It's near impossible to argue that any car put out by Ferrari in recent times isn't great, yet the Ferrari 812 Superfast may be the single best car the company ever produced. Debuting in 2017, the 812 recently ended its run, though plenty of models are still there. Granted, it comes with a huge price tag, but those who own an 812 will agree it's worth every penny.
From its insane powertrain to its looks, there are so many reasons why the 812 shines, but it's the features that reveal themselves upon closer inspection that truly set the car apart. The 812 comes in several variants such as the Competizione and the fun open-air option while the 812 also boasts one of the best interiors of any supercar.
Overall, the 812 offers a fantastic package that showcases Ferrari at its finest, and in this list, we give our reasons as to why we think it's the best Ferrari on the road and one of the company's most genius efforts.
11 The Controls Are Unconventional But Fun
Slide into the 812, and one look at the dashboard shows it's not the typical Ferrari. There's the company's famous logo on the steering wheel and the typical gauges, but the controls are something else. Instead of the standard steering wheel "stalks," there are push-button controls for lights, windshield wipers, and turn signals.
It's a break from the standard Ferrari layout with an unconventional control system that makes the 812 more unique.
10 The Interior Is Far Better Than Most Supercars
The 812 is regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built. Thankfully, the interior is just as terrific. Unlike other supercars, the cabin is lush and more than enough room for the two passengers to enjoy.
True, the cargo space is one knock against the 812, far too small for longer rides or carrying items. Yet that barely seems to matter with the plush seating, great ergonomics, and feeling like a luxury car rather than a high-speed one. The 812 is as great to ride in as drive for a fun ride.
9 The Weight Distribution Is Nearly Perfect
Finding the right balance is critical for a car boasting such power as the 812. Thankfully, it not only succeeds but exceeds expectations. It utilizes a highly evolved transaxle configuration in which the car's front-mounted engine is coupled with a rear-mounted transmission.
This maintains a distribution of 47% in the front and 53% in the rear. That's much better than most regular Ferraris, let alone a supercar like this (even if the likes of the Alfa Romeo Alfetta are also great). Thanks to that balanced weight, the 812 never feels out of control on the road and is one of the smoother Ferraris around.
8 Unique Front-Engine Design
The design of the 812 can be a bit daunting with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive which sometimes can falter. But it works as the front wheels have openings to reduce the swelling and allow for better traction.
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This combines with the placement of the engine as the balance allows the 812 to work better than a Ferrari with a different placement. A supercar with such engine placement could be challenging, but that makes the 812 a standout among Ferraris.
6 The Handling Is A Gem For Any Ferrari
Ferrari fans can debate how easily a model should run. Some prefer it low-key and easy to handle, while others enjoy having to fight for control a bit. The 812 sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a nice balance and a light touch on the wheel.
Thanks to the EPS system, the handling is brisk, allowing just a little effort to set off yet not too fast to lose control. It takes the corners expertly and allows smooth transitions between gears. The 812 is one of the best handling Ferraris to match its performance.
5 The EPS Is Groundbreaking For Supercars
The 812 is the first Ferrari to boast an Electric Power Steering system and the only question is what took so long. Using an electric motor to activate sensors to tell when the right adjustments are needed, the 812 feels like a much smoother and wonderful ride.
It's handy not to have to keep a constant eye on the gauges to tell when the right amount of torque is needed or shift gears readily. This system helps the 812 tackle the road better than any Ferrari before it and setting a bar other Ferraris (not to mention other supercars) can follow.
4 The Styling Is Gorgeous Even For Ferrari
One would expect Ferrari to provide a beautiful-looking car. But even by their standards, the 812 is one of the most stunning models ever seen. While based on the F12 Berlinetta, the 812 has its own unique sculpting, a fresh aerodynamic style that lets the car go even faster than its already insane horsepower.
The touches include quad circular taillights, full LED headlamps, the built-in air filter on the hood, and a body-colored rear diffuser. There's also how some models have a special open-air option to look even better. It looks like a racing machine, but that Ferrari touch no company can replicate and ensures that even among a fleet of Ferraris, the 812 is one of a kind.
3 The Mid-Engineered Powertrain Is Insane For Any Supercar
In many ways, the 812's engine is following the leniage of such great models as the 599 and 2002 Enzo. It's seriously one of the best V12 engines ever put into any car, an incredible 6.5-liter beast producing 789 hp at 8,500 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
This means zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds and a top speed close to 210 mph. This was the most powerful Ferrari in 2017 and five years later, still retains its status as one of the best the company has ever put out as a genius piece of engineering.
2 Competizione Is Unique For Ferrari
Ferrari's "Competizione" makes an already Superfast car something else altogether. It beefs up the engine with an 8-12 option that makes 819 hp at 9,250 rpm. There are two of them, a regular version and a Competizione A (as in "Aperta") and each is a stunning beauty.
It comes in a variety of colors, customized for each owner, and the overall performance makes it an incredible ride. Just 999 of the regular Competizione were made and 599 of the A-variation and while a steep price tag, this variation of the Competizione truly leaves the competition in the dust.
1 It's The End Of An Era
The 812 isn't just a stunning and fantastic sports car. It's also likely the last nonhybrid V12 Ferrari. The company is moving more into hybrid and electric machines with the V12, which is a good thing for those liking an improvement in some top rides.
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Yet some may prefer a powertrain without a fancy battery pack or electric motor, just pure raw power. Some of these newer Ferraris may feel smoother but not as fun as the 812 is a farewell to a style of production slowly fading away, but Ferrari always made feel wonderful.