2005 Ferrari 612 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Ferrari 612?
This all-new four-seat Ferrari GT replaces the 456M and is the first 12-cylinder prancing horse to feature all-aluminum construction. Also debuting for the first time is Ferrari's new stability and traction control system. Luxury amenities include handcrafted leather, automatic climate control, Bose digital CD audio system, and rain-sensing headlights.

Advantages of the 2005 Ferrari 612:

• All-aluminum construction
• 540hp V12 engine
• Stability control system – first in a Ferrari
• Seats four people in luxury surroundings

Objections to the 2005 Ferrari 612:

• Hefty curb weight

Editor's Advice:
Named after Sergio Scaglietti, the Modena, Italy, coachbuilder who created some of the most stunning Ferraris in the company's early years, the new 2004 612 Scaglietti boasts two "firsts" for Ferrari. The 2004 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the first 12-cylinder model to be constructed of aluminum, resulting in a chassis and body weight savings of 40 percent over the 456M. The 612 Scaglietti is also the first Ferrari equipped with the company's new stability and traction control system. Designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti features scalloped sides, which have not appeared since film director Roberto Rossellini commissioned a 375 MM for actress Ingrid Bergman. The 5.7-liter, 540hp V12 engine sits aft of the front axle, resulting in a front-midship layout and a 46/54 front/rear weight distribution. A choice of two transmissions transfers power to the rear transaxle. Standard is a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is an F1-style electrohydraulic gearbox operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel. Despite a curb weight that crests two tons in Europe, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is plenty fast, especially for a car designed to carry four people in comfort. Inside, the cabin is swathed in handcrafted leather and comes with automatic climate control, a Bose digital CD audio system, automatic headlights, and rain sensor wipers. Luggage capacity is also increased over the 456M. Certainly, there can be no doubt that the 2004 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is one of the finest four-seat sporting machines in the world.