Ferrari 812 Superfast revealed with 789 horsepower

This, naturally, is delivered without the assistance of turbos or superchargers, making this naturally-aspirated V12 something to savour. It also celebrates the 70 anniversary of the first official Ferrari in 1947, that like the new auto had a 12-cylinder engine.

Ferrari describes the 812 Superfast as a new take on the styling of its front-engined models.

Ferrari has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated F12 Berlinetta replacement – and there are claims it’s the most powerful front-engined auto the Italian brand has ever produced. The 6.5L V12 produces 789 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque.

Ferrari says the Superfast’s engine is new, and makes maximum power at 8,500 rpm and max torque at 7,000 rpm, though 80 percent of its torque is available at just 3,500 rpm. That fact presumably ignores the limited-run 949hp (707kW) LaFerrari hybrid hypercar. Coupled to this, the Superfast is the first Ferrari to come with EPS (Electric Power Steering) which combines with the latest 5.0 version of Ferrari’s patented Side Slip Control (SSC).

If you’re in Europe next month, you can witness the global debut of the 812 Superfast at the Geneva Motor Show from March 9-19.

Thanks to the motor and the 1525kg dry weight of the 812 Superfast, Ferrari claims a top speed of 340kmph. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The supercar is fitted with Ferrari’s second generation Virtual Short Wheelbase technology, which is a fancy way of saying that it has four-wheel steering. A more aggressive front end with squinting headlamps and a larger grille opening speaks to the car’s intent, and the previous model’s active front aero flaps have been hidden under the front floor. The interior is revised as well, but still features a flat-bottomed steering wheel with Ferrari’s “manettino” dial for adjusting vehicle settings.

The interior meanwhile comes with sports seats with an all-new design and Ferrari’s latest infotainment system. Ferrari added that they made cabin sportier while integrating a floating design. Beefy wheelarches and sculpted flanks complete the look, and the whole affair debuts a special new “Rosso Settanta” colour, marking Ferrari’s 70 anniversary.