The Return of the Naturally Aspirated V12

DEC 12, 2024 · 8 min read

In an era of forced induction and electrification, a quiet renaissance of the V12 is unfolding across Maranello, Sant'Agata, and Crewe.

In an era of forced induction and electrification, a quiet renaissance of the V12 is unfolding across Maranello, Sant'Agata, and Crewe.

Ferrari's 12Cilindri, Lamborghini's Revuelto, and Bentley's continued commitment to twelve-cylinder grand touring suggest the format has at least a decade of life left in it. Each marque has its own justification: Ferrari for emotion, Lamborghini for sound, Bentley for effortless torque. What they share is the conviction that twelve cylinders is more than a number — it is a statement of intent.

This story explores why three manufacturers, in three countries, are doubling down on a layout that should — by every market metric — be extinct.