Ferrari 412 1985–1989
| Ferrari 412 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1985–1989 270 (GT) and 306 (A) produced |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.9 L F 101 EL V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,810 mm (189 in) |
| Width | 1,798 mm (70.8 in) |
| Height | 1,314 mm (51.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,805–1,810 kg (3,979–3,990 lb) |
In 1985 further improvements were made to the series, with the launch of the Ferrari 412 (chassis Tipo F 101 EL).
The engine was bored 1 mm, for an increase in displacement to 5 L (305.1 cu in) - hence the name change to 412, or the single cylinder displacement in cubic centimetres. Both the manual and automatic transmissions were retained, but exterior badging didn't denote anymore the transmission type fitted. Bosch ABS was offered, a first for Ferrari. The body was altered, with a raised rear deck granting more luggage space. Pininfarina made many subtle tweaks to modernize the exterior. The bumpers were body-coloured; at the front there was a deeper spoiler, at the rear a black valance incorporated the foglamps and exhaust pipes. Side window trim was changed from chrome to black. The flat-faced wheels were new and fitted with TRX tires.
A total of 576 examples were made. Production ended in 1989 without a direct successor being immediately launched; the mid-engined Mondial remained the only Ferrari offering 2+2 seating. In 1992, after a three-year hiatus, the classic front-engine V12 2+2 grand tourer returned with the 456.
A black 1987 model of the 412 was used in the 2006 independent film Daft Punk's Electroma. It appears from after the opening credits to where the robots have their human masks developed and fitted.
It is rumoured the car used in filming was auctioned for charity, with the 'HUMAN' license plates signed by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (the duo of Daft Punk who directed Electroma.)
Legacy
Today, its sleek, Pininfarina-designed lines and relatively limited production numbers have made many enthusiasts consider it a classic. It has not been universally admired however, and is listed at #18 in the BBC's book of "Crap Cars" and Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear described it as "awful in every way". However, there have been many other favorable articles about the 400 series in the motoring press, including an outlying view expressed by UK motoring journalist L.J.K. Setright in CAR magazine in August 1984, who described it as "one of the few most beautiful, and one of the two most elegant, bodies ever to leave the lead of Pininfarina's pencilling vision".