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IN THESE days of hybrid drivetrains and turbochargers, it’s good to know that Ferrari can still stick two fingers up at convention. Never has this been any clearer than for the release of its latest model, the 588kW/718Nm front-engined 6.5-litre V12 berlinetta known as the 812 Superfast.
How fast? Well, the literature accompanying the 812 Superfast’s reveal indicates only that top speed is greater than 340km/h, while the 0-100km/h sprint is signed off in 2.9secs … fast, but with Tesla whipping its ludicrously equipped Tesla Model S P100D down the line 0.2secs faster, is it really that super?
“The 812 Superfast thus ushers in a new era in Ferrari 12-cylinder history, in doing so building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and Ferrari F12tdf.
“It is aimed at clients demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range: an uncompromising sports car that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners to enjoy it as an all-round experience.”
Those performance figures don’t come from turbos; instead Ferrari links them to a 350 bar direct injection system that is about 150 bar above more mainstream common rail systems.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission fitted with “specific gear ratios which, combined with shorter up and down-shifting times between gears, sharpen throttle response still further”.
The “Virtual Short Wheelbase” system developed for the F12tdf – an all-wheel steering system – has had further refinements for the 812 Superfast to further improve nimbleness, Ferrari says. Active aerodynamics including active flaps on the front and rear underbody aimed at increasing downforce, help with high-speed dynamics.
Pricing? Well, the car is yet to appear at Geneva, and it will be the flagship model in Ferrari’s range when it does arrive here, hopefully later this year. Expect to hand over more than $700,000, though.
