The news of a new Ferrari always gets the tips of our fingers tingling with excitement. The news of a F12 replacement was brewing for some time now, and today, Ferrari finally took the wraps off it. Its called the 812 Superfast and it is the company’s most powerful V12 road car ever.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast employs a slightly larger version of the F12’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, apart from fresh styling and new chassis technology. The 812’s engine displaces just 234cc more than the outgoing V12, while producing 789bhp (800hp) at 8500rpm and 719 Nm of torque at 7000rpm.
These outputs trump even the hardcore F12tdf, thus making this V12 the most potent front-mounted engine fitted to a production car ever. The 812 Superfast is expected to be the Italian marque’s final hurrah for the naturally aspirated V12 engine, as hybrid assistance or turbocharging will engulf its predecessor.
The 812’s V12 is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving just the rear wheels, allowing the F12 replacement to sprint from a standstill to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of ‘more than 211mph’. Superfast indeed; despite the 812 Superfast being 110kg heavier than the F12.
Over the F12, the 812 Superfast gets a re-tuned chassis that benefits from an evolution of Ferrari’s Slide Slip Control technology that debuted on the 488 GTB, and the second generation of Virtual Short Wheelbase, or a rear-wheel steering system; the first-generation of which is used on the F12tdf.
Another significant change in the 812 Superfast is the addition of electric power steering. It is the first Ferrari to use such a system. Stylistically, the 812 Superfast gets more aggressive bodywork with active aerodynamic aids to boost down-force or reduce drag, depending on the scenario.
Inside, the car gets a new dashboard with an updated instrument cluster display, along with upgraded sports seats and tweaked steering wheel controls. The 812 Superfast will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show, when it will also go on sale.
Pricing is expected to increase slightly from the F12, which starts at £241,073 (just a shade over INR 2 Crore).
Key numbers of the Ferrari 812 Superfast are:
- Engine 6496cc V12 arranged in 65deg vee
- Power 789bhp @ 8500rpm
- Torque 530lb ft @ 7000rpm
- Transmission Dual-clutch gearbox
- 0-62mph 2.9sec
- Top speed More than 211mph
- CO2 emissions 340g/km
