Ferrari's Japan premiere last yearLatest Model 12 (Dodici) ChirindoriDid you know?

This model was also a hot topic because its name is the Italian for "12 cylinders". Its distinctive feature is its engine, a naturally aspirated V12. It is an evolved version of the one installed in the 812 Superfast and Prosangue. While Lamborghini combines a 12-cylinder with a motor, Ferrari continues to compete with a naturally aspirated unit without a supercharger.

I took a test drive of the 12" open-top model, the Spyder. The location is on the outskirts of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is a resort town next to Estoril, known for the Estoril Circuit. If you head north along the coast, you can see Cabo da Roca, which marks the westernmost point of Europe.

The surprisingly cool finish lifts your spirits

Ferrari's open-top models have various names. This Spider, GTS, and Aperta are also named. California and Superamerica have also been given to such models. The 250GT California is already a legendary car.

When I talked to Ferrari staff about this, it seemed that there was no particular rule for naming the car. It seems that the naming is decided to a certain extent by feeling, rather than the formula that a two-seater is a spider.

This is the first look at the 12 Chilindri Spider, and it looks very cool. It's not a forced open-top, but rather has a natural form that leaves a good impression. The reason is simple: it was developed at the same time as the coupe. As a marketing strategy, it was released after the coupe, but the finished product is thought to be the same. It seems safe to assume that the designer's first drawings were also made at the same time.

That's why even the smallest details are packed with ingenuity. Even though the seats are racy bucket type, they are equipped with neck warmers that blow hot air around the neck. Combined with the seat heaters, winter drives are guaranteed to be comfortable. What's more, they also have a massage function. That function that surprised us journalists in the Pro Sangue has now been adopted in the 12 Chirindori as well. The system can be operated not only from the center monitor, but also from a small monitor in front of the passenger seat, so the co-driver can control it freely without having to worry about the driver.

The destructive power of the Ferrari V12, with a sound from another dimension

Now, let's move on to the driving impressions.

The starter on the steering wheel wakes up this big engine. Then I put it in gear and started driving, but my first impression was pretty normal. As with the Pro Sangue, it started moving in a mild way that was surprising. It's definitely user-friendly.

I drove along the coastline and tried the open-air condition, but the ingenious aerodynamics kept the wind from getting in and the cabin comfortable. The driver's position is low, so it's probably because he sits surrounded by people. Also, the windshield is installed between the two bulges at the rear. The windshield is designed to be raised electrically to reduce wind getting in from the rear.

Therefore, you can continue to drive comfortably up to a certain speed range with the top open. At the same time, you will be reminded that the cabin is the best seat to listen to the Ferrari's exhaust note. It is a special seat where you can listen to that dry, sensual sound from quite close up. In that sense, this 12-cylinder engine is extremely destructive. It turns out that Ferrari's V12 is clearly a sound of another dimension.

However, to fully enjoy the power of this 830cv (Italian horsepower) power unit, you need a suitable place. This time, the test drive course was along the coastline, mountain passes, and highways, but there was no opportunity to make use of its power. So, even though I was able to enjoy the sound of the 1 rpm engine in low gear, I didn't get to experience the true feeling of speed. Considering that, I think the organizers probably intended for people to enjoy the pleasant scenery with the top open.

In any case, the spider body 12-inch rim is stylishly finished, and it is quite compatible with open-top driving. It has a large presence and is also sexy. It would look good in an old European castle. I fantasize about this car quietly approaching the driveway.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''