2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast First Test Drive
Ferrari 812 Superfast: Taking something good and making it better.
If the name “Superfast” isn’t an indication of what the new GT car from the folks from Maranello are on about, we don’t know what is. In this video, Autocar chief tester Matt Prior gets behind the wheel of the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. We know what you’re thinking. Superfast? Really? Sure the name is a bit cheeky, but after watching the review, the name will settle in. Trust us. You’re also thinking that the 812 looks pretty similar to the previous F12 that it replaces and you wouldn’t be wrong. The 812 is essentially a revised F12, but that’s not such a bad thing.
The heart of the 812 Superfast is of course a V12 sitting up front, but with a jump from 6.2L to 6.5L due to an increase in stroke. No turbochargers found here. The V12 will continue to be naturally aspirated as stated by Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne. We’re glad because we’re quite fond of the orgasmic sounds they tend to make at full chat. The 812 makes 789 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 530 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 RPM. You’ll be hitting 60 MPH from standstill in 2.9 seconds, and have access to a top speed of 211 MPH. Superfast right? No pun intended. Okay maybe a little.
The Superfast isn’t just super fast in a straight line, this thing can handle.
What really catches our attention with Ferrari’s new GT supercar is the handling. Remember how lively the F12 was and how even crazier the TDF was? Well all of the drift happy tendencies have been sorted out for the 812. That doesn’t mean you can’t get sideways in the Superfast, it’s just in a more controlled manner.
Ferrari have fitted the 812 with a clever active rear steering system. This vastly improves cornering performance and even helps in situations of oversteer/understeer. When you get oversteer, the rear wheels will turn with the front wheels to help the driver and the car slide through the corner. In the moment of understeer, the rear wheels will turn against the front wheels to keep the car from pushing. Even with increased power, the 812 has become an easier car to drive. Prior even goes as far to say that the 812 Superfast is as easy to handle as a Toyota GT86 and that speaks volumes.
Everyday usability, 800 horsepower, and improved handling, what’s not to love about the 812 Superfast?
