In an era where car makers are continually decreasing the number of cylinders in their engines and experimenting with electrification, producing a vehicle with a 12-cylinder engine is a bold move, to say the least. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the newest cars from manufacturers who still believe that more cylinders equal better performance. Let’s dive in!
1. Pagani Utopia
The Pagani Utopia is the third and newest member of the Pagani Supercar family, with production starting last year. Only 99 units will roll out of the Pagani Factory in Modena, Italy. The vehicle boasts a carbo titanium monocoque, carbon ceramic discs, and forged monolithic aluminum alloys, contributing to a low weight of just 2,822 lbs.
At its core lies a Mercedes AMG-sourced Pagani V12, which can be paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission or a pure manual with an electromechanical differential. This 60° 6L twin-turbo engine produces 864 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 811 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 5,900 RPM.
A year after the official unveiling of the Utopia, Pagani announced its Roadster variant. This vehicle features a removable hard top with an integrated window and uses the same V12 powertrain while maintaining the same weight as its coupe sibling.
With so much power on tap, the top speed reaches an impressive 211 mph. The Pagani Roadster comes equipped with an active suspension and an electromechanical differential in the rear axle, along with 21-inch front and 22-inch rear rims. It offers access to the most advanced Pirelli tires, such as the P Zero Corsa or P Zero Trofeo RS. The Roadster will be produced in a limited run of 130 units, with a hefty price tag of $3.4 million.
2. Aston Martin Valiant
Next up is the Aston Martin Valiant. Aston Martin’s bespoke Q division recently announced a special 38-unit version of the Valiant. This model was inspired by a personal commission vehicle produced for Fernando Alonso and is tuned for both road and track use. With this model, Aston Martin continues its tradition of building pure driver’s cars with high-performance engines.
The Valiant features a twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers a massive 734 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a six-speed manual transmission to handle prolonged track use. This retro-inspired coupe is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, a suspension setup with Multimatic ASV dampers, and three pre-programmed driving modes, one of which is designed specifically for track driving.
Further track-oriented features include lightweight carbon fiber bodywork, 21-inch magnesium wheels, and external elements created with titanium and strong, lightweight 3D printed parts.
The exterior has been described as a modern take on the iconic Le Mans racer, while the interior is quite reserved, featuring a built-in half cage with four-point race harnesses, Recaro podium seats, and a tasteful combination of Alcantara and leather trims.
3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series 2
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series 2 enters its second generation this year, making it even more desirable for wealthy clientele. This luxury SUV utilizes new tech and unique material combinations, offering even more bespoke customization options.
The refreshed fascia features redesigned tall DRLs, a V-shaped bumper with substantial air intakes, and the brand’s first illuminated Pantheon grille. Other exterior changes include dual exhausts, protective stainless steel trims in the rear, and seven-spoke 23-inch wheels with a three-dimensional pattern.
Mechanically, the setup remains practically identical, with a 6.7L V12 producing 550 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The Magic Carpet Ride suspension ensures smooth operation on any terrain.
As usual, the cabin serves as a fine display of the latest features and bespoke services by Rolls-Royce, including a dashboard with a pillar-to-post display, an infotainment system powered by the new Spirit OS, and a fabric trim that requires 2.2 million stitches and up to 11 meters of thread to produce.
4. Ferrari 12 Cilindri Convertible
Today, V12 engines are mainly found in performance cars and SUVs. Do you think it should stay this way, or do we need a carmaker who can bring affordable 12-cylinder power to the masses? Share your thoughts in the comments below as we keep going.
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri Convertible postpones the electric future and gives petrolheads a chance to celebrate V12 engine technology for a little longer. However, it’s likely to be the last front-engine V12 model by the Prancing Horse brand. Gifted with a characteristic Ferrari growl and sporting newly developed titanium connecting rods and lightweight aluminum alloy pistons, the V12 engine is the true centerpiece of this upcoming model, capable of revving up to 9,500 RPM.
This motor produces 818 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s said to be 30% faster than its predecessor, achieving 0 to 60 MPH acceleration in just 2.9 seconds.
On the outside, Ferrari seems to be using a slightly revised design approach, different from everything we’ve seen in past years. The design takes a more futuristic approach with clean body lines and sharp DRLs resembling blades.
If you opt for the drop-top version of the upcoming Ferrari 12 Cilindri, remember that the roof can be opened or closed in just 14 seconds at speeds below 28 MPH. However, this roof mechanism adds 132 lbs to the overall weight of the vehicle, raising it to 3,571 lbs.
5. TWW Supercat
Automotive history is filled with heartwarming stories, and it seems we are witnessing the beginning of yet another one with the TWW Supercat. This gorgeous retro grand tourer is set to revive a once-popular British brand. It’s reported that the son of the original company’s founder has been tirelessly working to assemble a team to present a lineup of bespoke performance cars that utilize the best automotive technology and craftsmanship, offering a proper analog driving sensation.
The TWW Supercat is the brand’s first attempt at creating a proper retro-inspired supercar, taking a team of enthusiastic car lovers two years to complete. The main objective for this limited edition model is to produce a design that aligns with the automotive heritage of Jaguar while still providing modern comfort features.
With only 82 copies of this Super GT scheduled for production this year, it will be powered by a 680-horsepower supercharged V12 engine under its bonnet, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Full technical details will be revealed shortly. Speaking of the bonnet and other body parts, their production heavily utilized carbon fiber, resulting in an attention-grabbing widebody design with a long hood, a sharp front splitter, flared wheel arches, and a colossal rear diffuser.
6. Pagani Huayra Epitome
The Pagani Huayra Epitome is a one-off model, making it an especially unique hypercar. The highest expression of the Huayra took 19 months to complete and features new bumpers, aerodynamic elements, and unique headlights. The all-carbon fiber body conceals a twin-turbo 6L V12 handcrafted by AMG, producing 852 horsepower and 881 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled differential and a racing-style tripod drive shaft.
Interestingly, instead of a traditional sequential gearbox, the Epitome utilizes an Exedy 6-speed manual, a first for any Huayra. The engine exhales through a familiar four-tube titanium exhaust, but two more outlets can be seen below, improving downforce.
The Pagani Epitome’s suspension was fine-tuned to reduce body movement during high-performance situations while still featuring a special Comfort mode for everyday driving.
7. Bentley Batur Convertible
In a time when many luxury car makers have no issue moving their astronomically priced models and making deep-pocketed buyers wait for months for delivery, it was surprising to hear that Bentley failed to post a sales growth record for the fifth year in a row, experiencing an 11% decline in sales.
To get the company’s finances back on track and potentially attract buyers with unlimited budgets, Bentley announced the drop-top version of their luxury Batur model.
Just like its coupe sibling, the Batur convertible utilizes the brand’s iconic 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine. Considering Bentley plans to retire the W12 in the near future, the Batur convertible, with 739 horsepower on tap, will not only serve as a powerful tool for open-air grand touring but will also mark a significant turning point in the brand’s history.
The engine channels its power through an 8-speed double-clutch transmission and breathes out through a sports exhaust system. This handcrafted coupe will be strictly limited to just 16 units, and each lucky owner will get the chance to work with the Mulliner’s in-house design team to create their unique ride. Customization options are endless, including a custom paint job, tonneau covers, roof materials, and rose gold treatment of interior elements.
8. Ferrari Purosangue
It goes without saying that the Ferrari Purosangue is the first super SUV by Ferrari and the most anticipated vehicle of recent years. This vehicle manages to keep the purebred nature of a four-door sports car while having a raised clearance. The Purosangue has a near-perfect 49 to 51 weight distribution and is constructed using carbon fiber, steel, and high-strength aluminum.
The new suspension system debuts active spool valve dampers featuring electric motor actuation, allowing it to lower the ride by 0.4 inches to 6.8 inches. It rides on staggered 22- and 23-inch wheels, offers four-wheel steering, and has an electronic torque vectoring differential.
The model boasts a classic naturally aspirated V12 with a 6.5L displacement, delivering 725 horsepower and targeting a 0 to 60 MPH time of 3.3 seconds. The top speed of 193 mph makes it a contender for the title of the world’s fastest SUV. The Ferrari Purosangue also features a lounge-like interior with four individual seats, rear-hinged doors, and a dual-display cockpit.
9. Angler V12
The unique Angler V12 creation by a London-based company is built around a carbon monocoque with a forged aluminum alloy and titanium independent double-wishbone suspension. It features helical springs and electronically controlled shock absorbers, making it a high-performance machine. The powertrain produces 1,200 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque while the vehicle weighs in at just 2,645 lbs.
The V12 is paired with an in-house developed 8-speed dual-clutch Angler micro gearbox, which weighs only 66 lbs, arguably making it the lightest gearbox for a road-legal car. Despite riding on 20-inch SMW forged magnesium wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the Angler V12 lacks a traditional steering wheel and is essentially a motorcycle.
It features a staggering 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 mph, complemented by immense stopping power from Angler by Brembo ventilated carbon ceramic discs with four to six-piston monolithic calipers.
10. Upcoming Aston Martin Vanquish and N27
In the bonus section of today’s video, we’d like to mention V12 cars that are still to be revealed, including the upcoming Aston Martin Vanquish and N27. Despite recently producing the Valiant and a limited edition Valor dedicated to Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, this British performance brand is not planning to give up their V12 powertrains anytime soon.
For the upcoming 2025 model year, the brand has announced the refreshed Vanquish coupe featuring a brand new V12 engine capable of generating 823 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. As for the N27, information about this model will remain under wraps until its official unveiling in August during the Monterey Car Week. This new performance brand was created by the former head of design at Kizagi and Bugatti, so we’re sure the new performance vehicle will be a treat for fans of naturally aspirated V12 engines.
Thanks for joining us on this journey through the latest V12 supercars. Do you think that V12 engines will be around for much longer? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
