Ferrari 812 Superfast: The Ultimate Expression of V12 Power and Italian Excellence
Introduction
When it comes to automotive excellence, few names resonate like Ferrari. Among its impressive lineup, one model stands out for pushing the limits of speed, engineering, and design—the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Introduced as the successor to the F12berlinetta, the 812 Superfast is more than just a supercar. It’s a declaration of what Ferrari stands for: raw power, artistic design, and uncompromising performance.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore what makes the Ferrari 812 Superfast one of the greatest front-engine V12 supercars of all time, including its specifications, design, technology, and why it continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
A V12 Legacy Reinvented
The heart of the Ferrari 812 Superfast is its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine—a rare breed in a world increasingly dominated by turbochargers and electric motors. Producing an astonishing 789 horsepower and 718 Nm of torque, this beast rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).
This makes it not only one of the fastest Ferraris ever made, but also the most powerful naturally aspirated production car in the brand’s history. The engine screams with pure emotion, reaching 8,900 RPM, delivering a soundtrack that stirs the soul—no artificial enhancement, just raw Italian music.
Design That Combines Beauty and Aerodynamics
The Ferrari 812 Superfast doesn’t just go fast—it looks fast standing still. Its aggressive front fascia, sculpted body lines, wide stance, and active aerodynamics aren’t just for show. The car was designed in collaboration with Ferrari’s wind tunnel engineers to maximize downforce while minimizing drag.
The long hood houses the massive V12, pushing the cockpit toward the rear for a traditional grand touring silhouette. The sharp LED headlights, air vents on the hood and fenders, and quad taillights all give the 812 a muscular, futuristic look. It’s a car that commands attention without even trying.
Interior: A Blend of Luxury and Race-Inspired Functionality
Inside the cabin, the Ferrari 812 Superfast balances race-ready functionality with Italian luxury. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, covered in high-end leather and Alcantara. The driver-focused dashboard puts all essential controls within easy reach. The steering wheel, borrowed from Formula 1 design, includes integrated controls for driving modes, indicators, wipers, and even the engine start button.
Although infotainment isn’t the car’s primary focus, the 812 still includes a digital display, Bluetooth connectivity, a premium audio system, and dual screens—one for the driver and one optional display for the passenger, allowing them to monitor speed, RPM, and more.
Driving Experience: Pure Ferrari Emotion
Driving the Ferrari 812 Superfast is a sensory experience. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout gives the car a perfect balance for grand touring, while Ferrari’s cutting-edge tech ensures it handles like a mid-engine supercar.
It comes equipped with systems like:
- Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 (rear-wheel steering)
- Side Slip Control 5.0
- Magnetorheological Suspension
- Dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission
These systems work together to deliver razor-sharp handling, exceptional stability at high speeds, and a driving feel that connects the car to the driver like few other vehicles can. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or attacking corners on a mountain pass, the 812 delivers confidence, excitement, and an unforgettable ride.
Exclusivity and Price
As with all Ferraris, the 812 Superfast is not just a car—it’s a statement of status. It has a starting price of around $330,000, but most buyers customize their cars with Ferrari’s extensive personalization options, pushing the final price even higher.
From unique exterior paints and interior stitching to carbon fiber trim and performance upgrades, the 812 is built to reflect the identity of its owner. This level of exclusivity, combined with the car’s performance and design, ensures it holds its value exceptionally well in the collector market.
812 GTS: The Convertible Experience
In 2019, Ferrari unveiled the 812 GTS, the convertible version of the 812 Superfast. It became the first front-mounted V12 spider in Ferrari’s lineup in nearly 50 years. The 812 GTS features the same monstrous V12 engine and performance, but with a retractable hardtop that opens in just 14 seconds, allowing drivers to enjoy the sound of the engine with nothing in the way.
Despite being a convertible, the GTS maintains excellent chassis rigidity and aerodynamics, offering almost the same performance figures as the coupe.
Sustainability and the End of the V12 Era
As the automotive industry moves toward hybridization and electrification, many believe the Ferrari 812 Superfast marks the end of an era. Ferrari has already introduced hybrid models like the SF90 Stradale, and while a new V12 successor is rumored, it’s uncertain whether future models will keep the same naturally aspirated setup.
That’s why the 812 is so special—it's one of the last pure V12s you can buy, with no turbos, no hybrid systems, and no compromises. It’s Ferrari at its most raw and emotional.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is not just a car—it’s a piece of moving art, a technological masterpiece, and a celebration of everything Ferrari stands for. From its breathtaking V12 engine and flawless design to its unmatched driving dynamics, it represents the pinnacle of front-engine GT performance.
For collectors, enthusiasts, and those lucky enough to drive it, the 812 Superfast is more than transportation—it’s an experience that stirs the soul, honors tradition, and redefines speed.