"The flagship model of Ferrari wasn't just fast, it was a technological marvel."

Ferrari unveiled its might new flagship, the F12 Berlinetta, in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show. The successor to the 599 GTB Fiorano featured a newly-designed base structure whose space frame and body shell combined 12 different types of aluminum alloys. The front mid-mounted engine came in the form of a naturally aspirated 6262 cc V-12 producing 729.7 HP and 509.9 ft-lb of peak torque, making it the most powerful Ferrari road car to date.

Impressive numbers, to be sure, but Ferrari spent a majority of its development effort on the car's architecture. The F12 Berlinetta was 1.8 inches shorter, 0.7 inches narrower and 2.4 inches lower than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that measured 1.1 inches less. The engine sat 1.1 inches lower than the 599, and the dual clutch 7-speed F1-matic gearbox utilized a transaxle layout—both of these features helped to lower the center of gravity by 0.9 inches and established a nearly ideal front/rear weight ratio of 46:54.

On the road, the F12 Berlinetta, despite its elegant good looks, was an absolute beast. It ran from zero to 100 km/h in a phenomenal 3.1 seconds, getting to 200 km/h in just 8.5, and topping out at a blurring 340 km/h. With its improved handling balance, it set a new fastest road car lap around the Fiorano test track, besting the 599 GTO by a full second.

With refined aerodynamics, advanced electronic devices and a brake cooling system that trickled down from its Formula 1 race car, this prancing horse deserved to be the flagship for what is arguably the most revered and recognized company in automotive history.