Lisa BLACKPINK Drives a Ferrari 12Cilindri — What Makes This V12 So Special?

When Lisa from BLACKPINK is associated with a Ferrari, it is more than a celebrity car story. It is an opportunity to look at one of the most fascinating machines in the modern automotive world. The Ferrari 12Cilindri combines dramatic Italian styling, extraordinary performance, and a naturally aspirated V12 engine at a time when many performance cars are turning toward turbocharging and electrification.


For car enthusiasts, that last detail is especially important. The 12Cilindri does not rely on turbochargers or an electric motor to deliver its power. Instead, it uses a high-revving 6.5-liter engine with 12 cylinders, continuing a tradition that has helped define Ferrari for decades.

But what makes this car so special beyond its connection to Lisa? From its engine and acceleration to its design and driving character, the Ferrari 12Cilindri offers several reasons why it deserves attention.

Lisa BLACKPINK and Her Passion for Ferrari

Lisa, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, is internationally known as a member of BLACKPINK and for her successful solo career. Beyond music and fashion, she has also attracted attention for her reported interest in high-performance cars.

In July 2026, South Korean business publication Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Lisa owns a Ferrari 12Cilindri as part of a collection that includes several other Ferrari models. The report also discussed her interest in the Ferrari Testarossa, a classic supercar that she had recently been linked to after sharing a photograph of a red car on social media.

However, not every detail of a celebrity's private garage is publicly verified. The 12Cilindri's reported place in Lisa's collection should therefore be understood in that context rather than treated as a complete, officially confirmed ownership record.

Still, the connection makes sense from an enthusiast's perspective. Ferrari's combination of distinctive styling, racing heritage, and powerful engines gives its cars an appeal that extends beyond transportation.

And the 12Cilindri is one of the brand's most interesting modern examples.

1. A Naturally Aspirated 6.5-Liter V12 Engine

The biggest reason the Ferrari 12Cilindri stands out is its engine.

Under its long hood sits a 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12. In the 12Cilindri, this engine produces approximately 819 horsepower under US rating conventions, equivalent to Ferrari's official output of 830 metric horsepower, or cv. Maximum torque reaches 678 Nm, approximately 500 lb-ft.

Here is a closer look at the main specifications.

SpecificationFerrari 12Cilindri
Engine6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12
Maximum power830 cv / approximately 819 hp
Maximum torque678 Nm / approximately 500 lb-ft
Maximum engine speed9,500 rpm
TransmissionEight-speed dual-clutch automatic
DrivetrainRear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h2.9 seconds
Maximum speedMore than 340 km/h (211 mph)

Specifications are based on Ferrari's published technical information. Horsepower figures can differ depending on the measurement standard.

The term naturally aspirated means the engine draws air in without a turbocharger or supercharger. This arrangement gives the 12Cilindri a different character from many modern performance cars, which use forced induction to produce substantial power from smaller engines.

Its V12 is designed to deliver power across a broad operating range while continuing to build toward a remarkable 9,500-rpm maximum engine speed.

For enthusiasts, the appeal is not just the final horsepower figure. It is the way the engine responds, the way its sound changes as the revs rise, and the sense of occasion that comes with a high-revving twelve-cylinder powertrain.

That combination is increasingly uncommon in modern luxury performance cars.

2. Why Twelve Cylinders Make a Difference

An engine's cylinder count does not automatically determine how good a car is. Modern four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines can deliver outstanding performance, particularly when combined with turbocharging or hybrid technology.

However, a V12 has characteristics that make it especially desirable in a grand touring Ferrari.

Its twelve cylinders provide a smooth delivery of power, while the engine's configuration and firing sequence contribute to its distinctive sound. As the revs climb, the exhaust note becomes sharper and more intense, creating an experience that many enthusiasts consider an essential part of driving a Ferrari.

There is also an engineering challenge involved. Producing high power while allowing the engine to rev freely requires careful attention to internal components, airflow, cooling, and engine management.

Ferrari has continued developing this type of powertrain even as the industry increasingly adopts hybrid systems and smaller turbocharged engines.

The 12Cilindri therefore represents more than a large engine in an expensive car. It reflects Ferrari's effort to preserve a particular kind of driving experience while meeting the demands of a modern performance vehicle.

3. Acceleration That Rivals Dedicated Supercars

Despite its grand touring character, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is exceptionally quick.

Ferrari claims a 0–100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 340 km/h, or approximately 211 mph. Those figures place it firmly among the world's serious high-performance road cars.

Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, a dual-clutch system uses two clutches to prepare gear changes, helping deliver rapid shifts with minimal interruption to acceleration.

Rear-wheel drive also gives the car a more traditional sports-car layout. Rather than sending power to all four wheels, the 12Cilindri relies on its rear tires to put the engine's output onto the road.

Managing that much power requires sophisticated electronic controls, effective tires, and a carefully engineered chassis.

The result is a car designed to combine dramatic straight-line performance with the ability to respond precisely through corners. Of course, its performance figures are best understood as engineering capabilities, not speeds that drivers should attempt on public roads.

4. A Design That Looks Backward and Forward

The Ferrari 12Cilindri's exterior is another major part of its appeal.

Its proportions follow the classic front-engine grand touring formula: a long hood, a cabin positioned toward the rear, and a relatively short rear deck. These proportions communicate performance even before the engine starts.

At the same time, the details are distinctly modern. The front end features slim lighting elements and a dark horizontal section that gives the car a futuristic appearance. The bodywork is clean and geometric rather than covered in excessive styling details.

Ferrari has explained that the car draws inspiration from its grand touring models of the 1950s and 1960s. Those earlier cars combined long-distance comfort with powerful engines and elegant proportions.

The 12Cilindri interprets that heritage without simply copying an older Ferrari.

Its aerodynamic features are also functional. Active elements at the rear help manage airflow according to driving conditions, balancing the demands of high-speed stability and aerodynamic efficiency.

This blend of heritage and modern engineering is one reason the car looks different from many mid-engine supercars.

5. A Grand Tourer, Not Just a Track Machine

The term grand tourer, often shortened to GT, describes a performance car designed to combine speed with comfort and the ability to cover long distances.

The 12Cilindri follows this philosophy. Its two-seat cabin, front-engine layout, and luggage space make it different from a car developed exclusively for track use.

The interior combines digital technology with a driver-focused layout. Depending on the configuration, the cabin includes separate displays for the driver, central controls, and passenger information.

However, the 12Cilindri is not a conventional luxury sedan. Its low seating position, limited rear visibility, two-seat configuration, and performance-oriented character involve compromises.

Fuel consumption is another consideration. A large, high-output V12 is built for performance rather than maximum efficiency, so running costs can be substantial.

For an owner, the experience is about enjoying the combination of performance, design, sound, and long-distance capability—not maximizing practicality.

6. How Much Does the Ferrari 12Cilindri Cost?

The Ferrari 12Cilindri sits in the ultra-luxury sports car segment, where prices vary considerably according to market, taxes, options, and personalization.

For context, Car and Driver has listed the 2026 12Cilindri Coupe at an estimated US starting price of around $466,000. That figure is a market-specific reference, not a universal price, and individual configurations can cost considerably more.

The open-top 12Cilindri Spider is another option for buyers who prefer a convertible experience. Its retractable hardtop allows drivers to enjoy open-air motoring while retaining a roof when needed.

Actual ownership costs extend beyond the purchase price. Insurance, maintenance, tires, fuel, taxes, and potential repairs can all add significantly to the total cost of ownership.

For most people, this is not a realistic everyday purchase. But for collectors and enthusiasts, the appeal may lie in owning a modern Ferrari with a naturally aspirated V12 and a distinctive place in the company's grand touring history.

7. Why the Ferrari 12Cilindri Matters Today

The 12Cilindri arrives during a period of major change in the automotive industry.

Electric vehicles offer immediate torque and impressive acceleration, while hybrid powertrains can improve efficiency and performance. Turbocharged engines also allow manufacturers to produce substantial power from smaller displacements.

Against that background, a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 feels deliberately different.

The 12Cilindri does not attempt to compete by following every industry trend. Instead, it focuses on the qualities that make a traditional Ferrari V12 special: a high-revving engine, a distinctive sound, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and a long-hood grand touring design.

That does not mean the car is free from modern technology. Electronic driving aids, advanced chassis systems, and active aerodynamics help make its performance more manageable.

The interesting part is how Ferrari combines those technologies with an engine concept that has become increasingly rare.

For enthusiasts, that combination gives the 12Cilindri significance beyond its acceleration figures or price tag.

Final Thoughts

Lisa BLACKPINK's reported Ferrari 12Cilindri ownership brings celebrity attention to a car that already has plenty to offer on its own.

Its naturally aspirated V12, 9,500-rpm engine speed, rapid acceleration, and blend of classic Ferrari proportions with modern design make it one of the most distinctive grand touring cars of its generation.

What truly makes the 12Cilindri special is not simply that it is expensive or powerful. It preserves a particular kind of automotive experience at a time when performance cars are changing rapidly.

For fans who discovered the car through Lisa, it offers an introduction to Ferrari's engineering and heritage. For longtime enthusiasts, it is a reminder that a great performance car can be about far more than numbers on a specification sheet.

Sometimes, the engine's character, the sound it makes, and the way the car makes a driver feel are just as important as how quickly it reaches 100 km/h.

image source : AI-generated photorealistic illustration