Ferrari 812 Superfast Review - A Masterpiece of Engineering

Introduction

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the fastest, the most powerful, and the most exclusive Ferrari currently on sale. The halo model in the brand’s line-up, it wears a starting price of AED 1,331,000 and goes up against Aston Martin and Lamborghini’s finest offerings, the DB11 and Aventador respectively.

Exterior

In terms of design, the 812 Superfast is beautiful, but it’s more than just a pretty face. Every crease, bulge, and vent you see along the bodywork has been sculpted for a specific purpose.

The front of the car features a large grille and hood vents that not only create an aggressive design but also perform essential functions. Cool air is channeled through the front to cool the radiator and engine, while hot air is pushed out through the rear hood vents and out the sides of the car.

Functional Design Elements

The two-tiered openings in the front grille serve different roles:

• The upper opening channels air to cool the brakes.
• The lower opening pushes air under the car to reduce drag.

At speeds of 180 km/h, the flaps pop downwards to increase downforce and reduce drag. The vents located near the rear window push air through and out the back for additional downforce, essentially functioning like a spoiler without a large wing.

Rear Design

The back is equally stunning with its circular lights and quad exhaust pipes, but the star is the diffuser. With three deployable flaps, it can open up to 17 degrees depending on speed, reducing aerodynamic drag and increasing downforce. The 812 Superfast is truly an aerodynamic work of art!

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Interior & Features

Inside, the cabin design is reminiscent of the F12 Berlinetta, which the 812 Superfast replaces, but the quality of materials used is unparalleled. Carbon fiber adorns much of the cabin, including the steering wheel, paddle shifters, center console, and cargo shelf, while soft leather covers the rest.

Surprisingly, the 812 Superfast offers ample space for occupants and cargo. With a boot space measuring 320 liters, it can fit three cabin-sized bags, with additional storage on the cargo shelf behind the seats.

Our test car featured electrically adjustable Daytona leather seats, designed to keep you secure during sharp turns. Ferrari offers seven additional seat options, ranging from standard to monocoque carbon racing seats for an ultimate F1 experience.

In terms of technology, the 812 Superfast is equipped with a JBL audio system, cruise control, a passenger multi-information display, and front and rear cameras. The low and wide design helps prevent bumper scrapes on speed breakers and makes parking easier.

Drive

When Ferrari announced the La Ferrari in 2012, it faced criticism for its uninspired name. However, the 812 Superfast proves to be better than anyone expected. The name itself, with "8" representing 800 Cavallo Vapore (Italian horsepower) and "12" denoting its V12 engine, honors Ferrari's legacy, reminiscent of the 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast.

The heart of this masterpiece is a phenomenal 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine delivering 789 horsepower and 718 Nm of torque, making the 812 the most powerful naturally aspirated car in the world. Power is transmitted through a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, complemented by Ferrari’s F1 Traction Control system.

To illustrate its capabilities, the 812 Superfast accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 340 km/h. With performance figures that challenge the limits of road legality, the 812 Superfast encourages you to push the boundaries.

Magnificent in a straight line and even more thrilling in corners, the 812 Superfast is the first Ferrari fitted with electronic steering. Despite initial concerns about feedback, the electronic system proves to be equally effective, if not superior, to the hydraulic steering it replaces.

With a weight distribution of 47% front and 53% rear, along with Ferrari’s Virtual Short Wheelbase technology, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds, resulting in enhanced handling and agility.

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Verdict

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the best Ferrari you can currently buy. It pushes the boundaries of a road-legal car, offering an engaging and thrilling experience, and is likely the last naturally aspirated V12 from the brand. Those who can afford it essentially get two cars for the price of one: a grand tourer and a supercar.