2005 / 2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari has a long history of offering V12-powered, 2+2 gran turismo coupes. For a variety of reasons, however, models like the 365 GT 2+2, the 412 and the most recent variant, the 456M, have never been as popular as the company's V8 or V12 two-seat sports cars. But that hasn't deterred Ferrari; for 2005, the company is rolling out the four-seat 612 Scaglietti, a replacement for the erstwhile 456M. Although designed by Pininfarina, the 612 pays homage to Sergio Scaglietti, an Italian stylist responsible for designing many popular Ferraris from the '50s and '60s, including the 250 GTO.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by the latest evolution of the V12 used in the 575M Maranello. Air intake and exhaust enhancements have raised maximum horsepower to 540. More significant, though, is the 612's all-aluminum space frame and body-panel construction, the first for a V12 Ferrari. At 4,056 pounds, the 612 is heavier than the old 456M by a couple hundred pounds, but that gain can be justified by the 612's larger dimensions and additional interior room. Ferrari has also focused on overall balance and mass centralization. The Ferrari's V12 is mounted far enough back that the 612 can be considered a front midengine car. The 612 has a 46/54 front-rear weight balance and Ferrari claims that 85 percent of the car's weight is between the axles.

Though the decision to give the 612 a front midship design has led to rather awkward proportions and styling, there's little doubt that Ferrari's focus on weight reduction and handling balance has been beneficial. The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, for instance, weighs about 600 more pounds than the 612. Indeed, the 612 is the sharpest handling coupe among already heady GT-oriented exotics like the Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT. This is arguably the 612's greatest advantage. True, it doesn't have latest techno toys like the Benz, the sexy bodywork of the DB9 or the royalty-suitable interior trimmings of the Continental GT. But when it comes time to drive, the 612 is our top choice. That it happens to be able to seat an additional two people in relative comfort is just an added bonus. Unfortunately, the 612 Scaglietti, in traditional Ferrari fashion, happens to come with a rather bracing price tag. As such, only the select few will get to enjoy this fantastic grand touring exotic coupe.

The 2005 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-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.

The 612 Scaglietti is equipped with a 5.7-liter V12 that develops 540 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 434 lb-ft 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. Drivers can place it in an automatic shifting mode or manually select gears via steering wheel-mounted paddles. According to Ferrari, the 612 Scaglietti is capable of zero to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and a top speed just shy of 200 mph.

Beyond government-mandated safety equipment, the 612 Scaglietti comes with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control and stability control. Side airbags aren't available. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash tested the 612.

Though Ferraris typically sacrifice some comfort in exchange for maximum performance, the 612 Scaglietti breaks with tradition by being the most luxurious and accommodating Ferrari in recent memory. High-quality leather upholstery and aluminum trim are used throughout the cabin. Drivers can control the car's many interactive systems via small, intuitive buttons mounted on the steering wheel. Accessing the two rear-bucket seats isn't exactly easy, but once situated passengers will find adequate leg-, head- and shoulder room. The 612's trunk can hold 8.5 cubic feet of cargo.

The 612 Scaglietti is thankfully more than just a collection of high-tech gadgetry. Steering effort is lighter than on a F430 or a 575M, but perfectly suited for this market segment -- and clearly better than anything the competition has to offer. It's this light-but-intuitive steering, along with the car's nimble nature that makes it a delight to drive. The V12 is supremely powerful, of course, and it delivers linear power accompanied by an enthusiastic soundtrack. Though earlier Ferrari F1 transmissions were a bit truculent in everyday driving, the 612's updated version is a major improvement. Its shift quality is excellent in almost all situations, and most drivers should be fully satisfied with it.

A request has been made to Guinness World Records to register the record-breaking achievement of two Ferrari 612 Scaglietti which are currently participating in the Tour of China. This marks the first time that a standard, road-registered 540hp two-wheel drive production car has achieved an altitude of 5,231 metres – across the Tanggulashan mountain pass, on the border between the Autonomous Region of Tibet and China.

The cars, driven by international journalists, reached the mountain pass easily. Despite the reduced oxygen levels available at such a high altitude, and the lower quality of fuel available in the area, the Ferrari’s 5.7-litre V12 engine, performed effortlessly without any necessary modifications.

The expedition has crossed the Tibetan plateau, one of the most isolated regions of the world, with the cars being driven for thousands of miles at over 3,000 metres altitude, from Lhasa, Tibet’s main city and the ancient home of the Dalai Lama.

In Lhasa, as in other cities reached by the Tour, the Team was welcomed with enthusiasm by more than 200 children of a local school which received books, school equipment and toys for the children as part of the Tour of China’s programme to help schools most in need.

The China Tour started on 29 August in Shanghai and now moves on to the Gobi Desert, passing through Kashi (Kaxgar), the most continental city of the world and home of a wealthy silk market which dates from the days of Marco Polo.

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