New vs used Ferrari 812 Superfast: what are top 3 differences?
Ferrari enthusiasts will be quick to say that the 812 Superfast is not a continuation of previous F12 Berlinetta model but instead a replacement, and they are correct in this statement. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the Italian automaker's latest rendition of what they believe the ultimate V12 GT is supposed to be, and we take a closer look to find the top three differences between the new model and the F12 Berlinetta it succeeds.
There are very few manufacturers today that still create new V12 motors for their latest models, and even less that is as synonymous with this engine configuration as Ferrari. In fact, the creator of the iconic Italian marque, Enzo Ferrari, was once quoted saying that aerodynamics are for people that can't build engines. Now if that doesn't exemplify confidence in the firm's engine building prowess, I don't know what will.
Related: Is the Ferrari F12 good for new drivers? Here’s our verdict.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast forms part of the Italian firm's longest-serving lineage which consists of a V12 up front, two seats in the middle and a short boot behind it. This recipe dates back to the earliest models including the very first, 1947 Ferrari 125 S, and was the same recipe used for some of the marque's most famous cars such as the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and the more recent 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello.
In short, although the brand has been gaining ever more notoriety within the mid-engined, V8, sports car segment over the last half-decade, Ferrari would not be where they are today if it wasn't for the success of the grand tourer models they produced. This, however, is a fact that Ferrari acknowledges by paying homage to early models through its naming conventions on models such as the 599 GTO, F12 tdf and even the 812 Superfast.
1. Exterior
Upfront the Ferrari 812 Superfast features an even sharper and more aggressive design than on the F12 Berlinetta and F12 tdf models it replaces but is due to the firm's commitment to achieving high aerodynamic efficiency. Although the 812 Superfast is aerodynamically superior to the F12 variants, the placement of active and passive mobile aerodynamic parts was inspired by the placement on the F12 tdf.
At the rear, Ferrari once again returns to having a dual taillight cluster on each side of the vehicle as first introduced in 1967 on the 206 GT Dino as opposed to the single light configuration on the 599 and F12 ranges. These sit just below the boot spoiler which is not a fitted item but rather incorporated in the vehicle's original design.
At the bottom of the rear is a large diffuser with passive mobile aerodynamic components to reduce drag at higher speeds. The diffuser also sees the fitment of a large suspended splitter which increases the surface area to generate more downforce.
2. Interior
The cockpit of the 812 Superfast has also seen a dramatic redesign with stronger horizontal lines featuring as well as new air vents and elements around the instrument cluster taking inspiration from the LaFerrari. The steering wheel and the buttons and knobs that feature on and around the cabin has also been restyled to match the new interior design.
The 812's infotainment system remains similar to that of the F12 variants with a small colour screen and a rotary controller to the left of the steering wheel. While navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth functionality features as standard equipment, Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring is an optional extra that needs to be selected during the specification stage.
3. Powertrain
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is not only significantly different on the exterior and interior but also under the bonnet. Prior to the announcement of the 812, the limited-edition F12 tdf which shared the same 6.2-litre V12 engine with the more subdued Berlinetta was praised for its high levels of power, producing 574 kW and 705 Nm of torque.
The 812 Superfast, on the other hand, features a new 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 powerplant coupled to a 7-speed, automated dual-clutch transmission. The combination results in 588 kW and 718 Nm of torque propelling the GT to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 340 km/h. The engineers focussed on optimising the intake system to fully exploit the increased capacity and not only achieve higher performance but also a more efficient engine.
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