Ferrari 812 Superfast rockets in from $610,000 BOCs

FERRARI has held the Australian premiere of its most powerful road car to date, the 812 Superfast, priced at $610,000 plus on-roads and packing a new high-revving, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 under the bonnet.

Despite its hefty $610,000 pricetag, the 812 Superfast comes in $80,745 cheaper than the F12 Berlinetta which it replaces, with Ferrari Australasia CEO Herbert Appleroth explaining that the change in price is due to a restructuring of how Ferrari options its cars.

“We always (previously) had our Australian cars very high-specced with a large number of options and personalisation in the car,” he said.

“What we’ve done is we’ve taken that personalisation that we chose out of the car and given it back to the customer so that they can choose their personalisation.

“It’s about creating your own special Ferrari. Enzo (Ferrari) always said ‘different Ferrari for different Ferraristi’, so that means no two Ferraris should be the same, it’s up to the customer.” The 812’s new powerplant, which consists of 75 per cent new parts, is capable of pumping out a hair-raising 588kW at 8500rpm and 718Nm at 7000rpm mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it the most powerful street-legal vehicle in the history of the prancing horse.

It replaces the 6.3-litre unit that powers the GTC4Lusso, F12 Berlinetta and F12tdf, and amps up the power by 43kW/28Nm over the F12, and 14kW/13Nm from the tdf special edition.

All that power is enough to rocket the 1630kg mid-front engine supercar from zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 340km/h.

The engine features new Formula One-derived technology such as continuous variable length inlet ducts, a new triple-injection system and completely redesigned inlet and exhaust ducts.

The inclusion of a 12-cylinder powerplant is also significant, as Ferrari has continuously had at least one V12-powered vehicle in its range since its inception 70 years ago – making it the only manufacturer to do so.

To improve handling and nimbleness in tight spaces, Ferrari has equipped the 812 Superfast with its Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 rear-wheel-steering system, as well as the latest iteration of its Side Slip Control (SSC) vehicle dynamics control system.

It is also the first Ferrari to adopt Electric Power Steering, which the brand says, along with the four-wheel steering and SSC, allows for better turning response and an 11 per cent increase in lateral acceleration when cornering.

Ferrari has gone to great lengths to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the 812 Superfast, and the company is calling it the most aero efficient Ferrari V12 sportscar to date.

The expansive front grille increases downforce, while the side air intakes channel air to both the brakes for cooling and a flap on the underbody that opens above 180km/h to help reduce drag.

Air channelled through the front radiator gets released through slim air intakes above the front wheel arches, while another set of air intakes next to the headlights pushes air through the wheel compartment and out alongside the doors.

The underbody features three separate aerodynamic panels that further add to the downforce, as does the rear spoiler, while the variable rear diffuser can help reduce drag.

Inside, the interior has been tweaked over the F12 for a sportier look, and includes a floating, horizontal dash, more ergonomic sports seats and Ferrari’s characteristic space-age steering wheel.

Mr Appleroth said he expected the first pre-order deliveries of the 812 Superfast to commence in December, however demand has been so great that there is no guarantee that customers currently looking to order one will end up receiving it.