Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ferrari 812 Superfast steals the show at Geneva

True to its very literal name, it is the most powerful front-engined car to emerge from Maranello

The Geneva Motor Show wouldn't be the same if Ferrari wasn’t showing off a new model — enter the 812 Superfast. Shoehorned into the front of the F12 successor is the most powerful petrol engine ever installed into a production Ferrari - with the exception of the hybrid LaFerrari.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The quirky name is done justice by the front-mid-mounted 6.5-litre V12 engine, churning out an eye-watering 789bhp which arrives in full at 8,500rpm. That staggering figure matches the output of the V12 component in Ferrari’s hypercar, the LaFerrari. 80% of the mammoth 526lb ft of torque is a prod of the throttle away from 3,500rpm onwards, with the full complement offered up at 7,000rpm.

> Geneva Motor Show 2017: preview

The impressive spec sheet doesn't end with the power and torque figures. The 812 can hit 60mph from a standing start in just 2.9-seconds before ploughing on to a top speed in excess of 211mph.

The power is attained through means of a high-pressure, direct fuel injection system, rated at 350 bar and variable intake tracts engineered off the back of the Ferrari’s F1 expertise, that feed the twelve cylinders with vital oxygen. Power finds its way to the rear wheels via a revised dual-clutch gearbox that enhances throttle response.

> Ferrari F12tdf review

Despite the front-engined layout, Ferrari promises the 812 Superfast will have handling and roadholding to match its mid-engined siblings. The car includes Ferrari’s Side Slip Control, as well as a system called Virtual Short Wheelbase. It's developed from the F12tdf's four-wheel-steering system, and the company says it improves nimbleness and reduces vehicle response times. The 812 Superfast is also the first Ferrari to be fitted with Electric Power Steering – a big departure from the previous electro-hydraulic systems.

Of course, a Ferrari must look as good as it performs, and the 812 Superfast is wrapped in a gorgeous coupe body with a high tail reminiscent of Ferraris of old. Beefy wheelarches and sculpted flanks complete the look, and the whole affair debuts a special new ‘Rosso Settanta’ colour, marking Ferrari’s 70th anniversary.

Inside, the cabin is classic Ferrari, with a sculpted dash, minimalist centre console and the same control-laden steering wheel from past models.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ferrari has no plans to reintroduce manual gearboxes
Ferrari manual
News

Ferrari has no plans to reintroduce manual gearboxes

Ferrari reckons if you want a manual, you should buy a classic, and has no plans to bring back the stick
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Can Ferrari really sell a €407k supercar with a V6?
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
Opinion

Can Ferrari really sell a €407k supercar with a V6?

The new 296 Speciale has arrived, but is a V6 the right choice for what is meant to be Ferrari’s most thrilling road car yet? The team discusses this …
13 May 2025
Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal
Ferrari EV spies
News

Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal

Ferrari will reveal its first all-electric car in October 2025 and it will be called: Elettrica
22 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch
Alpine A290 Rallye
News

New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch

The A290 has proven to be one of the best performance EVs yet, and now Alpine's taking it one step further with a rally variant
3 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025