Ferrari doing what it does best: The 12Cilindri review

Summary

We had the same problem with the 296 GTB, and it’s time Ferrari retired its capacitive wheel and replaced them all with the version that has physical buttons. Which it will do for existing owners—for a hefty fee. But, perhaps unsurprisingly, those quibbles always seemed to fade away whenever I found an open stretch of canyon road and set the Manettino to Race mode. Doing so eases up the electronic assists, sets up the transmission and differential for sharper response, and opens up the valves in the active exhaust system. But, in contrast to convention, it leaves the steering weight, suspension stiffness, throttle response, and brake-by-wire system alone in order to maintain predictable dynamic behavior regardless of which drive mode you’re in. Ferrari’s capacitive touch multifunctioning steering wheel continues to let down the experience of driving a modern Ferrari. Bradley Iger Ferrari’s capacitive touch multifunctioning steering wheel continues to let down the experience of driving a modern Ferrari. Bradley Iger Yes, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bradley Iger Yes, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bradley Iger Ferrari was the first OEM to offer a screen for the passenger, possibly under the mistaken belief that Ferrari drivers wanted their passengers to know how fast they’re going? Bradley Iger Ferrari was the first OEM to offer a screen for the passenger, possibly under the mistaken belief that Ferrari drivers wanted their passengers to know how fast they’re going? Bradley Iger Yes, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bradley Iger Ferrari was the first OEM to offer a screen for the passenger, possibly under the mistaken belief that Ferrari drivers wanted their passengers to know how fast they’re going? Bradley Iger Although the exhaust is a bit quieter than I’d prefer, even with the roof stowed away, the sound that this V12 makes as you wind it out is the stuff that dreams are made of. It took me a moment to recalibrate to the lofty redline, tho...