The Diamond Jubilee Pageant celebrates 60 years of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and is one of a huge range of events scheduled across the UK during this jubilee year.

Joining Ferrari’s latest models will be a selection of the most beautiful historic and contemporary Ferraris ever built, owned by the marque’s clients and collectors, which will be driven through the grounds of Windsor Castle and then displayed for the duration of the event.

Ferrari, however, wanted to involve another icon of Italian style, and thanks to its financial contribution made to the organisation, will be accompanied to this very special celebration by the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment performing the famous Historic Carosello.

The Carosello will stage a stunning display of horsemanship during which they will perform the intricate yet fluid quadrilles and equestrian rides choreographed to music, to showcase the skill and agility of both horses and riders. The programme culminates in the Regiment’s now legendary final charge.

Ferrari will be represented at the event by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the final evening (13th May), which will also be attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

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As expected, it’s been the star of the show, although Lamborghini’s Aventador J has come pretty close to stealing its thunder.

Displayed on the stand in two new colours, Rosso Berlinetta and Aluminium, the F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance road-going Ferrari ever, featuring a 6262cc 729 bhp V12 engine based on the unit already used in the FF.

We covered the F12berlinetta’s specification in detail as part of our article last week and we also pitted it against it’s sibling, the four-seat FF in our Sound-Off Comparison.

The major news is that despite being 80 bhp more powerful than the outgoing 599 GTB, fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by an impressive 30 per cent to 18.5 mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 350 g/km (down from 415g/km). This is partly due to the extensive development of the V12 engine and the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) used in the F12berlinetta’s aerodynamic development.

But credit should also be given to the whopping 70 kg weight saving achieved through the extensive use of more than a dozen different aluminium alloys, some of which have been used for the first time in the automotive sector, plus new assembly and joining technologies used in its construction. The resulting 1525 kg kerb weight is 50 kg lighter than Lamborghini’s carbon fibre structured Aventador, something that Ferrari are undeniably proud of.

Performance is equally impressive, with 0-62 mph despatched in just 3.2 seconds, with 125mph reached just 5.3 seconds later. But perhaps it’s fitting to leave the F12berlinetta’s most impressive statistic to last. With a lap time of 1 minute 23 seconds around Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit, the F12berlinetta can lap 2 seconds faster than the 458 Italia and nearly 7 seconds quicker than the iconic F40. That’s fast. In fact it’s the fastest road car ever built by Ferrari.

To accompany this morning’s press launch, Ferrari released its first product video for the F12berlinetta (plus a few extra images) – as if we weren’t already excited enough seeing it in the static shots (below).

No doubt see more of Ferrari’s fastest ever road car during the next few months, but for the time being this will do.

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Whilst they share the same basic 6,262cc direct injection V12 engine, the FF delivers 651 bhp at 8,000 rpm but the F12berlinetta dishes up a more spicy 729 bhp at 8,500 rpm.

The all-wheel drive FF will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds which seemed a pretty impressive figure until it was usurped by the new F12berlinetta which achieves the same increment in just 3.1 seconds.

At 1525 kg, the F12berlinetta weighs just over 140 kg heavier than the 458 Italia, but a whopping 265 kg lighter than the FF.

Could this be the ultimate quiz for the discerning Ferrari fan? Let us know which you prefer in the comments below.

2011 Ferrari FF
6.3-litre V12, 651 bhp @8,000rpm

2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta
6.3-litre V12, 729 bhp @8,500rpm

Revealed to the world for the first time on Ferrari.com this morning, the F12berlinetta (not F620 as we previously reported), is finished in an attractive new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour and represents the very cutting-edge of Ferrari mid-front-engined sports cars.

As Ferrari forewarned us, the F12berlinetta is the fastest and most powerful Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the incredibly efficient engine – in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics – which, together with its advanced aerodynamics, components and electronic controls, is claimed to guarantee an unbeatable driving experience – whether on road or track.

Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been updgraded to match the more extreme performance of the car, which now produces a class-leading 729 bhp – 80 bhp up on the already stonking FF.

The wheelbase has been shortened (compared to the 599) and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox has enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear of the car smaller.

The overall result is a very compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic efficiency that is claimed to set new standards in its class.

Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminium materials and construction, has designed an all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell for the F12berlinetta using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which represent firsts for the automotive sector.

This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 1525 kg (70 kg less than the previous 599 V12 coupé) with a rear-biased weight distribution between the axles of 54:46 (which is an extraordinary achievement for a mid-front-engined car).

The F12berlinetta’s 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers class-leading performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 729 bhp with peak torque of 690 Nm (509lb ft), 80 per cent of which is already available at just 2,500 rpm.

The engine is described as providing an unrelenting surge of acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The new V12 engine is mated to a F1 dual-clutch transmission (similar to that used in the 458 Italia), which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for the F12berlinetta’s performance.

Fuel consumption has been reduced by 30% to 18.5 mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 350 g/km(down from 415g/km) – figures which put the F12berlinetta at the top of the high-performance league for super sports cars. These results have been obtained by extensive research and development which focused on efficiencies for the whole vehicle, including engine, aerodynamics, tyres and weights.

Similarly excellent results have been obtained with the car’s aerodynamic development, thanks to the integration of the design process with extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and lengthy testing in the wind tunnel.

Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 125 mph) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299). These results come courtesy of two new solutions:

The first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks, where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to decrease drag.

The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag.

The F12berlinetta’s impressive technical specifications are completed by Ferrari’s latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and the evolution of the magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E).

As is now traditional with all Ferraris, its control systems (E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS) are all fully integrated.

Exceptional Performance

The result of all these technical advances is a 0-62 mph capability of 3.2 seconds and 0-125mph in just 8.5 seconds.

As usual with Ferrari, the true barometer of performance is how fast it laps the car maker’s Fiorano circuit. In the case of the new F12berlinetta, that time has dropped to 1 minute 23 seconds – faster than any other Ferrari road car. Of course.

The F12berlinetta’s performance and driving capabilities are complemented by smaller steering wheel angles for more immediate turn-in, increased cornering speed and stopping distances which have also been drastically reduced.

Lap times around Fiorano

Design

The design of the F12berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, and demonstrates the balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions, interpreting the typical elements of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way.

The all-new Frau leather interior balances advanced technology with sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fibre and aluminium air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field.

The cabin has been designed to maximise interior space and usability with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, reachable via a large opening in the boot.

With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, all the major controls are within easy reach of the driver, who can thereby focus on enjoying the F12berlinetta’s extraordinary capabilities.

Prices are likely to be available later in the year, but don’t expect much change back from £250,000.

Technical Specification

Engine
Type	65-degree V12
Total displacement	6262 cc
Maximum power output	729 bhp at 8500 rpm
Maximum torque	690 Nm(509lb ft) at 6000 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length	4618 mm
Width	1942 mm
Height	1273 mm
Dry weight*	1525 kg
Weight distribution	46% front, 54% rear
Weight-power ratio	2,1 kg/CV
Performance
Maximum speed	over 340 km/h (212.5 mph)
0-62 mph	3.1 seconds

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The new model will make its world premiere at the Geneva motor show on 6th March, but will be revealed in a live webcast on Wednesday (29th Feb) on ferrari.com.

The F620 will be joined at Geneva by the lighter, more powerful Ferrari California with its new “handling speciale” package.

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With a more powerful version of the 6.3-litre V12 engine fitted in the FF, the F620 is rumoured to produce anything from 720 bhp – 740 bhp, at least 20 bhp more than the Lamborghini Aventador.

The front engine 2-seat supercar, puts its power down through the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which Ferrari describe as having “unprecedented power output”.

From the photo, it looks like a cross between the FF and the old 575, with a bit of Aston One-77 thrown in. It’s too early to form a judgement on whether we like it as much as the 599 GTB, so I’ll wait until Wednesday before saying anything more.

Source: image via GT Spirit

Last week Ferarri’s Chairman Luca di Montezemolo described the new model as, “..A revolutionary new car that delivers extreme performance and unprecedented power output” and the video yet again reinforces this in the most simple and direct manner.. “The most powerful Ferrari ever is about to take its bow.”

The F620 will feature a more powerful version of the 6.3-litre V12 engine fitted in the FF, with a power output rumoured to be 720 bhp – 20 bhp more than its Modena neighbour provides in the Aventador.

With just over a week until we find out, Ferrari remain tight-lipped and has so far managed to contain any major press leaks, but whatever is revealed in the fine details we’re pretty certain the F620 will be pretty awesome.

Confirmed at this morning’s Board Meeting in Maranello, Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said, “Ferrari’s range will be joined in a few days time at the Geneva Show by a new 12-cylinder. A revolutionary new car that delivers extreme performance and unprecedented power output.”

Something so radical that Ferrari describe it as marking “A new era of extreme V12 sports cars.”

The F620 is expected to reach these shores during the latter part of 2012, and as implied by its name will be powered by a 6.2-litre V12 engine with an output rumoured to eclipse the 700 bhp offered by Lamborghini’s Aventador.

Despite similarities with the FF, the F620 is expected to retain the 599′s front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, most likely matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch paddleshift gearbox as used in the 458 Italia.

For the time being that’s all we know, but we’ll have more details about the new F620 on 29th February.

Call it the sensible Ferrari, if you like, but that doesn’t mean its owners aren’t just as keen to have fun.

Making its premiere at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the new California is lighter by 30 kg, quicker thanks to an extra 30 bhp and even better around corners when fitted with the optional Handling Speciale package.

Weight Reduction

The 30kg reduction in weight has been achieved using the very latest fabrication and construction technologies, developed by Ferrari’s Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the production of the California’s aluminium chassis.

The overall reduction of 30 kg (from 1735 kg to 1705 kg) is achieved whilst maintaining the California’s excellent structural rigidity and NVH performance.

Power Increase

With Ferrari’s 458 Italia delivering 562 bhp and the FF and 599 GTB delivering well over 600 bhp each, it would be easy to conclude that the 453 bhp California was intended for the more sedentary customer. Whilst an extra 30 bhp won’t all of a sudden turn it into a hot rod, the combination of more power with less weight should add a fresh spring to the California’s stride.

Ferrari’s GDI V8 engine now delivers 483 bhp with maximum torque of 505 Nm (up from 485 Nm) at 5,000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and revised engine mapping. The torque curve has also been modified and is now higher across the engine’s generous rev range, which makes for a more effortless turn of speed.

Ferrari quote a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds for the new California (down from 3.9 seconds), illustrating its new, slightly more sporty feel, which has been achieved without diminishing its usability or practical 2+2 versatility.

Better through the corners

For those customers who’d prefer a more dynamic drive, Ferrari are offering the new Handling Speciale package which is available as an option. Designed to minimise body roll and increase responsiveness, Ferrari has modified the California’s suspension set-up to enhance the driving experience without compromising the car’s ‘grand touring’ vocation.

The Handling Speciale package includes new Magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (-50% response time), running patented Ferrari software. The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control whilst maintaining a comfortable ride.

Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in with smaller steering wheel angles, thanks to a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

More extensive personalisation opportunities

The new technical features are matched by a more extensive choice of colours, developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre. These include two-tone finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic colour schemes which increase the exclusive personalisation possibilities even further. In addition, the Ferrari California now benefits from an inclusive 7-year standard maintenance programme.

Even though the new California debuts at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, customers can place their orders now. Production has already commenced with new cars being priced in the UK at £152,086 including VAT and delivery.

Oh, and if you like the sound of the new Handling Speciale package, you can add it on for an extra £4,320.

The Track’ster concept car was created at Kia’s California Design Studio and went on show for the first time today at the Chicago Auto Show. To be powered by a 246bhp (250PS) Petrol engine (if it’s ever produced), Track’ster is intended to be the ultimate sporting representation of Kia’s Soul, in keeping with the B-segment SUV’s rebellious, individual and urban character.

Kia’s hugely successful urban crossover, the Soul, was originally created in the California Studio, the birthplace of the Soul’ster convertible concept that is currently under final assessment for production. Soul has been a hit with US consumers, with more than 102,000 delivered to owners in 2011.

At the moment, there are no plans for Track’ster to enter production, but as always this will depend on the response Kia receives at motor shows and from customer feedback.

The Track’ster certainly looks like it would make a good addition to Kia’s ever improving range, we just wonder whether they’ll need to up the ante in their ads and use something more bad-ass than Hamsters.