Geneva show: Super-fast Ferrari 812 blasts in

TO CELEBRATE its 70th birthday, Ferrari has developed an unbelievably quick new model, the 812 Superfast, which features an 588kW/718Nm front-mid-mounted naturally aspirated V12 engine.

Acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes just 2.9 seconds in the F12 Berlinetta-replacing flagship, while top speed is said to be in excess of 340km/h, ensuring the 812 is a case of Superfast by name and super-fast by nature.

Unlike its 488, California T and GTC4Lusso T stablemates, the 812 – which will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month – eschews a turbocharged powerplant in favour of a larger-displacement 6.5-litre V12 engine, up from 6.3 litres in the F12.

Ferrari has fitted a reworked direct injection system and new Formula One-derived variable geometry intake tracts to increase maximum power to 588kW at 8500rpm and peak torque of 718Nm at 7000rpm, with 80 per cent of the latter available from 3500rpm.

The increase in performance hands the 812 Superfast the title of Ferrari’s most powerful naturally aspirated production V12, outmuscling the F12 Berlinetta by 43kW/28Nm and the special-edition F12 tdf by 14kW/13Nm.

However, the electronically enhanced hybrid powertrain found in the high-performing LaFerrari hypercar develops a combined total of 708kW/900Nm, thanks to 590kW/700Nm from the 6.3-litre V12 paired with a 120kW electric motor.

Compared with other exotic V12 supercar fare, the 812 Superfast’s output trumps the hardcore 552kW/690Nm all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce – although the rear-drive Ferrari is 0.1s ‘slower’ to triple digits – and Aston Martin’s 444kW/630Nm Vanquish S, which takes 3.5s to hit the benchmark speed.

Acceleration times are likely to vary based on driver reaction, though, with the 812 driver able to shift gears via steering wheel-mounted paddles to control the dual-clutch automatic transmission with reworked rear ratios and improved shifting times.

A dedicated launch-control function will help achieve consistent times as power is fed exclusively to the rear axle before being transferred to the road via 315/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.

The front axle features the same-spec tyres in 275/35 sizing, with the 812 sitting on 20-inch wheels all-round. In a Ferrari first, the Superfast will employ an electric power steering system, tuned specifically to work in unison with the suite of electronic vehicle controls including the brand’s bespoke Side Slip Control.

The 812 Superfast will also sport a new version of Ferrari’s rear-wheel steering system that debuted on the F12 tdf – dubbed Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 – that increases turn-in sharpness and high-speed stability.

A reworked aerodynamic package will also help keep the 812 steady at high speeds, with active aero flaps incorporated in the front grille, bonnet scoops to help evacuate heat and turbulent air, and sculpted bodywork to direct airflow and increase downforce.

Bonnet intakes are also designed in conjunction with new full-LED headlights, which are incorporated into the bodywork for a sleeker look and better aerodynamics, and flow directly into the beefy wheelarches.

At the rear, the size of the quad exhaust pipes almost matches the smoked round tail-lights, while a body-coloured rear diffuser is fitted to improve aerodynamics and increase downforce.

In fact, the entire rear section has been tweaked to optimise airflow, evidenced by its heavily sculpted visage and rear vents to eliminate turbulent flowing air and promote smoother air bypass.

From the profile, the 812 Superfast exudes style with a fastback silhouette, long bonnet, heavily sloped roofline, and short front and rear overhangs.

In its pursuit of pure performance, Ferrari has not forgone modern conveniences, with both front and rear parking sensors, and an updated information and entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice command operations fitted.

New sports seats designed for more comfort and better body-holding capabilities are fitted, while a new instrument cluster sits behind a new-look steering wheel with incorporated turn indicators, headlight, suspension setting and driving mode adjustability controls.

According to Ferrari, the 812 Superfast will deliver “an uncompromising sportscar that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners to enjoy it as an all-round experience”.

Australian timing and pricing is yet to be announced. The F12 Berlinetta currently commands an asking price of $690,745 (plus on-road costs), and the 812 is expected to retail for a similar figure when it arrives, possibly in the next 12 months.