment highlights include HID headlights, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, 245/45ZR18 front and 285/40ZR19 rear performance tires, an adaptive suspension system, a power-closing trunk, heated exterior mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, power front seats and a Bose audio system with a trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer. Optional features include rear park assist, a radio navigation system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, heated front seats, a space-saver spare tire kit, run-flat tires and a six-piece fitted leather luggage set. Prospective 612 buyers can also request special exterior paint colors and additional style-oriented changes. National base price 250,509.00.