Ferrari 812 Superfast

Ferrari 812 - A Near-Perfect V12 Front-Engined GT

The Ferrari 812 series represents one of Ferrari’s crowning achievements in front-engine V12 engineering, bringing to life the raw power, elegance, and thrilling experience of Ferrari’s V12 heritage. Launched in 2017 with the 812 Superfast, the series quickly expanded to include the 812 GTS (Ferrari’s first production V12 convertible in decades) and the track-focused, limited-edition 812 Competizione and Competizione A.

With each model variant, Ferrari refined and enhanced the experience of driving a naturally aspirated V12 grand tourer, solidifying the 812 series as a future classic. This article explores the history, model variants, performance details, critical reception, and legacy of the Ferrari 812 series.

Ferrari’s V12 Legacy Continues

The Ferrari 812 series debuted with the 812 Superfast at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, succeeding the Ferrari F12berlinetta and marking a new chapter in Ferrari’s legendary front-engine V12 lineup. The 812 was designed as a tribute to Ferrari’s iconic V12-powered grand tourers, a lineage that dates back to models like the 250 GT, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and 550 Maranello. By retaining a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, the 812 aimed to capture the excitement of classic V12 Ferraris while incorporating modern performance and technology.

Ferrari’s engineers pushed the V12 engine to new heights, increasing the displacement from the F12’s 6.3 liters to 6.5 liters and extracting a remarkable 789 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in a production car at its launch. The 812 series became an instant icon, celebrated for its visceral engine note, rapid acceleration, and refined handling dynamics.

Superfast, GTS, Competizione, and Competizione A

The Ferrari 812 lineup includes four distinct variants, each bringing unique characteristics and catering to different facets of Ferrari’s V12 clientele.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

The 812 Superfast is the core model in the series and introduced Ferrari’s reworked 6.5-liter V12, producing 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph, making it one of Ferrari’s fastest road cars. The Superfast incorporates Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) version 5.0, along with rear-wheel steering, which improves cornering stability and responsiveness.

Design-wise, the 812 Superfast features muscular lines, large air intakes, and an active rear diffuser to manage downforce. Ferrari styled the car to reflect its power and heritage, with design elements inspired by models like the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Ferrari 812 GTS

Launched in 2019, the 812 GTS is Ferrari’s first production V12 convertible in over 50 years, since the 365 GTS/4 “Daytona Spider.” It shares the Superfast’s V12 engine and performance specifications, allowing drivers to experience the 812’s thrilling power with the added sensation of open-top motoring. The retractable hardtop operates in 14 seconds and can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 28 mph.

The GTS’s design includes unique structural reinforcements to maintain rigidity without adding significant weight. It features aerodynamic modifications, including a redesigned rear deck and aerodynamic flaps, which minimize turbulence in the cabin while driving at high speeds. Ferrari meticulously engineered the exhaust system to amplify the V12’s iconic sound, creating a sensory experience that has made the GTS a highly sought-after variant.

Ferrari 812 Competizione

In 2021, Ferrari unveiled the 812 Competizione, a limited-edition, track-focused version of the 812 Superfast. With only 999 units produced, the Competizione represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s V12 performance engineering. It takes the standard V12 engine and elevates it to 818 horsepower, thanks to lighter internal components, an increased redline of 9,500 rpm, and refined exhaust tuning.

The Competizione features extensive use of carbon fiber and advanced aerodynamics, including a prominent rear diffuser, a redesigned rear spoiler, and vortex generators to maximize downforce. The car’s rear-wheel steering is upgraded to an independent four-wheel steering system, improving handling and agility on tight corners. The 812 Competizione’s emphasis on lightweight construction and aerodynamic performance makes it one of Ferrari’s most exhilarating track-ready V12s.

Ferrari 812 Competizione A

The Competizione A (Aperta) is an open-top version of the Competizione, limited to just 599 units. Like the GTS, it has a retractable hardtop that retains the structural rigidity needed for high-performance driving. Ferrari focused on enhancing aerodynamics, adding redesigned air intakes and a unique rear design that allows for efficient airflow around the cabin. With the Competizione A, Ferrari offers a truly exclusive, open-air V12 experience, appealing to collectors who value both rarity and track-focused engineering.

V12 Power Meets Advanced Aerodynamics

The Ferrari 812 series is crafted with both aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency, blending classic Ferrari design with innovative technology.

• Powerful V12 Engine: The 812’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s internal combustion engineering. With an output of 789 horsepower in the Superfast and GTS and 818 horsepower in the Competizione models, the 812 series provides explosive performance across all variants. Ferrari engineers tuned the engine for high-revving excitement, with a redline of 8,900 rpm for the Superfast and GTS and 9,500 rpm for the Competizione.

• Aerodynamics and Lightweight Materials: Ferrari designed the 812 with a focus on maximizing downforce and stability. The 812 Competizione, in particular, benefits from aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, including a rear diffuser, underbody vortex generators, and lightweight carbon fiber panels. These features work together to provide improved high-speed handling and cornering ability.

• Rear-Wheel Steering and Electronic Controls: The 812’s electronic systems include Ferrari’s E-Diff, F1-Trac, and Side Slip Control, all of which contribute to precise handling and traction. The rear-wheel steering system, introduced in the Superfast, is refined in the Competizione models to provide independent four-wheel steering for even greater agility.

Top Gear praised the 812’s design, noting that “it’s a masterpiece of both form and function, blending brutal V12 power with Ferrari’s knack for elegance and refinement.”

Unmatched Power and Precision

The 812 series delivers performance figures that rival even some of Ferrari’s mid-engine supercars, making it one of the most powerful front-engine grand tourers ever created.

• Acceleration and Top Speed: Both the Superfast and GTS reach 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 211 mph. The 812 Competizione, with its 818 horsepower, has even faster acceleration and is tuned for track-specific performance.

• Precision Handling: The 812’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and rear-wheel steering make it exceptionally agile, allowing drivers to handle high-speed corners with confidence. The Competizione models benefit from upgraded four-wheel steering and lighter components, giving them even greater responsiveness.

• Sound and Engagement: Ferrari designed the exhaust systems to highlight the V12’s unique sound. The 812 GTS and Competizione A, with their open-top configurations, provide an even more immersive experience of the V12’s signature roar.

Motor Trend called the 812 Superfast “an assault on the senses,” highlighting its “perfect combination of raw power and refined handling.”

Acclaim for What May Be Ferrari’s Last Naturally Aspirated V12

(note, we now know this isn't Ferrari's last V12 front-engined Ferrari).

The Ferrari 812 series was met with widespread acclaim from automotive critics, many of whom praised it as the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V12 platform.

Evo Magazine described the 812 Superfast as “the V12 GT perfected,” noting its “seamless integration of power, comfort, and agility.” Reviewers commended Ferrari’s ability to retain the character of a traditional V12 GT while enhancing its drivability with modern technology.

The 812 GTS received equal praise for delivering the open-air V12 experience that enthusiasts had long awaited. Autocar called it “the ultimate open-top grand tourer,” appreciating how Ferrari balanced luxury with unrestrained performance.

The limited-edition 812 Competizione and Competizione A were hailed as collector’s pieces and a fitting tribute to Ferrari’s V12 legacy. Road & Track praised the Competizione’s “finesse and brutality,” noting that it “may be the last and best of its kind.”

A Modern Classic in Ferrari’s V12 Lineage

The Ferrari 812 series holds a special place in Ferrari’s history, representing what may be one of the last naturally aspirated V12 platforms as Ferrari moves towards hybrid and electric technology. Its combination of raw power, advanced handling, and refined luxury has cemented it as a modern classic, appealing to enthusiasts who value Ferrari’s traditional grand touring experience.

Collectors recognize the 812 series as an important chapter in Ferrari’s legacy, particularly the limited-edition Competizione models, which are highly sought after for their rarity and track-focused design. The 812’s design and engineering embody Ferrari’s commitment to preserving the soul of the V12, even as the automotive world shifts toward new forms of propulsion.

The Ferrari 812’s Lasting Impact

The Ferrari 812 series—spanning the Superfast, GTS, Competizione, and Competizione A—represents a high point in Ferrari’s V12 heritage, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology. As Ferrari moves into an era of electrification, the 812 stands as a tribute to the thrill and passion of naturally aspirated V12 power. With critical acclaim and strong desirability among collectors, the Ferrari 812 series has already secured its place as one of Ferrari’s most celebrated models, embodying both the spirit of Ferrari’s past and the excitement of its future.