The 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is one of the most exclusive new cars on the market today. Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the 456 GT 2+2, the 612 uses a 5.7L V12 engine that produces 540 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel the all-aluminum coupe to a top speed of 199 mph and a 0-60 time near 4.2 seconds.

In typical Ferrari GT fashion, the car uses a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout, in this particular setup with the motor positioned behind the front axle for better weight distribution. Gear shifting is handled either by a six-speed manual transmission or by an F1-derived, six-speed sequential manual gearbox with paddles mounted behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Plenty of electronic gadgetry makes use of the big V12's power, including a limited-slip rear differential, integrated traction and stability control, an auto-leveling rear suspension, and anti-lock brakes. For track use, the driver can override the traction and stability control.

Exquisite hand-stitched leather seats grace the interior, as do a litany of luxury items: automatic climate control, power adjustable head restraints, a nine-speaker audio system, and supple leather trim applied to the dashboard, doors, and headliner. Most 612 buyers will spend a lot of time ticking off items on the options list. Parking sensors, fitted luggage, and a full pallet of interior colors can be ordered, along with a number of different wheels and performance oriented items.

Model Strengths

Unmatched GT experience; loaded with F1 technology; rocket sled for four.

Model Changes

Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti 2+2 coupe enters the 2008 model year, three years after its introduction, with no major changes.

Model Value

The 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is one of the most expensive models for one of the world's most expensive marques, and it is accordingly just as exclusive. While most criticisms of the car highlight its large size, the 612's performance is undisputed and unmatched. Interior luxury appointments are on par for its $255,000 sticker price, which is to say they are impeccable.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a Gran Turismo car produced by Ferrari since 2004. It is a large two door fastback coupe. The 612 Scaglietti was designed to replace the smaller 456 M; its larger size makes it a true 4 seater with adequate space in the rear seats for adults. It is produced at Ferrari's Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant, the former home of the car's namesake coachbuilder in Modena, Italy. The design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pays homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that director Roberto Rossellini had commissioned for his wife, Ingrid Bergman. The 612 is Ferrari's second all-aluminium vehicle, the first being the 360 Modena. Its space frame is made from extrusions and castings of the material, and the aluminium body is welded on. The chassis of the 612 forms the basis of the 599 GTB. The 612 Scaglietti shares its naturally aspirated 5.7 L V12 engine with the 575M Maranello. The Tipo F133E engine produces 540 CV at 7250 rpm and 588 N·m at 5250 rpm with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The car is capable of 315 km/h and has a 100 km/htime of 4.3 seconds. It comes with two six speed transmission options: a conventional manual or the F1A semi-automatic paddle shift system, a much refined version of the F1 system in the 360. On Top Gear, host Jeremy Clarkson drove a 612 Scaglietti in a race against co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond who took planes, trains, and buses - from the studio in Surrey, England to Verbier, Switzerland. Despite a mechanic leaning on and bending one of the windshield wipers and being stopped for speeding, Clarkson beat May and Hammond to the resort lodge, passing the two a short distance from the lodge. In his DVD Heaven and Hell, Clarkson also claims the car is the most "astonishing" made that year, despite the looks. It has recently been revealed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has purchased former Blues manager Jose Mourinho a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti as a gift in