This always happens, Ferrari starts manufacturing a magnificent sports car, like the 458 Italia, and down the line, someone at Maranello gives it another look and thinks: "We can do more." As a result of this mad man's logic, the 458 Speciale was conceived, and almost every Ferrari sports car that came after it found itself having a lightweight, stripped-down, even more, performance-orientated version of itself.
This is no easy task to do, however, especially since all of those Ferraris came fitted with naturally-aspirated engines, which are a dying breed nowadays – just look at what Ferrari has to create now, a V6-powered hybrid, the 296 GTB. Despite that, Ferrari hasn't quite given up on their naturally aspirated V12 engine, and they've created their most powerful V12 yet based on the one found in the 812 Superfast. The car that received this trophy powertrain was none other than the 812 Competizione, a hotter, lighter, faster, more brutal 812 Superfast.
10 Naturally-Aspirated Goodness
On the face of it, the 812 Competizione's naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 looks like the same engine found in the normal Superfast, but underneath, the team at Ferrari has tampered with some sort of black magic. Because what once was a V12 with 800 hp – as if that wasn't enough power already – has been morphed into one that now produces 830 hp to just the rear wheels.
0-60 mph happens in a mere 2.8 seconds, and because its redline sits comfortably at 9,500 rpm, it screams even wilder than a Lexus LFA till reaching its top speed of 211 mph.
9 It Cuts Through Corners As A Hot Knife Does Butter
With that much power, you need some sticky tires and one revolutionary traction control system, luckily, Ferrari thought of that, and they did just that. The Competizione receives 275/35ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires in the front and astronomically wide 315/35ZR20 ones at the rear.
But that's not all, a few years back, Ferrari developed a unique traction control system called "Side Slip Control". Instead of just having your traction control activated or deactivated, Ferrari allows drivers to choose how much they want to allow the car to slide in increments – genius.
8 Lack Of Rear Windshield
Perhaps you didn't notice, but the 812 Competizione has an aluminum sheet covering its designated rear window space, but if you look closely, you'll see there's a small fin-shaped device mounted on top of it – that's your rear window.
Seriously, it is. That little fin is a camera that displays a constant video image on top of your rearview mirror. We think this is a brilliant way of combing form, and function with technology.
7 Its Aero Isn't Just For Show
Recall that rear aluminum window we just spoke about? Well, it acts as a vortex generator which increases downforce, and so do the chunks taken out of its rear bumper that form rear louvers. Other aero components worth mentioning are its aerodynamic brakes borrowed from its hybrid brother, the SF90, an integrated rear spoiler, a massive diffuser, and a gnarly front splitter.
Combine all of that with the other aero bits found on the standard 812 Superfast, and you're left with a Ferrari that produces 40% more downforce than its so-called normal counterpart.
6 Independent Rear-Wheel Steering
We've seen rear-wheel steering on cars before, that's no surprise, but as we know all too well, Ferrari doesn't like doing things the conventional way, so their rear-wheel-system functions a little bit differently from other brands like GMC with the new Hummer EV.
It does what you'd expect, turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front ones when traveling at low speeds, and in the same direction at high speeds, but when it comes down to track use, they're much more intelligent. The rear wheels now vary at which angle they turn in, and in which direction as well to ensure optimal traction around bends, and as a result, better lap times for even inexperienced drivers.
5 Lightning-Fast Transmission
Unfortunately, there is no manual transmission available in the 812 Competizione, but then again, why would you need one if its automatic is so blisteringly quick.
Every single one of these 'Raris are equipped with Maranello's finest seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which is as smooth, as they are fast, and because its powertrain revs about 500 RPMs higher than the standard Superfast's V12, the Competizione feels even more enticing.
4 Exhaust
You might have noticed the Competizione doesn't feature a set of quad-exist exhaust tips found in most new V12-powered sports cars, or as a matter of fact, the dual-exit ones found on their high-performance V8-powered ones; this bonkers Italian machine has rectangular exhaust outlets.
This was specifically designed by Ferrari to adhere to modern emission standards' rules to allow a gasoline particulate to be a part of the exhaust system without dumbing down its harmonious shriek – have a listen!
3 Last Hoorah For The N/A V12 Ferrari Sports Car
We all knew the dreaded day was coming, and here it is. While it's yet to be confirmed by Ferrari, by the look of things, the 812 Competizione will, unfortunately, be the last new naturally-aspirated Ferrari we will ever see.
The engine showcased above is from the SF90, a turbocharged V8 that gains assistance from three electric motors. The day of the naturally-aspirated V8-powered Ferrari ended with the 458 Speciale, and now, the N/A V12 also has to face its inevitable demise. Of course, this statement will only be regarding Ferrari sports cars since their yet-to-be unveiled SUV, the Purosangue is rumored to get the N/A V12 treatment too.
2 It Carries On The Legacy Of The F12 TDF
In modern times, there has only been about 3 high-performance, limited-edition front-engined V12-powered Ferraris made, the 599 GTO, the F12 TDF, and now, the 812 Competizione – each one more ludicrous than before. The latest iteration thereof perfectly encapsulates what its ancestors stood for, especially the F12 TDF.
Not only do they look similarly designed, but they're both equally as notorious to drive, and if the 812 Competizione were to follow the same route as its predecessor, the F12 TDF, then its legacy too will be remembered for decades to come.
1 You Can Go Topless Too
Convertible Ferrari models, especially ones as powerful as this, are highly sought-after by collectors, and they auction off for absurd prices, have a look at this LaFerrari Aperta for example. Oh yes, the Aperta name – it's Italian for "open" and is used only when it comes to Ferrari's most prestigious roadsters, otherwise, they would have been called Spiders, like the somewhat affordable 360 Spider.
The hardtop version of the 812 Competizione starts at just over $600,000, but if you'd like to enhance your driving experience by having the wind blow over you while your ears are blessed with a glorious V12 song, then you have to be willing to an extra $100,000. We can't believe we're going to say this, but if you have the money, and happen to find one for sale, buy it. There will never be another Ferrari quite like this, and because only 999 coupes and 599 roadsters will be built, you'll probably never see them in the flesh.