16.10.2003 FIRST LOOK AT FERRARI'S NEW 2+2 'GRAND TOURER' THE 612 SCAGLIETTI

Set to replace perhaps the most elegant 2+2 of all time, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will be officially presented at the 2004 Detroit Motor Show in January. These official images present a hors d'oeuvre to this latest artwork from the House of the Prancing Horse.

As customary, the sensuous exterior bodywork is the work of Pininfarina and thoughtfully evolves Ferrari’s current styling philosophy with obvious trademarks coming from the successful 360 model. Keeping this in mind, the famed coachbuilder has also succeeded in creating a modern interpretation of the legendary 375 MM Berlinetta Pinin Farina Speciale “Bergman” (chassis 0456AM), a one-off dating from 1953 and named after its famous original owner, actress Ingrid Bergman. Perceptible elements that have evolved from this most admired thoroughbred are the distinctive side swages, which provide a striking solution to the side graphics of the new design.

The front view is dominated by a traditional Ferrari grille, which sits embraced within a crease that continues to run over the wings and underneath the glass-house area. The result gives the sensation of strength and provides a clear relationship between the headlamps, grille and bodywork.

Quad Ferrari tail lamps sit snugly within the curvaceous rear haunches and are accentuated by soft, undulating crests. The general rear end is a clear evolution of the 456 GT, a characteristic of the ancestor which was always greatly admired. A discreet line connects the rear, side and front sections of the bodywork stylistically. The car is fitted with 18- and 19-inch starfish alloy wheels at the front and back respectively.

The rich interior combines elegance with a sporting and simplistic nature. The instrument binnacle is dominated by a large analogue rev-counter with traditional white-on-black graphics. The speedometer is offset to the right, whilst the left is taken up by a multifunctional digital display. Themes translated from the exterior styling include the starfish air-vents and the undulations present in the dashboard. A simple aluminium finish completes the scene, whilst a black band runs boldly down the centre of the cockpit and continues between the twin rear seats. 

In almost total contrast to the car’s elegant nature, the bottom section of the rear bumper houses an advanced diffuser which is finished in black.  This gives a reminder towards the potency of this machine, which is powered by a 5.748 cc V12 engine, producing 540 bhp at 7.250 rpm. Despite weighing in at a considerable 1.840 kg, the 2+2 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed in excess of 315 km/h. This makes it the world’s fastest production 2+2 and is set to clearly become another automotive benchmark.