Ferrari unleashes its most powerful magnum opus: the 812 Superfast

Autostrada Motore executive director Mark Soong pops open the hood of the centrally displayed 812 Superfast.

Zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.9 seconds.

Zero to 200 kph in 7.9 secs.

Top speed 340 kph.

Those are not the sizzling performance ratings of a Formula One car, but something very close to it: the new 12-cylinder, 800-hp Ferrari 812, aptly called the 812 Superfast.

After its international premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the first generation 812 Superfast was shown to motoring journalists last week at Bonifacio Global City by Autostrada Motore, the exclusive distributor of Ferrari in the Philippines.

A white (Bianco Avus in Italian) 812 with Bordeaux interior was unveiled at center stage, while a red (Rosso Corsa) 812 with classic Ferrari tan interior and a black 812 were displayed outdoors in front of the press preview venue.

The intro of the front mid-engine 812 Superfast (8 stands for 800 horsepower on the metric scale, 12 for its 12 cylinders) marks the 70th anniversary of Ferrari, and opens a new chapter in the Italian marque’s V12 engine history.

Pushing boundaries

“The challenge that Ferrari always faces in developing new models is to push the boundaries of its own achievement,” Autostrada Motore executive director Mark Soong said at the launch.

“After intensive research and development, this is what they achieved with the 812 Superfast—the fastest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine in the 70-year history of Ferrari.”

Soong added: “The 812 Superfast has been developed for clients demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the lineup: an all-around sports car that will deliver overwhelming driving pleasure both on road and track and not compromise on comfort whatever condition it may face.”

While paying homage to its historical namesake, the 500 Superfast of 1964, the 812 replaces the F12berlinetta and its track-ready sibling, the F12tdf, but is faster, more refined, and more powerful than both.

75% new engine

Although the 812’s engine is based on the F12’s, it is 75 percent new with new components like a new crankshaft and a new piston design.

A longer stroke increased displacement to 6.5 liters while boosting power by 60 hp, yet the 812 produces less CO2 than the smaller V12 it replaces.

The 812’s naturally aspirated DOHC 48-valve 6.5 liter V12 engine sends 800 hp and 718 Nm to the rear wheels through a fast-shifting, 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Eighty percent of the 718Nm/7,000 rpm max torque is already available at 3,500, improving both drivability and pick-up even at low revs.

At 8,900 rpm redline, as the 812 smashes the 0-100 kph benchmark in 2.9 seconds flat, the exhaust manifolds will produce an envigorating Formula One scream.

Ferrari’s first ever electrically assisted power steering makes the 812 feel unbelievably light and easy to drive.

Innovative control

Other innovative control systems and components that contribute to the 812’s unparalleled speed, handling and road-holding are a 350-bar direct injection system, version 2.0 of the F12tdf’s virtual short wheelbase which combines electric front-wheel steering assistance for the first time with tire dimensions and rear-wheel steering, the fifth generation edition of Ferrari’s slide slip control, improved variable geometry intake tracts, and Ferrari’s F1 seven-speed dual clutch transmission whose gear ratios have been shortened to slash shift times.

The 812 has one of the world’s finest chassis, and this, with the comfortable driving position and generously cushioned, luxurious leather-lined seats, makes driving it on long trips a pleasure—although the ride may be a bit firm.

Italian craftsmanship, a sportier look, and superb ergonomics characterize the interior.

Rich red Rosso Corsa leather dominates the interior of the white Bianco Avus Ferrari 812.

The main components seem to be floating as the horizontal dash loops stylishly around the central air vents.

Aside from a new steering wheel, the latest infotainment, connectivity and instrument clusters, there is a touchscreen with an rpm gauge, g-force meter and gear position.

Ferrari’s newest and most awesome V12 magnum opus could be called a monster bruiser if only its curvaceous, aerodynamically-shaped sculpture were not so seductively drop-dead gorgeous.

Integrated style and function

Ferrari has integrated style and aerodynamic function in the 812 to produce innovative technology and forms.

The multi-functional frontal section, which incorporates a cluster of aerodynamic solutions including active flaps at the front of the body, and the rear flank, which features an aerodynamic bypass, have increased the 812’s downforce by 10 percent compared to the F12.

The downforce at the rear fender duct has risen 8 percent, enhancing performance and driving pleasure.

The 812 manifests Ferrari’s sheer mechanical and technological mastery since extracting this much power from a V12 engine without the aid of turbos, superchargers or hybridization is an astounding feat.

The last?

It may be the last naturally aspirated production series sports car to be built by Ferrari, as hybridization looms large in the future.

If so, the Ferrari 812 Superfast’s market value will surely spike.

In the United States, the base price without options of the 812 Superfast has been quoted at $315,000, while prices like $500,000 and $610,000 have also been cited.

Over here, although the three 812 units displayed at the press preview already had owners, Mark Soong declined to reveal even a ballpark figure retail price.

He would only say that the price depends on the options and personalization items the buyer chooses.

Each 812 is pre-ordered, and it takes one or two years for delivery to the buyer in the Philippines.