Even as the industry pivots toward electrification, Ferrari and some others are hanging onto the V12.

As much as outlets far and wide — TFL Studios included — harp on about “electrified” this and “downsized” that, some automakers are rolling out models that run against the grain. One such car is the Ferrari 12Cilindri, and you don’t have to be fluent in Italian to get the picture from that name. Even in the face of legislative crackdowns on CO2 emissions, each seemingly less realistic than the next, automakers like Ferrari (and Aston Martin, for that matter) defy the odds by rolling out a straight V12 experience. No electric motors, no huge batteries: Just a 12-cylinder wail to startle the gods and wake your neighbors…if you can afford it, at least.

Ferrari chief designer Flavio Manzoni and his team created the striking 12Cilindri as a modern nod to timeless classics like the 365GTB/4 Daytona. And while we’ll usually waffle around a bit and say “well, styling is always subjective”, there’s no such argument this time around: It looks epic. While the equally front-engined 812 Superfast had similar proportions and striking details incorporated into its design, this blends those heritage touches with properly aggressive modern touches to create what is most likely going to be a swan song in Ferrari’s long line of V12 grand tourers.

Following up on form, though, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has to bring serious performance to the table — and it does. Even without electric motors as wingmen to the 6.5-liter V12 under the hood, this new model manages 819 horsepower (up from 788 hp in the 812 Superfast). That figure matches the more hardcore 812 Competizione, and rockets the 12Cilindri to 62 mph (100 kph) in 2.9 seconds. 0-124 mph comes up in 7.9 seconds on the way to its top speed of 211 mph.

“Oh, my Tesla Model S can accelerate faster than that!” Maybe, oh exalted Plaid one, but your admittedly quick sedan isn’t a freaking Ferrari. And for a car that is supposed to be a GT and not an out-and-out track machine like the SF90 Stradale or the Daytona SP3, that’s still plenty fast. At 3,439 pounds dry, the 12Cilindri is still 161 pounds heavier than the 812 Superfast, yet it’s also quicker in the crucial 0-62 sprint than its predecessor. Unlike the past car with its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, this new model gets a closer-ratio 8-speed unit.

Beyond just looking at the higher output, it’s worth noting Ferrari’s other changes to its V12 engine over the previous iteration. It now has variable-geometry intake ducts, lower friction in the valvetrain and rotating assemblies, a rebalanced crankshaft and a different (lighter) aluminum alloy for the pistons. The 12Cilindri also uses new software called “Aspirated Torque Shaping” to more electronically define the torque curve in third and fourth gears to make all the grunt available from 2,500 RPM. As far as covering how engineers are able to keep the V12 alive in a time of tightening emissions regulations, Ferrari says this new model has an updated exhaust system compliant with the latest US, EU and Chinese rules.

More onboard tech, as you’d expect

Again, the new Ferrari 12Cilindri may be a GT car at heart, but it still packs a huge amount of technology aimed at improving its handling prowess. An eighth-generation Side Slip Control (SSC) system and third-generation Virtual Short Wheelbase system work in tandem to estimate and act on available grip, as well as improve high-speed stability and turn-in when you’re carving through the corners. The 12Cilindri also gets an upgraded version of Ferrari’s “ABS Evo” brake-by-wire system, coupled to 15.7-inch carbon ceramic rotors at the front and 14.2-inch rotors at the rear.

Active aerodynamics is also on full display here, with a set of ducts and louvers that aiming to either improve cooling (and downforce, to an extent) when needed or minimize drag. Those combine with new front and rear spoilers, a pair of vortex generators integrated into the floorpan and full-width diffuser to create 110 pounds of peak downforce at 155 mph. When there’s an effort to make the full 211-mph charge, all the active aero onboard will fix into low-drag mode to make that top speed possible.

More on the mechanical front, the Ferrari 12Cilindri packs 21-inch wheels (up from 20s on the 812), and either Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear F1 Eagle SuperSport tires. Those come in a staggered setup, with 275/35-ZR21s at the front and 315-millimeter units at the back.

Inside, the 12Cilindri gets a thoroughly modern design, contrasting its retro exterior themes. A 10.25-inch center display is available to both occupants, though both the driver and passenger get their own screens as well. The steering wheel is still festooned with buttons and the drive mode switch, while the start/stop button has moved down to the lower spoke. The main fixture of the center console is the H-pattern gear selector borrowed from the SF90 Stradale.

Those who want more of an open-air experience will be delighted to know the 12Cilindri comes in both berlinetta coupe and spider forms, with the latter packing a canvas top that opens or closes in around 14 seconds.

How much will the 12Cilindri cost? You know what to expect…

With stunning looks, an upgraded V12 engine and a purist vibe sure to appeal to the well-heeled enthusiasts and connoisseurs out there, you know the Ferrari 12Cilindri won’t come cheap. In fact, it starts at €395,000 in Italy for the coupe, or a whopping €435,000 for the Spider. U.S. pricing is not available yet, but the conversions work out to about $417,000 or $465,000 respectively, and that’s before options.

For the wealthy few who will throw that sort of cash to own the Prancing Horse (or their second, third, fourth, etc. Ferrari, let’s be honest), the 12Cilindri will formally launch later this year.