Manila says hello to two Ferrari 812 Superfast

Rumor has it that the Ferrari 812 Superfast, has a three-year waiting line. But, Autostrada Motore Inc., the Italian carmaker’s official Philippine distributor, brought two (not one, but two!) of the new Ferrari icon only after a year of its international premiere at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show 2017.

The two high-end rides – one in Rosso Corsa with classic Ferrari tan interior and the other one in Bianco Avus with Bordeaux interior – were made available for viewing at the brand’s recent event, intending to show the local car connoisseurs the possible carbon fiber options and the level of customization that Ferrari can provide to the unit.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast literally lives up to its name being, well, a super fast car. Built for speed, the 800-hp 6.5L V12 engine allows this sexy beast to reach a maximum power output at 8,500 rpm and run from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds - that’s even faster than the time it takes for a traffic light to turn from yellow to red. It also has a maximum speed of 340 km/h.

Meanwhile, the maximum torque is 718 Nm at 7,000 rpm, a significant 80% of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving both drivability and pickup even at low revs.

Aside from boasting its V12 power, the Ferrari 812 Superfast comes with leading-edge control systems and components, resulting in unparalleled handling and roadholding. For one, it is the first Ferrari car to be equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) that maximizes its performance by integrating it with all of the electronic vehicle dynamic controls.

The EPS integration introduces functionalities that support the driver’s performance by means of the interface with the road: the steering wheel. When cornering, the steering wheel torque gives indication the driver that the car is getting closer to its grip limit. In case of oversteer, which is induced when powering out of corners, the steering wheel torque hints the driver to make the necessary inputs to realign the car correctly.

The vehicle also sees the introduction of the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV), which combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept built around tire dimensions and the rear-wheel steering.

With the Prancing Horse’s history, the engine’s power and its overall road performance are more than enough reasons why the Ferrari 812 Superfast should be in every car enthusiast’s wish list, by no mistake, it is its sexiness, refined class yet aggressive beauty that consistently upholds the Maranello marque heritage.

From the outside, the Ferrari 812 Superfast has sculptural, three-dimensional flanks that are characterised by a striking vent behind the front wheels, designed to suck high-pressure air from the wheelarches and then channel it along the doors. In true Ferrari fashion, its four round tail-lights looks through the well-crafted horizontal lines that give it a broad, imposing stance, visually lowering both spoiler and the very compact cabin.

The cabin, meanwhile, has a sportier, more advanced look with the main components seeming to float. With the interior of the Ferrari 812 Superfast completely redesigned, the seats are now more ergonomic, alongside of which a new steering wheel, instrument clusters, the latest infotainment, and air-conditioning units are placed in accordance with the new HMI standards. The horizontal dash loops stylishly around the central air vents for a sophisticated, sculptural impression.

Given its overall features, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is by far the most powerful and fastest Ferrari ever produced, with the exception, of course, of the rear-engined special limited series 12-cylinders. Built on the challenge to redesign the 70-year old 12-cylinder engine (remember the first Cavallino Rampante sports car, the 125 S, in 1947?), while exploiting Ferrari’s wealth of engineering know-how, the Ferrari 812 Superfast marks the new – with reports claiming it to be the final – era in the Ferrari 12-cylinder, and results to an all-around sports car that delivers overwhelming driving pleasure without compromising comfort.

The price and date of availability for the Philippine market are yet to be revealed, but a little bird told that the two units unveiled at the recent gathering have been marked sold. With TMZ files that American rapper Gucci Mane paid US$600,000 to cut the three-year waiting list for one Ferrari 812 Superfast, then if you really want one, better add your name in the Autostrada queue now.