Brand New 2026 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider (w/ startup, revving)
A brand new green 2026 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider owned and driven by David Lee, Chairman and CEO of Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, starting up, revving, and leaving Christ & Cars at Lake Avenue Church. Introduced in May 2024 in both coupe and convertible (Spider) form, the 12Cilindri replaces the 812 Superfast and features styling inspired by the 365 GTB/4 and GTS/4 "Daytona" with a wraparound front band and a pair of active aerodynamic rear flaps. Powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, it is believed to be Ferrari's last production car with a naturally aspirated non-electrified V12. This car, finished in Verde Toscana (the 12Cilindri Spider's debut color) with gold wheels and exposed carbon fiber accents, was delivered to Lee earlier this month through Ferrari Westlake.
Even though many automakers that have previously committed to moving away from gas-only powertrains have now reverted to investing in good ol' internal combustion engines after reevaluating current market conditions, Ferrari, a brand that has never been easily swayed by public opinion, has made it clear that it remains focused on an electrified future. So it's almost certain that the 12Cilindri really will be, in fact, the last Prancing Horse model without an electric or hybrid powertrain. And that, plus the fact that it's a grand tourer with a front-mounted V12, makes it a highly significant model regardless of your stance on electrification, because this configuration has graced many of the brand's most beautiful and successful models ever since its first road car left the factory in the 1940s.
The 12Cilindri's design represents both a nod to the past and a glimpse of the future, blending elements inspired by past models with Ferrari's new design language. Controversial as it may be, the 12Cilindri's design is, in my opinion, very well executed, largely thanks to its classic proportions and reasonably conservative use of contrasting gloss black panels (an element the brand has since taken much greater liberty to emphasize). My criticism can be narrowed down to two main points. First, the black contrasting rear section really disrupts an otherwise elegant design. It's not nearly as bad on the Spider as it is on the coupe, but I'll reserve judgement until after I get to see a coupe in the flesh. Second, the rear side profile looks too much like a Nissan Z. That's not necessarily a bad thing since I think Zs are great-looking cars. But if I spent over half a million bucks on a car, I'd prefer to have it compared to something a little more prestigious.
And the only car I can think of that the 12Cilindri can directly compete against is the new Aston Martin Vanquish. Both cars are sexy, luxurious, and powerful, and both feature styling with some polarizing elements. At the end of the day, I think it really comes down to which brand name you prefer. And for those like David Lee who are firmly committed to the Prancing Horse marque (and have the means to buy pretty much any car on the market), no stable would be complete without a 12Cilindri. This spec looks incredible, especially with those gold wheels. And the car sounds amazing, too. Sure, it may mark the end of an era. But Ferrari has done a great job making sure this is an era that will never be forgotten.
What are your thoughts on Ferrari's new 12Cilindri? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!