Story & Photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
IT’s not a hyperbole. Actually, it’s a fact. The Ferrari 812 is, indeed, “Superfast” as the name implies. Hence, this iconic ultra-luxury speedster is said to sport the most powerful naturally aspirated non-hybrid production car engine ever made. The famous legendary “prancing horse” marque may have ran out of superlatives to describe their number of extraordinary creations but the good thing is that Filipinos (or those particularly privileged enough) get to specifically experience first hand the Ferrari 812 Superfast as authorized local distributor, Auto Strada Motore Inc., finally brought in the flagship V12 supercar to our shores with a recent public launch at The Island in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
A year since it sent waves across the world with its global debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, this supercar magnum opus was then showcased with two units available for viewing at the posh place—one unit in Rosso Corsa with classic Ferrari tan interior and the other one in Bianco Avus with Bordeaux interior, flaunting the carbon fiber options made available for customization.
“It’s our piece de resistance. The latest technology, the torque, the thrill, all the emotions you feel when you look at the car—it’s finally here,” Auto Strada Motore Inc. General Manager Natalia Trompeta said during a casual conversation.
Style-wise, the Ferrari 812 Superfast dons the multifunctional frontal section, which incorporates a cluster of aerodynamic solutions, including active flaps at the front of the underbody, and the rear flank, which features an unprecedented aerodynamic bypass to increase downforce (10 percent at the front and 8 percent at the rear).
Inside, it has been totally repackaged. The cabin exudes a sportier, more sophisticated look, having its horizontal dash discs fashionably around the central air vents for a classy and refined guise. New seats also describe its inner character, making it more flashy, yet comfortable and ergonomic. Not to mention slipping on a freshly draw up steering wheel, instrument clusters and the latest infotainment, among others.
For the record, the Ferrari 812 Superfast marks the 70th anniversary since Ferrari released its first Cavallino Rampante sports car, the Ferrari 125 S way back in 1947, making the Italian carmaker the only manufacturer to have continuously produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines throughout that time.
This newly introduced quintessential brute is, indeed, epochal as it pilots a new age of Ferrari V12’s. Throughout its unprecedented history, the brand has been developing for clients the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari vehicles in the lineup. With this, they have created an all-round sports car that will “deliver overwhelming driving pleasure both on road and track and not compromise on comfort whatever condition it may face.”
“The challenge that Ferrari always faces in developing new models is to push the boundaries of its own achievement,” Autostrada Chairman Wellington Soong said.
“After intensive research and development, this is what they achieved with the 812 Superfast—the fastest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine in the 70-year history of Ferrari.”
It breathes life through a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. Thus, more than just a darling stunner, it crafts a new imprint of stunning performance benchmark for the front mid-engine sports-car segment, with a maximum power output of 800 cv (789 hp) at 8,500 rpm, which translates to a specific power output of 123 cv/l (121 hp/l), and a maximum torque of 718 N-m at 7,000 rpm—a significant 80 percent of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving both drivability and pickup even at low revs.
“The two-seater 812 Superfast is the successor to the F12berlinetta. So now, its engine has been redesigned, it has a higher displacement. With its shorter compression ratios, it’s even more responsive,” Trompeta shared.
Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, Ferrari claims that the 812 Superfast has a top speed of 340 kilometers per hour with a 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration time of 2.9 seconds. The car has a power to weight ratio of 2.07 kg (4.56 lb) per horsepower.
In closing, Trompeta said: “I think it’s a world known fact that everybody knows Ferrari is one of the strongest brands out there. It’s the most inspirational and most aspirational car brand that has the most extensive and amazing heritage in automotive racing. And with this latest, it truly is a masterpiece.”
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes