2024-04-11 14:29:50
The production Ferrari F12tdf has a 7.3-liter V12 and 780 hp, which allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 340 km/h.
The 2014 Ferrari F12tdf prototype for sale on auction site Bring a Trailer has a top speed of just 15 mph. However, there are buyers who will offer between 420,000 euros ($450,000) for it.
Why does a Ferrari in perfect condition barely exceed 20 km/h? This is a prototype. Once its function is over, Ferrari’s software limits the engine so that it can only be used as a decorative element. This is common industry practice and not unique to Ferrari.
Brands don’t want prototypes to be used on the road to avoid future lawsuits and bad publicity. Also, the prototype does not meet the brand’s standards in terms of equipment and, above all, reliability.
The dealer is importing the prototype in question into the US as a show car, which is the only legal way to do so. After a few years, this dealer decided to sell it, even though it was impossible to register and use on the road.
Besides the modest speed, the chassis number is missing. It also says in several places that the vehicle is not roadworthy.
A real used Ferrari of the same model that can lift 340 km/h now costs somewhere around a million dollars.