Ferrari has unveiled a one-of-a-kind 12Cilindri, meticulously crafted in collaboration with South Korean artists. The project demonstrates the brand’s dedication to extreme personalization, merging high-performance engineering with unique artistic vision. This isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling canvas where automotive power meets cultural identity.
The Collaboration: Bridging Continents
The design process spanned nearly two years, uniting talent from Europe, North America, and Korea. Four Korean artists – Daehye Jeong, Hyunhee Kim, GrayCode & Jiiiiin, and TaeHyun Lee – worked alongside Ferrari’s Styling Center and the editorial team from Cool Hunting. Curator JaeEun “Jane” Lee spearheaded the effort, ensuring a cohesive blend of mechanical precision and artistic expression.
The Yoonseul Finish: A Shifting Spectrum
The car’s most striking feature is its custom Yoonseul iridescent paint. Inspired by Korean Celadon ceramics and the vibrant energy of Seoul, the finish dynamically shifts between shades of green, purple, and blue, mimicking sunlight on water. This isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s a visual translation of a Korean concept, Yoonseul, meaning “shining on the sea.”
Interior Innovations: Horsehair and Handwoven Art
The interior represents a new level of luxury. Textile artist Daehye Jeong, recipient of the 2022 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, integrated handwoven horsehair into the cabin’s design. This material, applied to seats, floors, and even the glass roof (through screen-printing), creates a unique interplay of texture and light. A handwoven dashboard panel further elevates the interior, marking the first time an original artwork has been permanently embedded in a Ferrari.
Subtle Korean Motifs: Details Matter
Hyunhee Kim’s work introduces transparent materials, reinterpreting traditional Korean objects. The Scuderia Ferrari shields, wheel caps, and Cavallino Rampante are subtly altered with this aesthetic, as is the center tunnel and a handmade dedication plaque with calligraphic script. Even the trunk houses a custom-designed storage container, including a bespoke Ferrari key.
The White Unifier: Lacquer-Inspired Touches
Artist TaeHyun Lee’s influence appears in the car’s white brake calipers and shift paddles – a first for a production Ferrari. This unifying motif references his modern interpretations of traditional lacquer techniques, adding another layer of cultural depth.
Sound to Sight: V12 as Inspiration
The duo GrayCode & Jiiiiin translated the Ferrari V12’s sound signature into a visual pattern applied to the bodywork. This darker variant of the Yoonseul paint captures the engine’s raw energy, turning performance into an artistic statement.
Under the Hood: Uncompromising Power
Beneath the artistic flair lies a formidable machine. The 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine produces 830 horsepower, revs to 9,500 rpm, and delivers a 0–62 mph acceleration in roughly 3.0 seconds. Top speed exceeds 211 mph. This is a car that performs as boldly as it looks.
This collaboration proves that Ferrari is willing to push the boundaries of personalization, creating not just a vehicle but a cultural artifact. The result is a stunning fusion of automotive engineering and artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the future of bespoke luxury.
