Description
The Ferrari 512 BBi was introduced in 1981 as the final evolution of the Berlinetta Boxer series, replacing the carbureted 512 BB with a more refined and technically updated model. Its most significant change was the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, which is reflected in the “i” of its name. This advancement brought improved drivability, greater reliability, and lower emissions, making the car better suited to the increasingly strict regulations of the early 1980s.
The flat-12 engine remained at 4,943 cc, producing around 340 horsepower, which was slightly less than the carbureted 512 BB. However, the broader torque curve and smoother delivery of fuel injection made the 512 BBi a more tractable and usable car on the road, particularly in urban conditions. Performance remained impressive, with a top speed of about 280 km/h and a 0–100 km/h sprint in just over 5.5 seconds.
Visually, the 512 BBi was nearly identical to its predecessor, though there were subtle updates that distinguished it. The most noticeable change was the adoption of different front and rear bumpers, with a more integrated appearance to meet new safety standards. Small fog lights were added to the nose, and the rear lights and trim were subtly revised. The car retained its wedge-shaped Pininfarina design, with the signature black lower bodywork that had become a hallmark of the Boxer series.
Inside, Ferrari made the cockpit more comfortable, with better materials and details that reflected its role as a flagship grand tourer. While still uncompromisingly focused on the driver, the 512 BBi offered a blend of performance and comfort that broadened its appeal beyond enthusiasts to more cosmopolitan owners who valued refinement alongside speed.
A total of 1,007 examples of the 512 BBi were built between 1981 and 1984, making it the most numerous of the Berlinetta Boxer models. Its combination of usability, rarity, and iconic flat-12 engine has made it highly desirable among collectors, and it remains a key link between the raw performance of the 1970s Boxers and the modern refinement introduced with the Testarossa in 1984.