Beset by electric vehicle announcements and planned fueling restrictions, your author has scoured the internet for something you might actually enjoy from the realm of internal combustion. Instead, you’ll be settling for an update on the Ferrari 812 Superfast you couldn’t possibly afford.
The company has opted to make the model a little faster and will be issuing a V12 pushing 818 horsepower while also moving the redline up to 9,500 rpm. Scheduled for an official debut next month, the limited-edition 812 doesn’t have an official name but Ferrari has indicated it will be the meanest GT car in its lineup.
The next incarnation of the 812 is supposed to receive a new valve timing mechanism and upgraded exhaust system — along with some other changes helping to bring peak output past Dodge Demon territory that are being temporarily left to our imagination. Previous Superfast grand tourers offered 789 hp to the rear tires and a redline of 9,000 rpm, which was sufficient for 60 mph jaunts in the high 2-second range. While the powertrain adjustments should be sufficient in bringing down that time even further, it’s the amalgam of performance enhancements that should add up to making one really big difference.
For starters, Ferrari said the special Superfast would be getting the company’s Side Slip Control (SSC) traction and stability control system, which includes rear-wheel steering. The 812 will also see substantially more carbon fiber used to help reduce its overall weight (standard models tip the scales at 3,845 pounds without a driver).
Ferrari said customers can expect to find the material used liberally both inside the cabin and on the vehicle’s exterior. That includes new components designed to further sweeten aerodynamics. Though the most obvious change will be the single piece of aluminum that’s replacing the rear windshield. In addition to giving the car that racetrack look millionaires crave, it’s also supposed to enhance structural rigidity.
Production is likely to be extremely limited and the price tag will definitely eclipse the $330,000 one would normally expect to pay for the 812 Superfast. But Ferrari has assured us that it’s going to be worth it when the car is revealed on May 5th (8:30 a.m. ET).
[Images: Ferrari]
Well obviously they’ll name it the Superduperfast.
Nothing would make me happier.
Is it as fast as Tesla Model S?
The current one is pretty close so maybe and you won’t have to wait 15 minutes between runs for it to cool back down.
Ferrari hellcat’s everything?
“which was sufficient for 60 mph jaunts in the high 2-second range.”
Can some nerd explain how Ferrari got a front engine, rear wheel drive car to do this but apparently every pleb vehicle with over 300lb-ft of torque “needs” AWD for launch traction?
315/35R20 rear tires probably help.
So why do so many companies cheap out on tires for their performance cars?
And, is developing a fancy 4Matic+ system really easier than going with a 305 or 315 out back?
“And, is developing a fancy 4Matic+ system really easier than going with a 305 or 315 out back?”
No, but it allows them to mark up the car considerably, and probably does make real-world acceleration better.
I suspect the 2.8 second magazine time for this car is on a perfect surface, with warmed up tires (maybe a warmed up engine too, knowing Ferrari’s history???), launch control on, etc. The investment banker or Youtube influencer showing off at a stoplight is going to be better served by AWD.
While reading the article I’m wondering about engine size and if it has forced induction. If my research is correct, that’s a lot of power out of a 6.5 liter naturally aspirated engine. It’s got to be a blast to drive.
9500 RPM redline will do that for you.
“…..or Youtube influencer showing off at a stoplight is going to be better served by AWD.”
And probably will have someone taping it all. Which should be a thrill watching it losing control and slamming a $500K vehicle into a tree.
Or a pedestrian, while turning out of a Cars & Coffee!
3,850 lbs w/o driver A 1963 Impala weighs, 3,300 lbs 1973 Caprice 4,150 lbs. Ferrari you can do better, that’s an obese car.
I wish I could swing a set of those seats