Ferrari 812 Superfast: Engine, Performance & Features Reviews
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is one of the most powerful cars Ferrari has ever built. It came out in 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show. This car replaced the F12berlinetta. The name “Superfast” tells you everything. This beast has a V12 engine that sounds amazing. Ferrari made this car for people who love pure speed and comfort together. The 812 Superfast is not just fast. It looks beautiful too. Every detail shows Italian style and quality.
The Powerful V12 Engine
The engine is the heart of any Ferrari. The ferrari 812 superfast has a 6.5-liter V12 engine. This engine makes 789 horsepower. That’s more power than most race cars have. The engine is not turbocharged. It breathes naturally. This makes the sound pure and exciting. The engine spins up to 8,900 rpm. That’s really high for any car engine.
Engine Details:
- Engine size: 6.5 liters (6,496 cc)
- Power: 789 horsepower at 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 530 pound-feet at 7,000 rpm
- Power per liter: 123 horsepower
- Top rpm: 8,900
- Fuel system: Direct injection
- 12 cylinders in V shape
Speed Numbers:
- 0 to 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
- 0 to 124 mph: 7.9 seconds
- Top speed: 211 mph
- Weight to power: Very light for the power
- Braking 60 to 0: About 105 feet
The V12 makes more power than the old F12berlinetta. Ferrari used titanium parts inside the engine. This makes it lighter and faster. The engine responds quickly when you press the gas. There is no turbo lag. Just pure V12 power.
Gearbox and Drive System
The Ferrari 812 Superfast uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This gearbox is very fast. It can change gears in just 30 milliseconds. That’s faster than you can blink. The car sends all power to the rear wheels only. No all-wheel drive here. This makes the car more fun to drive.
Transmission Facts:
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- Shift time: 30 milliseconds in Race mode.
- Rear-wheel drive only.
- Electronic rear differential.
- Launch control system included.
- Torque vectoring helps corners.
- Smooth in traffic too.
The electronic differential helps put power down. It sends more power to the wheel that needs it. This helps when taking fast corners. The gearbox is smooth in normal driving. But it gets aggressive in Sport and Race modes.
Size and Weight Details
The ferrari 812 superfast is a big car. But it’s not heavy for its size. Ferrari used aluminum for the body. This keeps weight down. The car sits low to the ground. This helps with handling and speed.
Body Measurements:
| Measurement | Size |
| Length | 184 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches |
| Height | 50.6 inches |
| Space between wheels | 107.3 inches |
| Front wheel width | 65.7 inches apart |
| Rear wheel width | 64.9 inches apart |
| Ground clearance | 4.3 inches with lift |
Weight Information:
| Weight Details | Specification |
| Dry weight | 3,362 pounds |
| Full weight | About 3,594 pounds |
| Weight split | 47% front, 53% rear |
| Fuel tank | 22.7 gallons |
The weight balance is good. Slightly more weight sits over the rear wheels. This helps with traction. The front lift system raises the nose. This protects the bumper from speed bumps.
Air Flow Design
The body design is not just for looks. Every curve helps the air move better. The ferrari 812 superfast creates downforce without big wings. Ferrari designers spent years in wind tunnels. They tested every shape and line.
Air Design Features:
- Drag number: 0.33
- Down force at 155 mph: 287 pounds
- Front air channels direct air along sides
- Three-part rear diffuser
- Flat underbody
- Aero bridge moves air from hood to sides
- Active brake cooling opens and closes
- No big rear wing needed
The aero bridge is special. It takes high-pressure air from the hood. Then it pushes this air along the car’s sides. This reduces drag and adds downforce. The rear diffuser has three sections. It pulls air from under the car. This creates suction that pushes the car down.
Frame and Suspension Setup
The chassis uses an aluminum space frame. Ferrari uses 12 different types of aluminum. Each type goes where it works best. This makes the frame strong but light. The frame is 25% stiffer than the old F12berlinetta.
Chassis Parts:
- Aluminum space frame body.
- 12 different aluminum types.
- 25% stiffer than F12.
- Double wishbone front suspension.
- Multi-link rear suspension.
- Magnetic dampers that change fast.
- Adjusts every 5 milliseconds.
- Front lift system for driveways.
The suspension uses special magnetic dampers. These dampers change their stiffness very fast. They can adjust 200 times per second. This keeps the ride smooth on bad roads. But they get stiff on smooth roads for better handling.
Brake System Power
The Ferrari 812 Superfast stops as fast as it goes. The brakes are carbon-ceramic. These brakes work better than regular brakes. They don’t fade when hot. They last longer too. The front brakes are huge at 398mm.
Brake Details:
- Front discs: 398mm carbon-ceramic.
- Front calipers: Six pistons each.
- Rear discs: 360mm carbon-ceramic.
- Rear calipers: Four pistons each.
- Special carbon material.
- ABS with Ferrari setup.
- Air cooling channels.
- No fade on track.
Carbon-ceramic brakes cost more than regular brakes. But they last much longer. They also save weight. The brake pedal feels good. You can control how much brake you use. This is important for smooth driving.
Inside the Cabin
The inside of the ferrari 812 superfast mixes race car and luxury. Everything faces the driver. All controls are easy to reach. The materials feel expensive. Ferrari offers many choices for colors and materials.
Interior Features:
- Seats for 2 adults (small rear seats optional).
- Digital screen behind steering wheel.
- Steering wheel with many buttons.
- Leather and carbon fiber everywhere.
- Two-zone climate control.
- 8-inch touch screen.
- Apple CarPlay works.
- Good sound system.
- Passenger can see speed and rpm.
- Power seats with memory.
- LED lights inside.
The steering wheel has almost everything on it. The turn signals are buttons. The wiper control is there too. Even the start button sits on the wheel. The manettino switch changes driving modes. You can pick from five different modes.
Computer Systems
Modern cars need computers to work well. The Ferrari 812 Superfast has many electronic helpers. These systems make the car faster and safer. But they don’t take away the fun of driving.
Electronic Helpers:
- Five driving modes to choose.
- Side Slip Control lets you drift safely.
- Electronic rear differential.
- Traction control works with differential.
- Magnetic suspension control.
- Rear-wheel steering system.
- Electric power steering.
- Tire pressure monitoring.
The Side Slip Control is special. It lets skilled drivers drift the car. But it keeps you safe. The system knows how much slide is okay. If you slide too much, it helps you recover. This makes the car fun but safe.
Rear Wheel Steering
The ferrari 812 superfast has a trick up its sleeve. The rear wheels can steer too. Ferrari calls this Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0. This system makes the car feel smaller than it is.
How It Works:
- Rear wheels turn opposite at low speed.
- Rear wheels turn same way at high speed.
- Makes tight turns easier.
- Adds stability at high speed.
- Changes smoothly with speed.
- Better turn-in response.
- Helps mid-corner balance.
- More traction coming out of corners.
At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front. This makes the turning circle smaller. You can park easier. At high speeds, the rear wheels turn the same way as the front. This makes the car more stable. The transition happens smoothly as you speed up.
Wheels and Tires
The wheels on the Ferrari 812 Superfast are 20 inches. They’re made from forged aluminum. This makes them strong and light. Pirelli made special tires just for this car.
Wheel and Tire Specs:
- Front wheels: 9.5 inches wide, 20 inches tall
- Rear wheels: 11.5 inches wide, 20 inches tall
- Front tires: 275/35 ZR20
- Rear tires: 315/35 ZR20
- Pirelli P Zero tires
- Track tires available
- Forged aluminum wheels
- Many designs available
- Each tire has pressure sensor
The rear tires are much wider than the front. This helps put down the power. The P Zero tires are made for street driving. But Pirelli also makes P Zero Corsa tires. These work better on the track. They’re stickier but wear out faster.
Fuel Use and Emissions
A V12 engine this powerful uses a lot of fuel. But Ferrari added some tricks to save gas when possible. The car can shut off six cylinders when you don’t need full power.
Fuel Saving Tech:
- Can run on six cylinders only
- Start-stop system at red lights
- Direct fuel injection
- Variable valve timing
- City driving: 13 mpg
- Highway driving: 18 mpg
- Combined: 15 mpg
- Needs premium gas
The cylinder deactivation helps save fuel. When you’re just cruising, the car shuts off six cylinders. You don’t even notice it happening. The engine runs smoother than you’d think. When you need power, all 12 cylinders wake up instantly.
What Makes It Different
The Ferrari 812 Superfast stands alone in its class. Most competitors use turbocharged engines. Many have all-wheel drive. But Ferrari stuck with the classic formula.
Key Differences:
- Natural V12 engine (no turbos)
- Engine in front (not middle)
- Better for long trips
- Hand-built engine
- V12 sound is better
- Rear-wheel drive only
- Limited production numbers
- Holds value well
Against Lamborghini Aventador:
- Engine sits in front not middle
- Faster shifting gearbox
- More refined and comfortable
- Better steering feel
- Easier to see out of
Aston Martin DBS:
- Much more power (789 vs 715 hp)
- No turbo lag
- Faster acceleration
- More track-focused
- Stronger racing history
Against Mercedes-AMG GT R:
- 12 cylinders not 8
- More exclusive and rare
- Higher performance
- Better brand reputation
- More customization
The natural V12 makes the biggest difference. Turbo engines don’t sound as good. They have lag when you press the gas. The Ferrari responds instantly. The sound goes all the way to 8,900 rpm. This is what makes Ferrari special.
The 812 GTS Open Top
Ferrari made a convertible version called the 812 GTS. This car has a folding hard top. The roof is electric and takes 14 seconds. You can drop the top while driving slowly.
GTS Differences:
- Electric folding roof
- Only 165 pounds heavier
- Same power as coupe
- 14 seconds to open or close
- Works up to 28 mph
- Wind screen behind seats
- Roof stores under cover
- Trunk space unchanged
The 812 GTS is almost as fast as the coupe. The extra weight barely matters. Ferrari made the chassis stiffer. This keeps the car from flexing. The wind screen pops up behind the seats. This reduces wind in the cabin.
Ownership Costs
Owning a ferrari 812 superfast means regular maintenance. These cars need special care. But Ferrari makes it easier with their programs.
Service Schedule:
- Service every 12,500 miles or yearly.
- Big service every 25,000 miles.
- 3-year warranty included.
- Extended warranty available.
- 7-year maintenance program.
- Brake fluid every 2 years.
- Coolant every 4 years.
Ownership Costs:
- High insurance rates.
- Tires need replacing often.
- Carbon brakes last long but cost more.
- Higher registration fees.
- Needs covered parking.
- Premium fuel only.
The Genuine Maintenance program is worth it. Ferrari covers all scheduled service for seven years. This includes oil changes and inspections. But it doesn’t cover things like tires and brakes. Those wear out based on how you drive.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a V12 masterpiece that delivers raw power and luxury together. Its 789-horsepower natural engine creates an unforgettable sound that turbos can’t match. With rear-wheel drive and advanced technology, it offers pure driving thrills while remaining comfortable for long trips. The car combines Italian style with track-ready performance. For drivers wanting the last great front-engine V12 Ferrari, the 812 Superfast is worth every penny.
