[botsapper]

Originally Posted by kach22i

It looks like they took the lessons learned on the 599 buttress, and applied them to the front of the car.

2007 Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano flying buttress photo


I'd say mostly marketing, but it does work at some level and should not be dismissed.

Distinctive design marketing. F12's designer Flavio Manzoni aero-sculpture and 599's designer Jason Castriota, did use the wing/flying buttress/bridge primarily as marketable 'jet plane' design features with plenty of wind tunnel stability studies.

Castriota was a great student/practitioner (Pininfarina & Bertone) of many Italian aero-feature design traditions.
A Carozzeria Touring design with large wing features. Pegaso Z-102 Thrill
Famous Alfa Romeo - Bertone BAT series. http://www.carlustblog.com/2008/10/alfa-romeo-bat.html