Description
Introduced in 1994 at the Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari F512 M was launched as the final evolution of the mighty Testarossa.
For the first time on a production car, Ferrari introduced Modificata or M as a suffix to F512, as a nod to the 512 S-to-M upgrade of the sports racers some years earlier.
For the F512 M, the changes were significant and, in fact, the greatest changes made to the Testarossa during its production, despite the F512 M having the shortest lifespan and lowest volume production. The final use of a flat-vee twelve cylinder in Ferrari production car, the upgraded engine saw a lightened crankshaft, titanium alloy connecting rods with new pistons supporting an increased compression ratio and a greater 440 bhp output.
The result dropped the a 0-60 time to just 4. 7 seconds, ultimately reaching a top speed of 196mph. Amongst the various improvements, the styling also befitted from a significant facelift with notable changes including framed headlamps instead of the conventional pop-up units and oval shaped grill more in keeping with the rest of the range.
The front bumper saw more slender running lights and indicators, two NACA ducts, bigger brakes, and new five-spoke split alloys. Towards the rear, modifications were similar to those seen up front with new twin round taillights, a modern Ferrari trademark and the entirety of the engine cover changed to body colour.
Just 501 examples of the 512M were built making them the rarest of all Testarossas.
