Ferrari has announced that its all-new 2+2 model, 612 Scaglietti which makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week, will cost £170,500 when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.

Ferrari UK anticipates that around 60 examples of the 612 will be available in right-hand drive for the British market during 2004. While the 612 Scaglietti is similarly priced to the 456M it replaces, the newcomer raises Ferrari’s 2+2 model to a new level of sophistication. Described by Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo as a “third millennium car”, the 612 Scaglietti offers customers a whole new generation of technologies and is so spacious that it has been called a two-door four-seater rather than a 2+2.

The 612 Scaglietti is 139 mm longer, 37 mm wider, and 44 mm taller than the 456M. With a significantly longer wheelbase than its predecessor, increased by 350 mm, the 612 Scaglietti has been designed to offer ease-of-entry for rear-seat passengers to an outstandingly luxurious cabin which will accommodate four adults in absolute comfort.

Thanks to special hinges, the doors open an extra 150 mm and the powered front seats tilt and slide forwards at the touch of a button to give improved access to the rear. Compared to the 456M, the 612 provides 34 mm additional headroom in front, and 5 degrees more recline for the seat backs. Rear seat passengers will benefit from the more reclined backrest (+12 degrees), improved headroom (+70mm) and deeper foot wells.

On-board comfort is boosted for the driver by the adoption of ‘new generation’ ergonomics for the instruments, steering-wheel mounted and fascia-mounted controls and for passengers by the fitting of dual-zone climate control and a Hi-End Bose sound system. The capacity of the luggage compartment has been enlarged to 240 litres – 26% bigger than the 456M – and will hold a six-piece Ferrari luggage set or two full sets of golf clubs.

British customers for the 612 Scaglietti will be able to tailor their new car to match their individual tastes and requirements through Ferrari’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme. Three areas are covered by the programme: Exterior and Colours, Interior and Materials, and Equipment and Travel.

For the first time, Ferrari will manufacture a 12-cylinder model with both the chassis and body panels in aluminium, built entirely in-house at Modena, in the dedicated Scaglietti light-alloy technologies facility. The benefits of this construction method include increased structural rigidity and weight savings of 60 kg compared to the 456M GTA – despite the 612’s larger dimensions.

The overall layout – engine mounted behind the front axle, gearbox in unit with the differential at the rear – ensures an ideally balanced weight distribution (46% front, 54% rear), as well as permitting a lower centre of gravity, which benefits the dynamic behaviour of the car. The performance-orientated handling is enhanced by active damping and a new electronic stability and traction control system, making its first-ever appearance on a Ferrari.

The 612’s 5748 cc, 12-cylinder, 65°V engine is a product of the most advanced Ferrari technology. The all-aluminium power unit generates 540 bhp at 7,250 rpm, with 434 lb ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. All 612 Scaglietti models will be fitted with a six-speed mechanical gearbox, with a choice of manual or F1-style paddle shifts. Newly developed for the 612 Scaglietti, the F1A electro-hydraulic system is designed to deliver both fast and ultra-smooth gear changes.

For further information on the 612 Scaglietti please read our Car of the Week feature.

Text/Photos - Ferrari