Ferrari 812 will hit the road with 610kW and 9,500rpm redline

22 April 2021 - 08:59 By Denis Droppa
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An aluminium structure with aerodynamic vortex generators replaces the rear windscreen. Picture: SUPPLIED
An aluminium structure with aerodynamic vortex generators replaces the rear windscreen. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ferrari has revealed the first images of its stunning, new, limited-edition 812 Superfast special series, which will have its world première on May 5.

The Italian carmaker says the new model is the ultimate expression an extreme, front-engined berlinetta (sports coupé), honing the characteristics of the critically acclaimed 812 Superfast to a level never seen before.

“The result is a car that encapsulates and epitomises the company’s 70-plus years of experience on the world’s circuits, drawing on its thoroughbred sports car DNA to deliver a perfect marriage of performance, form and function,” says Ferrari.

The front-engined, rear-wheel drive grand tourer is aimed at Ferrari’s most passionate collectors and connoisseurs.

Maranello’s special edition 812 Superfast will be the most powerful combustion-engined Ferrari road car to date, with only the SF90 Stradale and LaFerrari hybrids more powerful overall.

The special edition’s 6.5l normally aspirated V12 engine produces a muscular 610kW of power and revs to an acoustically spectacular 9,500rpm — compared with the 588kW and 8,500rpm peak of the standard 812 Superfast.

Ferrari hasn’t yet quoted performance figures but the special edition should comfortably beat the standard 812 Superfast’s 340km/h top speed and 0-100km/h sprint of 2.9 seconds.

The power tweak is achieved using state-of-the-art materials, redesigning many of the engine’s key components, a new valve timing mechanism and a new exhaust system.

Helping to harness all the grunt is the adoption of independent steering on all four wheels. This extends the feeling of agility when cornering as well as providing unparalleled responsiveness to steering inputs.

Beneath the new carbon-fibre bonnet blade lies the most powerful production-car V12 in Ferrari's history. Picture: SUPPLIED
Beneath the new carbon-fibre bonnet blade lies the most powerful production-car V12 in Ferrari's history. Picture: SUPPLIED

The car has also been lightened with the extensive use of carbon fibre, both on the exterior and in the cockpit.

Lastly, the new model premières version 7.0 of the renowned side-slip control vehicle dynamics system.

Aerodynamic tweaks have altered the car’s lines and maximised downforce levels, and new elements include the front air intakes, rear diffuser, and exhaust configuration. The glass rear screen has been replaced by a single-piece aluminium structure with vortex generators that improve aerodynamic efficiency. The rear screen’s fully integrated with the roof and creates a striking backbone effect.

Another new styling cue is a carbon-fibre blade that traverses the bonnet, making the bonnet seem shorter and emphasising the car’s width. The rear spoiler now looks higher and more imposing.

More details, including the car’s official name, will be revealed at the May 5 launch.

droppad@arena.africa


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