The Ferrari 812 Superfast will take you on a wild ride
What does it say when the standard bearer when it comes to luxury automobiles introduces a car named “Superfast?” It means you better get ready for a bit of whiplash. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a savage beast; whether or not you can tame it is a whole other matter. With the world’s most powerful normally aspirated engine – a touch under 800hp from 12 cylinders, hence “812” Superfast’s name – it delivers 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds with a 211mph top speed. It is a car built for speed but it’s also blessed with superlative road manners, so whether you’re on your local highway or on the track, you’ll be rewarded. Our test car was specified on the racier side, with many weight-saving carbon fiber options including its racing seats, which are manually adjusted thus skipping the heavier motorized versions. For those who want more luxe, no problem, Ferrari will build to suit your style.
They say that summer is never truly over in Southern California. This saying never had truer meaning than when the shiny and new Ferrari 812 Superfast got delivered for a week-long test drive at our offices in Newport Beach. This gleaming machine (in Giallo Modena yellow) attracted a lot of attention upon unloading from the transport. At first glance, it is aggressive, and it even looks quick standing still. After a few nods of approval from the gathering crowd, we quickly took it for a spin, just to make sure that everything was working fine (of course). A few things jump at you as soon as you put your foot to the gas pedal. It jumps – it is an immediate response that will get you back in your seat, which is designed for such a purpose. The other thing that left an impression was the sound. Frankly, nothing sounds like a Ferrari. In this particular case, the rumble only adds to the visceral experience. It is a guttural growl that will make your hair stand on the back of your neck.
Did we mention that it is fast? Before you take notice, the speedometer will quickly jump from 40, to 60, to 100mph, and much beyond in just the blink of an eye. The acceleration is sudden and will take you by surprise. Needless to say, at those speeds, one must be vigilant, as we are not on the Autobahn (the toll roads in California make for a scenic and picturesque stand-in.) There are several driving modes that you can switch easily, all located on the steering wheel which will help enhance your driving experience. From its front mid-engined layout, which balances the V12’s weight behind the front axle for ideal handling dynamics, to its four-wheel steering system, which optimizes stability during high-speed cornering, this Ferrari is brimming with the technology and beauty that’s sure to please true car enthusiasts. If going faster than your neighbor is your goal, the 812 Superfast should do the trick nicely.
Words by Yves Le Sieur
Photography by Michael Sharp
