Ferrari 812 Superfast
The Ferrari 812 Superfast, introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, represents the absolute zenith of Ferrari's front-engine, naturally aspirated V12 grand touring tradition. With 789 horsepower from its 6.5-liter V12 — the most powerful naturally aspirated production car engine ever made — the 812 Superfast carried a name that, for once, was entirely justified.
The Tipo F140 GA V12 was a masterwork of atmospheric engine engineering. Displacing 6,496 cc, it featured a redesigned intake system with variable intake geometry, a 350-bar direct injection system, and revised camshaft profiles that together produced 789 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 718 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The specific output of 121.4 hp per liter from a naturally aspirated engine of this size was remarkable. The engine revved to a 8,900 rpm limit with a sound that no turbocharged engine could replicate — a pure, unfiltered V12 howl.
The 812 was the first Ferrari to use Electric Power Steering (EPS), which Ferrari branded as the 'Virtual Short Wheelbase' system. This rear-wheel-steering effect was achieved through the EPS alone, without physically turning the rear wheels, by varying the steering ratio and assistance based on speed, lateral acceleration, and driver inputs. Combined with the Side Slip Control 5.0 system and fourth-generation E-Diff, the 812 offered astonishing agility for a front-engined car weighing 1,630 kg.
The design, by Ferrari's in-house Centro Stile, was dramatic and aggressive. The muscular haunches, sharply sculpted flanks, and quad taillights created a sense of barely contained power. Active aerodynamic elements included a deployable rear spoiler and front diffuser flaps. The overall look was more aggressive and angular than the F12berlinetta it replaced.
The chassis was aluminum, with the transaxle rear-mounted for a 47:53 weight distribution. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaced the single-clutch F1 unit from the F12, providing smoother low-speed operation and faster shift times. Magnetorheological dampers and carbon ceramic brakes were standard.
Performance was extraordinary: 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, quarter-mile in 10.4 seconds, and a top speed of 211 mph. These figures made the 812 Superfast one of the fastest front-engined cars in history — and faster than many mid-engine supercars.
The interior featured the latest iteration of Ferrari's driver-focused cockpit, with a configurable digital instrument cluster, satellite-mounted air conditioning controls on either side of the center console, and the signature manettino driving mode selector on the steering wheel.
Approximately 4,000 812 Superfasts were produced from 2017 to 2021. The 812 Competizione (2021-2022, limited to 999 units) and 812 Competizione A (open-top, 599 units) offered even more extreme versions with 830 hp. The 812 Superfast was succeeded by the 12Cilindri in 2024, but the 812 holds a special place as perhaps the last great pure, naturally aspirated front-engine V12 Ferrari without hybridization.
The 812 Superfast is a current-generation Ferrari with strong dealer support. Service costs are high: annual service $3,000-$5,000, major service $10,000-$15,000. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is more reliable than earlier F1 units. Carbon ceramic brakes last well in road use but track use accelerates wear ($20,000+ for replacement). Engine is fundamentally robust but exhaust manifold issues have been reported on some early cars. Specification significantly affects value — Tailor Made specifications, Daytona seats, carbon fiber packages, and Assetto Fiorano suspension package are desirable options. Manual is not available. Values: $300,000-$500,000 depending on mileage and specification. The 812 Competizione commands $700,000-$1,200,000+.
Approximately 4,000 812 Superfast units produced from 2017 to 2021. GTS (targa top) variant introduced in 2019 added approximately 1,200 more units. The 812 Competizione (830 hp, 999 units) and Competizione A (open, 599 units) were limited-edition track-focused derivatives. The 812 Superfast's V12 held the record as the most powerful naturally aspirated production car engine ever made. Succeeded by the 12Cilindri in 2024.