Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Ultimate 2+2 Grand Tourer
In the storied lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 612 Scaglietti, introduced in 2004, stands as the ultimate 2+2 grand tourer—a front-engine masterpiece that combined luxury and performance with a 5.75-liter V12. Crafted by Pininfarina, this model saw 2,398 units produced, succeeding the 575M Maranello. Named after legendary coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, the 612 blended spacious elegance, advanced technology, and formidable power, redefining Ferrari’s four-seat GT legacy.
The year 2004 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—Enzo, 360 Modena—complementing road car innovation under Luca di Montezemolo’s leadership. Unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, the 612 Scaglietti captivated with its sleek design and potent V12. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its iconic styling, its subtle racing ties, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s 2+2 GT Pinnacle
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti emerged during a golden era for Maranello. By 2004, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—F355’s racing legacy, Enzo’s F1 supremacy—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to elevate its four-seat GT lineage. The 575M Maranello’s 3,602-unit run (2002-2006) had refined the front-engine GT formula, but Ferrari aimed for a more spacious, luxurious successor. The 612 Scaglietti, with its larger 5.75L V12, aluminum chassis, and enhanced comfort, answered, targeting affluent buyers and families while rivaling the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
A total of 2,398 units were built (2004-2011)—all Pininfarina coupes, reflecting strong demand. Chassis 142790, the prototype, debuted at Detroit in January 2004, its flowing form honoring Scaglietti’s legacy. This was a car for cosmopolitan elites—European executives, American connoisseurs—its production balancing practicality with Ferrari’s prestige amid Italy’s early-2000s economic landscape.
The broader context of 2004 shaped its purpose. The luxury GT market thrived—Aston Martin DB9, Maserati Quattroporte—while buyers sought performance and space. The 612 Scaglietti bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 456 GT, with a modern four-seat grand tourer.
Technical Specifications: The V12’s Luxurious Power
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti’s heart was its 5.75-liter V12—a refined powerplant blending luxury and performance. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 5.75-Liter F133 V12
Displacing 5,748 cc (bore 89 mm, stroke 77 mm), the 612’s V12 was a front-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 65-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), an 11.2:1 compression ratio, and Bosch Motronic ME7.1 fuel injection. It produced 540 horsepower at 7,250 rpm—a 25 hp gain over the 575M Maranello’s 515 hp. Weighing 350 lbs, it delivered 434 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm.
This engine was a GT marvel. Chassis 145321, a 2005 model, showcased its smooth, potent power, balancing refinement with spirited performance.
Performance: Luxurious GT Speed
The 612 Scaglietti reached 199 mph (320 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 2005 test—slightly below the 575M’s 202 mph due to added weight, with a 0-60 mph time of ~4.3 seconds, a 0.1-second improvement. Its power-to-weight ratio (293 hp/ton) was close to the 575M (298 hp/ton), offering a luxurious yet dynamic GT experience.
Chassis and Suspension: Aluminum Precision
The chassis was an aluminum spaceframe, weighing 1,840 kg (4,057 lbs)—110 kg heavier than the 575M due to its larger size and added features. Its 2,950 mm wheelbase (450 mm longer than the 575M) enhanced stability and space, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs and electronically adjustable dampers (Skyhook system)—delivering a plush, controlled ride.
Transmission and Brakes: Advanced Dynamics
A 6-speed manual gearbox—rear-mounted, transaxle design—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.73, 6th: 0.79) favoring cruising, with an optional F1-style paddle-shift. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.75L V12, 540 hp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 5,748 cc (89 mm x 77 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~199 mph (320 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~4.3 seconds |
| Weight | 1,840 kg (4,057 lbs) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (later F1 paddle-shift) |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs, adjustable dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs, adjustable dampers |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch, ABS |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Elegant 2+2
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina triumph, blending elegance with practicality.
Exterior: Sleek GT Proportions
Pininfarina built all 2,398 units—chassis 142790 featured a long hood, flowing lines, and subtle curves, finished in Grigio Titanio. Its 2,950 mm wheelbase and aluminum body offered a sleek, spacious profile, with sculpted vents enhancing its modern GT appeal.
Interior: Luxurious GT Cabin
The cabin was a plush haven: leather seats for four (tan or black), a wood-trimmed dash, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 145321’s interior, with power seats and premium materials, offered opulence beyond the 575M Maranello, contrasting the Enzo’s spartan focus.
Production and Variants: A GT Legacy
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti’s 2,398-unit run (2004-2011) included the standard coupe, with specials like the Sessanta (60 units, 2007). Chassis 142790 launched the series, while 156789 closed it, transitioning to the FF. Its focus remained road luxury—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Tourer’s Quiet Might
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti racing history was negligible, its grand touring mission paramount. Chassis 144321, tuned to 550 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued. Its true realm was the open road—Autostrada, Route 66—where its 199 mph top speed and serene handling excelled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Luxurious Classic
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti value reflects its rarity and luxury. Early owners included European elites and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $100,000-$140,000—chassis 142790 sold for $130,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $150,000—highlight its enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s 2+2 GT Apex
The 612 Scaglietti marked the apex of Ferrari’s front-engine 2+2 GT lineage, its V12 and spacious design influencing the FF. In 2000s lore, it’s the car of luxurious performance and timeless style, a cornerstone of Ferrari’s modern grand touring heritage.
Comparisons: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti vs Rivals
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti vs Bentley Continental GT pits 540 hp V12 against 552 hp W12—Ferrari led in prestige, Bentley in luxury. The Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG (518 hp) matched in power but trailed in style.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 612 Scaglietti | 5.75L V12 | 540 hp | 1,840 kg | ~199 mph |
| Bentley Continental GT | 6.0L W12 Turbo | 552 hp | 2,385 kg | ~198 mph |
| Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG | 6.2L V8 | 518 hp | 2,135 kg | ~186 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
A 2004 5.75L V12 front-engine 2+2 grand tourer.
How many were made?
2,398 units.
What engine powered it?
5,748 cc V12, 540 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—built for touring.
What’s its value?
$100,000-$140,000.