Electric Cars

Ferrari has unveiled an extraordinary one-off 12Cilindri, pushing the boundaries of its esteemed Tailor Made program. This unique supercar, specifically designed for the South Korean market, represents a remarkable fusion of Italian automotive excellence and Korean artistic expression. The project, which spanned nearly two years, brought together a diverse group of talents from three continents, resulting in a vehicle that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance machine.

Ferrari's Artistic Collaboration: A Detailed Look at the One-Off 12Cilindri

The bespoke Ferrari 12Cilindri is a product of an innovative collaboration that united four prominent South Korean artists—Daehye Jeong, Hyunhee Kim, the duo GrayCode and Jiiiiin, and TaeHyun Lee—with the Ferrari Styling Center in Europe and the creative network of Cool Hunting in North America. The entire endeavor was meticulously guided by curator JaeEun "Jane" Lee, alongside Ferrari's design and development teams.

At the heart of this creation is the exclusive Yoonseul paint job, a captivating iridescent finish that draws inspiration from traditional Korean aesthetics. This specially developed color transitions elegantly from green to purple with subtle blue undertones, mirroring the enchanting shimmer of sunlight on the sea, a phenomenon known as "Yoonseul" in Korean. This distinctive exterior hue provides a visual narrative that links classic Korean art, particularly Celadon ceramics, with the vibrant, modern energy of Seoul.

Inside the cabin, the artistry continues with significant contributions from textile artist Daehye Jeong, a recipient of the prestigious 2022 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Jeong's internationally acclaimed handwoven horsehair technique has been adapted to create a pioneering three-dimensional fabric, marking its debut in a Ferrari vehicle. This innovative material graces the seats, floor, and various other interior surfaces, offering a tactile and visually rich experience. Furthermore, an original handwoven artwork crafted from Mongolian horsehair is permanently integrated into the dashboard, a testament to the seamless blend of art and automotive design.

Hyunhee Kim, known for her reinterpretations of traditional Korean objects using transparent materials, has imbued numerous details of the car with her unique vision. Her artistic touch is evident on the Scuderia Ferrari shields, the wheel center caps, the model lettering, and the iconic Cavallino Rampante. Inside, Kim's signature extends to a reconfigured center tunnel and a bespoke dedication plaque featuring elegant calligraphic script. She also designed a traditional storage object for the trunk, which functions as stylish luggage and houses a specially crafted Ferrari key.

The work of TaeHyun Lee, an artist celebrated for his modern approach to traditional lacquer techniques, provides a unifying motif with the incorporation of white elements. Notably, white brake calipers—a first for a production Ferrari—and white shift paddles reflect his artistic vision. Complementing these visual aspects, the artistic duo GrayCode and Jiiiiin translated the distinctive roar of Ferrari's V12 engine into a graphic pattern. This visual representation of the engine's sound is subtly applied to the bodywork using a darker shade of the Yoonseul paint, adding another layer of conceptual depth to the vehicle.

Underneath this artistic exterior lies the formidable Ferrari 12Cilindri, powered by a front-mounted 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 830 horsepower, revving up to 9,500 rpm. The two-seater supercar boasts breathtaking performance, accelerating from 0 to 62 miles per hour in approximately 3.0 seconds and achieving a top speed exceeding 211 mph. This fusion of unparalleled artistic expression and extreme engineering prowess positions this one-off 12Cilindri as a truly unique masterpiece.

This exclusive Ferrari 12Cilindri stands as a powerful testament to the potential of artistic collaboration in the luxury automotive sector. It beautifully showcases how cultural narratives and contemporary art can enrich a brand's identity, offering a unique product that transcends mere transportation. This project not only highlights Ferrari's commitment to bespoke customization but also demonstrates a profound respect for diverse artistic traditions. It challenges the conventional understanding of car design, proving that a vehicle can indeed be a canvas for profound cultural dialogue and personal expression. This model serves as an inspiring example for other brands to explore innovative ways of integrating art and culture into their creations, ultimately delivering products that are rich in heritage, artistry, and cutting-edge technology.

Toyota's performance division, Gazoo Racing, has officially announced the development of a new mid-engine sports car, generating considerable excitement among automotive enthusiasts. This new model is expected to be a modern interpretation of the iconic MR2, featuring a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter G20E engine. While prototypes are currently being rigorously tested, the public will need to exercise patience, as the production model is not anticipated to hit the market for another four to five years, likely around 2030. This initiative underscores Toyota's commitment to delivering exhilarating driving experiences and expanding its high-performance vehicle lineup.

Toyota is set to revitalize its sports car offerings with the official confirmation of a new mid-engine vehicle under its Gazoo Racing banner. This announcement dispels previous speculations and solidifies the prospect of a successor to the legendary MR2. The forthcoming sports car will incorporate an innovative turbocharged 2.0-liter G20E engine, engineered to deliver formidable power exceeding 400 horsepower. Although prototype development is in its initial stages, requiring a gestation period of four to five years, the commitment from Gazoo Racing's president, Tomoya Takahashi, signals a clear direction towards a thrilling addition to Toyota's performance heritage. This strategic move aims to cater to enthusiasts yearning for a dynamically balanced and potent sports car, reinforcing the brand's dedication to high-performance engineering.

The Long-Awaited Mid-Engine Return

After years of anticipation and various rumors, Toyota has finally given its official nod to the creation of a new mid-engine sports car. This confirmation comes from Gazoo Racing, now an independent sub-brand focused on high-performance vehicles, signaling a new era for Toyota's enthusiast offerings. The vehicle, which is still in its early developmental phases, is expected to evoke the spirit of the much-missed MR2. While prototype evaluations are currently in progress, consumers should brace themselves for a considerable wait, with production models projected to arrive sometime around 2030.

The journey to bring this mid-engine marvel to fruition is a carefully planned and extended one. Tomoya Takahashi, the president of Gazoo Racing, highlighted in a recent interview that despite the initial prototype testing, the unnamed model is currently in the first of four development stages. This rigorous process implies that it will take approximately four to five years before mass production can commence. The long timeline reflects Toyota's meticulous approach to engineering and performance, ensuring that the new sports car lives up to the brand's exacting standards and satisfies the high expectations of its dedicated fan base. This strategic patience aims to deliver a refined and captivating driving machine.

A Powerful New Heart: The G20E Engine

Central to the new mid-engine sports car is the introduction of Toyota's brand-new G20E engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline unit represents a significant leap in engine technology, having been initially tested in the GR Yaris M concept. Early indications suggest that this innovative power plant is designed to produce an impressive output of over 400 horsepower, with its race-spec variants potentially reaching upwards of 600 horsepower, promising exhilarating performance for the upcoming vehicle.

Tomoya Takahashi emphasized that the existing 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, while capable in models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Lexus LBX Morizo RR, would not suffice for the demands of a mid-engine layout. The G20E, on the other hand, is not only more powerful but also boasts a more compact design, being 10 percent smaller and lower than previous 2.4-liter turbo engines. Furthermore, it is expected to offer up to 30 percent greater efficiency, particularly in its hybrid configuration, which Takahashi confirmed will be part of its electrified future. The G20E's versatility extends to front-engine applications, indicating its potential use across a broader range of future Toyota and Gazoo Racing performance models.