Few brands in any industry enjoy the strength and global recognition of Ferrari. Whether it’s powering around F1 racetrack or gracing a sleek red auto on the silver screen, the ‘prancing horse’ logo is almost a byword for speed and glamour. So when the Italian auto giants announce a new car of unprecedented speed and power, it’s time for car enthusiasts the world over to sit up and take notice.
The 2017 Geneva International Motor Show will see the unveiling of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, a new 12-cylinder Berlinetta that’s billed as the fastest, most powerful, and almost certainly the most expensive production vehicle in the marque’s illustrious history.
Raw V12 Engine Power
The focal point of this supercar is, unsurprisingly, the engine – a thirsty 6.5l V12 monster pushing out 800hp at 8,500 rpm. This enormous output is channeled through a dual-clutch transmission, featuring specific gear ratios designed for fast up- and down-shifting, all the better to quicken the throttle’s response.
Exceptional, Advanced Handling Systems
Handling and roadholding is expected to be a dream, thanks to a full complement of cutting-edge control systems using advanced software to direct and control the awesome energy pouring from the engine. In a first for Ferrari, the 812 Superfast features Electric Power Steering (EPS) which integrates fully with the car’s other dynamic systems, including the latest iteration of the patented Side Slip Control (SSC), and the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system.
On a purely aesthetic level, the hugely powerful mechanics result in a full, throaty exhaust sound that will leave observers in no doubt that this is a machine to be reckoned with.
Italian Flair
But this is Ferrari, and so the raw power of the car must be matched by the inimitable Italian sense of style and finesse. The body contours are very recognizably Ferrari, with the brand’s trademark low, sleek, and sporty lines combining with a pleasing balance and proportion.
Advanced Aerodynamics
However, the company’s in-house Styling Centre is not content to rest on its laurels, and has worked several innovations into the bodywork’s aerodynamic function. Notably, the front of the underbody features active flaps to optimize airflow depending on speed, while the rear flank includes a brand-new style of aerodynamic bypass which greatly increases downforce to provide confident handling of the engine’s brute force.
Luxury Interior
All of this technical brilliance is likely to come at a significant price, and so the interior needs to be up to scratch in terms of comfort and style. The cabin design definitely takes its cue from the racing world, with the dramatically sculpted dashboard sporting exhaust-like air vents, along with chrome finishing and red trimming around the top-of-the-range information and entertainment displays. The ergonomic seating is, as you’d expect, slanted low toward the chassis to maximize the sense of speed and power when driving.
2018 Production Release
Although the 812 Superfast’s unveiling in March 2017 will undoubtedly cause much anticipation and desire among Ferrari devotees across the globe, prospective buyers will have to wait until 2018 for production availability. However, given that Ferrari have yet to even hint at a price point, it’s a fair guess that only the wealthiest of auto enthusiasts will be able to do more than cast longing looks in the direction of this most superior of supercars.
