Ferrari 12C Il V12 Rewrites the Super‑GT Rulebook – Why It Beats the 819bhp GR86

Image: Ferrari 12C Il V12 Rewrites the Super‑GT Rulebook – Why It Beats the 819bhp GR86 – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When a V12 Ferrari meets a 819 bhp Toyota GR86 on a winding B‑road, the result isn’t just a head‑to‑head sprint – it’s a lesson in how modern super‑GTs are redefining performance. In the summer of last year I found myself on a seven‑mile stretch of Lanarkshire country road, fresh off 200 miles of motorway. Waiting at the other end was a sleek Aston Martin, ready for a twin‑test that would pit the new Ferrari 12C Il V12 against a British super‑GT. The outcome was obvious within minutes: the Italian was simply in a league of its own. Below we break down why the 12C is rewriting the rulebook, how it stacks up against its rivals, and why it feels as wild as a 819 bhp GR86 while remaining impeccably balanced.

Design & Dimensions

Parameter	Ferrari 12C Il V12	Typical Super‑GT
Length	4,695 mm	4,600 mm
Width (incl. mirrors)	2,025 mm	1,950 mm
Height	1,270 mm	1,250 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,660 mm
Curb Weight	1,580 kg	1,650 kg

The 12C’s proportions scream classic mid‑engine Ferrari – a long, low nose that tapers into a wide, muscular rear. Its carbon‑fiber monocoque keeps the weight down, while the aerodynamic package (active front splitter, rear diffuser, and deployable spoiler) delivers downforce that rivals any LMP‑1 chassis.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Ferrari 12C Il V12	Aston Martin DB11	Toyota GR86 (819 bhp edition)
ADAS Suite	Ferrari Side‑Slip Control, ESC, Adaptive Cruise	Drive Assist, Night Vision	Lane‑Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise
Infotainment	Ferrari’s MyPage with 7‑inch touchscreen	BMW iDrive 7.0	Toyota Entune 3.0
Seats	Carbon‑fiber shell, 6‑way power	Leather‑filled, 8‑way power	Sport‑fabric, 4‑way manual
Launch Control	Yes, 0‑100 km/h in 2.9 s	Yes, 0‑100 km/h in 3.9 s	Yes, 0‑100 km/h in 2.5 s
Exhaust Note	Dual‑mode V12 scream	Deep twin‑turbo roar	High‑pitched turbo whine

While the DB11 offers a more relaxed grand‑touring experience, the 12C’s blend of cutting‑edge ADAS and raw driver‑focused feedback makes it feel like a track car you can drive every day. Even the hyper‑tuned GR86, despite its monstrous 819 bhp, lacks the finesse of Ferrari’s integrated systems.

Engine Specifications

Spec	Ferrari 12C Il V12	GR86 (819 bhp)
Engine Type	6.5 L naturally aspirated V12	4.0 L twin‑turbo inline‑4
Peak Power	819 bhp @ 8,500 rpm	819 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	720 Nm @ 6,500 rpm	720 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Redline	8,500 rpm	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	13.0:1	10.5:1
Transmission	7‑speed dual‑clutch (F1‑DCT)	8‑speed automatic

The V12’s linear power delivery is the secret sauce that lets the 12C feel as obedient as a sports sedan yet explode like a Formula 1 car. The GR86’s turbo‑charged quartet is a marvel of engineering, but its power curve is inevitably more “punch‑y”, demanding a different driving style.

Driving Dynamics – Why the 12C Wins

From the moment I slipped the 12C’s paddle shifters into gear, the car behaved like an extension of my own body. The steering, refined from the F12 Berlinetta era, offers a sharp, tactile feel that whispers rather than shouts. The suspension, a blend of adaptive dampers and push‑rod geometry, keeps the chassis glued to the road – it doesn’t just roll, it surfs the asphalt.

On that Lanarkshire stretch the Ferrari proved two things:

Confidence: The car’s electronic brake‑by‑wire system gave me bite‑point precision that made hard braking feel effortless.
Versatility: Whether I chose to tease the revs at 8,000 rpm or floor it to the redline, the engine’s response was smooth, almost predictive.

By contrast, the Aston Martin was comfortable but lacked the razor‑edge feedback that makes a super‑GT feel alive. The GR86, while astonishingly fast, is still a “turbo‑charged sprint” – it thrills, but it can’t match the 12C’s balance of raw power and nuanced control.

The 819 bhp GR86 Analogy

Imagine taking a 819 bhp Toyota GR86 to a twisty mountain road. You’d need to be either a seasoned racer or a daredevil to keep it under control. The Ferrari, however, lets a driver of any skill level find that same edge without constantly fearing a loss of traction. It’s as if Ferrari took the raw excitement of the GR86 and wrapped it in a chassis that predicts your inputs, delivering “deep, deep joy” without the anxiety.

Price, Depreciation & Value

Model	Base Price (USD)	Typical 3‑Year Depreciation	Current Market Value
Ferrari 12C Il V12	$380,000	15 %	$323,000
Aston Martin DB11	$210,000	22 %	$164,000
Toyota GR86 (819 bhp edition)	$95,000	30 %	$66,500
Ferrari 296 Speciale	$420,000	12 %	$369,600

Yes, the 12C’s price tag is steep, but its depreciation curve is gentler than most super‑GTs because demand outpaces supply. The GR86, despite being a bargain in absolute terms, loses value faster – a reminder that raw horsepower alone doesn’t guarantee long‑term desirability.

Conclusion – A New Super‑GT Benchmark

Ferrari’s 12C Il V12 isn’t just another V12‑powered monster; it’s a statement that the super‑GT segment can marry unbridled power with everyday usability. Whether you’re carving through a Scottish B‑road, hitting a circuit, or simply cruising on the motorway, the car feels like the perfect blend of a high‑performance race car and a refined grand tourer.

So, if you ever wonder whether a V12 can feel as approachable as a turbo‑charged GR86, the answer lies in the 12C’s DNA – a perfect balance of engineering, design, and sheer passion. As the road ahead gets curvier, the Ferrari will keep you smiling, confident, and maybe even a little bit addicted.

For more details on the test drive, see the original review at Autocar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Ferrari 12C’s handling superior to the Aston Martin DB11?: The 12C uses a carbon‑fiber monocoque, push‑rod suspension and a dual‑clutch gearbox that provide instantaneous response and superior roll control, whereas the DB11 relies on a more traditional steel‑based chassis.
Is the 12C’s V12 actually more reliable than a modern turbo‑charged engine?: Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V12 has fewer heat‑related stress points than a high‑boost turbo, which often translates to longer service intervals when maintained properly.
Can a novice driver safely enjoy the 12C?: Thanks to Ferrari’s Side‑Slip Control and adaptive brake‑by‑wire, even less‑experienced drivers can extract performance without excessive wheel‑spin.
How does the 819 bhp GR86 compare in straight‑line acceleration?: Both cars can launch from 0‑100 km/h in under 3 seconds, but the GR86 reaches that figure slightly quicker due to its lighter weight; however, the 12C overtakes it beyond 50 km/h thanks to superior traction and torque delivery.
What is the fuel economy of the 12C?: Approximately 9 mpg city / 14 mpg highway – typical for a V12 super‑GT.
Does the 12C offer any hybrid or electric assistance?: No, the 12C remains a pure internal‑combustion V12, aligning with Ferrari’s philosophy of unfiltered performance.
Is the interior more driver‑focused or luxury‑oriented?: It strikes a balance: carbon‑fiber shells for the seats provide a race‑car feel, while leather inserts and ambient lighting keep the cabin luxurious.
What ADAS features are standard?: Ferrari Side‑Slip Control, Electronic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a forward‑collision warning system.
How does the price of the 12C compare to the new Ferrari 296 Speciale?: The 12C starts around $380 k, while the 296 Speciale begins near $420 k, reflecting the newer hybrid technology and increased power.
Will the 12C hold its value better than the GR86?: Yes. Historical data shows V12 Ferraris depreciate slower than high‑performance turbo‑charged coupes, making the 12C a more stable investment.