The Ferrari 812 Superfast Is An 800bhp V12 Hero

It’s really hard to follow Ferrari’s logic with names. Whether we’re talking about road cars or F1 cars, Ferrari has a habit of producing massively inconsistent, convoluted and downright bizarre names. GTC4Lusso springs to mind, but wait until you get a load of the latest one: 812 Superfast. No, I’m not joking. (Edit: it has since been pointed out that the ‘Superfast’ name was briefly used on the Ferrari America in the 1960s, but it’s probably not the moniker we’d choose to resurrect…)

But let’s not get hung up on the naming choice, as Maranello’s latest front-engine V12 hero - set to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show - looks to be quite a beast. It’s best thought of as a highly-evolved F12 Berlinetta, and it’s packing - wait for it - 789bhp. Superfast indeed.

It’s all thanks to the 6.5-litre V12 under the bonnet, which has grown by just over 200cc compared to the F12’s engine. It produces 59bhp more than the F12, and 19bhp more than the F12 tdf. Oh, and it makes its peak power at 8500rpm, and peak torque of 530lb ft at 7000rpm. So you’ll need to rev the nuts off it. Can I get a hell yes?

0-62mph happens in just 2.9 seconds, and it’ll keep going until 211mph if you’re brave enough to keep the throttle pinned. The 1525kg (dry) GT/supercar also comes with an updated version of the ‘Virtual Short Wheelbase’ rear wheel steering tech we first saw on the F12 tdf.

It’s also been given electric power steering, a first for Ferrari. This will probably make a few purists shudder at the mere though, but if anyone can nail EPAS, it’s Maranello.

Also on the electronic assistance menu is the fifth generation of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control. That’s the one that’ll let mere mortals drift their V12 supercar while reducing the risk of finishing upside-down in a ditch.

The exterior represents a noticeable departure from the F12, and we like what we see. It’s a lot more aggressive, and the, erm, unfortunate lines seen on the back of the old car are nowhere to be seen.

All sounds jolly fantastic, but we do have to end on a sad note: this is probably the last ‘pure’ V12 car Ferrari will ever make. It’s looking highly likely that whatever succeeds the 812 will be either turbocharged or come with hybrid assistance. If that’s the case, the 812 will make for one hell of a send-off.