Ferrari’s newest Grand Tourer adds more power, more technology, and a futuristic aesthetic onto its F12 Berlinetta predecessor. The 812 Superfast lives up to its aggressive naming choice thanks to a massive V12 under the long hood, pumping out power that would be impressive in any car from any manufacturer on the planet. Combine the style and performance with a luxurious interior, and the 812 Superfast sets a new standard for opulence and speed.

Exterior Design

via ferrari.com

The low and lean 812 Superfast improves upon Ferrari’s long line of front-engined sleek GT products, though from afar, the profile does strongly resemble the stellar F12 Berlinetta. Aero lines transition into powerful haunches, while the front end features a future-forward grille, intake, and headlight combo to differentiate this newest offering from the (relatively) tamer Ferraris of the past.

The 812 Superfast’s rear is dominated by a long rear windshield, a subtle improvement that should no doubt help to augment the visibility issues common in low-slung sports cars— it seems like the increasing use of larger and higher air intakes has created wider and wider pillars over the last few years. The Superfast does follow that trend, however, with a set of cowls immediately behind the side windows. An integrated rear spoiler complements the enormous diffuser down low which occupies space between quad exhaust tips.

Overall, the Superfast maintains the same wheelbase and curb weight as the F12 Berlinetta, while exterior dimensions increase by fractions of an inch all around. Despite the similarities in profile, however, even the untrained eye will easily recognize the 812 Superfast as the newer, more advanced product.

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Drivetrain/Mechanicals

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Deciding to name a car ‘Superfast’ is a bold move, even for a brand like Ferrari— but thee 812 Superfast is poised to live up to, and perhaps exceed, the expectations creating by such a moniker. Under the long hood resides a 48-valve, 6.5-liter V12 cranking out 789 horsepower at 8,500 RPM. That figure earns the Superfast’s engine the title for world’s most powerful road-going naturally aspirated engine in the history of automotive engineering. Peak torque, meanwhile, hits 530 lb-ft at 7,000 RPM, and when paired with an 8,900 RPM redline should allow for a monstrous power band.

Performance for the 3,800 pound Grand Tourer approaches supercar terrain, with a sub-three second 0 to 60 run on the way up to a top speed of 211 miles per hour. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic with manual shifting mode complements the beast under the hood, putting all that power to the massive 20-inch rear wheels which wear Pirelli P-Zeros from the factory measuring 315/35 out back.

Ferrari connoisseurs may concern themselves with the fact that the Superfast features the manufacturer’s first electrically-assisted power steering system, combining with a predominantly aluminum construction to create a lightweight feel during even spirited driving. (Carbon fiber, which by now seems to be almost an industry standard for cars in this class, is mostly used for design touches rather than structural contributions.) Thankfully, standard stability control can be turned off at the touch of a button, allowing for rear wheel drifts despite the massive rubber contributing to Superfast’s otherwise impressive 1.03 g of lateral acceleration.

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Interior & Tech

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As a large tourer, the 812 Superfast offers supreme comfort and spaciousness inside its premium cabin. But make no mistake, this isn’t a family car. Behind the driver and passenger is a luggage shelf rather than a rear seat. Aluminum and carbon fiber accents complement extensive utilization of leather on every tactile surface. Even the passenger footwell gets an aluminum plate, presumably to help with holding on for dear life as the driver blasts into yet another mountain curve.

Paddle shifters, yellow stitching, and a plethora of driver controls feature on the steering wheel, while simple switches occupy the center console. Climate control and infotainment screens are tucked under the long dash in a subtle band of displays. The driver’s attention, meanwhile, is directed towards a centrally-mounted tachometer, though presumably ears alone will be enough to realize the 8,900 RPM redline is fast approaching or even receding on the way to a 10,000 RPM fuel cutoff.

Driving mode is selected via a dial on the steering wheel, with preset configurations set for wet, sport, race, CT off, and ESC off. An adjustable electronically controlled differential, launch control, and rear wheel steering round out the driver’s aids.

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Pricing & Buying

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As Ferrari’s flagship GT product, buyer certainly won’t expect the 812 Superfast to come cheap, and a price tag starting at just over $300,000 can climb quickly with the addition of superior amenities and options packages— $400,00 and up seems more likely for real-world purchasing. Of course, actually buying the 812 Superfast from Ferrari will likely require a strong relationship with the brand, so secondhand examples may up the ante even further.

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Competition

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In terms of performance, the 812 Superfast nestles in with supercars from the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, and Porsche— but competition in that form seems to come from less spacious, mid-engined sports cars rather than grand tourers. Perhaps the nearest comparison would be the similarly shaped Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe, though pricing for the Ferrari can easily triple the cost of the German product. The 812 Superfast truly occupies a realm of its own, with its nearest competition being its predecessor the F12 Berlinetta.

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