FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI COUPE FULL REVIEW

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Coupe full 9 point review

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

The 612 has a 532bhp 5.7-litre V12 engine, and drives through a six-speed manual- or a paddle-shift gearbox. In the light, aluminium body of the 612 it provides awesome speed on demand, but just as impressive is how easy the car is to drive in traffic.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

The 612 has its engine behind the front axle line and its gearbox at the back to aid balance. It attacks corners like a sports car yet shrugs off lumps and bumps like a grand tourer. The GTC handling pack introduces stronger brakes, better body control, and bigger wheels and tyres. The electronic power steering could do with a little more feel.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

Wind noise only becomes apparent above the UK speed limit, and there’s not too much road noise. The guttural snarl of the engine is central to a Ferrari’s appeal, and the V12 is a wonderfully smooth unit that’s docile in traffic. You need practice to be totally smooth with the paddle-shift gearbox, but the upchanges are decently quick.

Buying & Owning

2 out of 5 stars

Four-seater Ferraris have traditionally suffered from heavy depreciation, and the 612 is no exception. The fact that it’s about to be replaced by the new FF only makes things worse. It goes without saying that running costs, and most particularly the bills for servicing, will be very steep.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

The 612 is an old car now, and it doesn’t feel as classy as newer Ferrari models. The cabin is still nicely trimmed, though, and Ferrari banished any reliability issues long ago.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Ferrari claims minimal cabin intrusion in a 40mph front offset crash and in a 50mph rear-end shunt. But just in case the worst happens, front airbags, intelligent seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat mountings are built in, and the 612 has stability control fitted as standard. A Tracker system helps the police find the car in case of theft.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position in the 612. The seats and steering wheel adjust electrically and move every which way. What’s more, you get an unusually good view out for a car of this type. Some of the switchgear is a little confusing.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

Thanks to its long wheelbase and high roofline, the 612 will just about seat four adults. With a tall driver aboard, anyone behind will have to adopt an indelicate knees-splayed posture, but the angle of the rear seat and available headroom are good. The boot takes a fair amount but is rather irregularly shaped.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

The 612 is reasonably equipped, and Ferrari lets you personalise your car pretty much any way you want (albeit for a price). It’s disappointing that satellite-navigation and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity are only options, though.