Introduced in 2012 as a replacement for the Ferrari 599, the F12berlinetta harkens back to the 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" and, in many ways, to the iconic 250 GTO and 275 GTB. A full-fledged grand tourer powered by a no-nonsense, naturally aspirated V-12, the F12berlinetta has already spawned many one-off and special-edition models, including the F12 TRS, SP America, F60 America, Carrozzeria Touring Berlinetta Lusso, and more recently the F12tdf. After some five years on the market, the F12 received its mid-cycle facelift ahead of the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. It goes by the name 812 Superfast and comes with many improvements.

Just like the transition from the FF to the GTC4Lusso, the F12berlinetta gained a significant update and a name change. Ferrari didn't care to explain the meaning behind the new name, but it's safe to assume that the "812" comes from the engine's output in PS plus the number of cylinders, while Superfast is just... well... an attempt to be cool in the 21st century. This isn't the first time a Ferrari appears to have been named by the company's social media department, as the LaFerrari is just as flamboyant. But it's worth mentioning that the 812 isn't the first Superfast in the company's lineup. The name dates back to 1964, when Ferrari offered the 500 Superfast as the top-of-the-line version of the America model.

Moving over to more important things, Ferrari gave the F12berlinetta a thorough restyling. The grand tourer sports numerous modifications front and rear, while the interior has updated tech, a few nips and tucks, and new seats. More importantly, the 6.3-liter V-12 was redesigned into a new mill that makes the 812 Superfast the quickest and most powerful production Ferrari ever built.

Continue reading to learn more about the new Ferrari F12M.

2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 789 @ 8500
  • Torque: 530 @ 7000
  • Transmission: F1 dual-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As expected based on recent Ferrari facelifts, the F12's mid-cycle update is rather significant. Although it sports the same fastback sleekness and two-box design with a high tail -- reminiscent of the glorious 365 GTB4 of 1969 -- the 812 Superfast is packed with new features as far as design goes.

Up front, Ferrari redesigned nearly every panel and detail. The bumper is the most obvious change, boasting a larger intake that features a mesh grille instead of the classic horizontal and vertical slats. The grille also incorporates a black apron, while the lower section and splitter are almost as aggressive as the F12tdf's. Ferrari also altered the bumper sides and added two flaps for improved aerodynamics. Moving up, there's a pair of new headlamps. These are some 75-percent identical to the previous units as far as size and shape go, but the section is now longer and extends toward the nose. They've also been integrated into the design of the sculpted air intakes on the engine hood. Maranello also removed the central air intake and reshaped the V section that defines the engine hood.

Comparison F12berlinetta vs 812 Superfast

The new side panels are even more radical. Whereas the F12's character line moved upward from the door to the engine hood, the Superfast's is exactly the opposite, being oriented toward the side skirt. The scallop is also deeper and become more muscular as it moves toward the rear haunches. To go with the new design, Ferrari reshaped the quarter window and added small vents just behind the rear haunches, thus giving the fender a more organic feel.

Changes are equally dramatic around back. Arguably the most notable changes above the bumper are the larger spoiler that makes the fascia seem sculpted inside the body and the brand-new taillights. The latter are not only smaller that the outgoing units, but also come in a quad arrangement. Ferrari essentially ditched the vintage-looking dual round taillights for a pair of smaller lights on each side, a strategy it also applied when it replaced the FF with the GTC4Lusso.

Comparison 812 Superfast vs GTC4Lusso

The new taillights and the spoiler remind me of the iconic 288 GTO, but they do feel modern. Down below, there's a new bumper with a floating diffuser elements and large exhaust pipes on each side. The exhaust outlets are fitted in black, sculpted elements that give the 812 Superfast a unique look compared to any other F12 built to date. I can definitely see some F12tdf influences in there, but the 812's rear fascia is unique in its own right.

Comparison 812 Superfast vs F12tdf

On top of these massive changes, Ferrari also introduced a range of new aerodynamic solutions, including active flaps at the front of the underbody and an aerodynamic by-pass to increase downforce on the rear flank. The 812 Superfast was also launched in a special new color. It's called Rosso Settanta and marks the company’s 70th anniversary.

COMPETING DESIGNS

Comparison 812 Superfast vs Aventador S

The 812 Superfast arrived just in time for the upgraded Lambo Aventador. Now sporting an "S" next to its name, the Italian supercar is somewhat of a traditional competitor for the F12, despite using an entirely different configuration. Specifically, the Aventador S has its engine in the back, while power is routed to all four wheels through an AWD system (whereas the F12M is rear-wheel-driven). On the other hand, the Aventador is also Lambo's range-topping supercar and more importantly, it's as aggressive as an Italian performance vehicle should be. Already a sleek coupe with angular lines and menacing styling cues, the Aventador became even meaner with the mid-cycle update. The redesigned bumper has a different grille and a larger splitter, while the new intakes provide better aerodynamic efficiency. A new rear wheel arch pays tribute to the original Countach by design, while the rear fascia gained a larger motorsport-inspired diffuser, an active wing movable in three positions, and a three-outlet exhaust system. The revised Aventador also boasts 130% more downforce at the front compared to the previous model. When in optimum position, the new wing improves overall efficiency at high downforce by over 50 percent and in low drag by more than 400 percent. Overall, I think that the Aventador S is a more aggressive proposition styling-wise thanks to its mid-engined layout.

Lamborghini Aventador S

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Wheelbase (Inches)

106.29

107.1

Overall length (Inches)

188.86

183.34

Overall width (Inches)

79.92

77.59

Overall height (Inches)

44.72

50.23


Interior

Changes are less radical inside, where the grand tourer continues with pretty much the same design features. Noticeable modifications include a revised center stack with two round A/C vents instead of three, new controls on the dashboard's passenger side, and a new steering wheel.

Interior Comparison F12berlinetta vs 812 Superfast

The latter has a revised center section made from aluminum, revised controls, new grips, and a wider, flat-bottom side. It also has red stitching that matches the detailing on the dashboard and center console, but this can be changed to just about any color available.

Ferrari also replaced the previous seats with new, sportier units that provide enhanced side bolstering and comfort. There's also an upgraded instrument cluster, the company's latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and a new air-conditioning unit.

THE COMPETITION

Interior Comparison 812 Superfast vs Aventador S

Inside, the Aventador is just as appealing as the 812 Superfast, boasting Lambo's latest technology and the finest materials you can buy. The supercar's cabin remained virtually unchanged after the facelift, but Lambo did introduce a few new features, starting with an all-digital instrument cluster that can be customized in many ways. The TFT screen has also been revised and can display different images for each driving mode. Apple CarPlay connectivity comes standard, just like in the 812 Superfast, allowing both the driver and passenger to manage voice activated communications and entertainment from mobile devices. Options include the Lamborghini telemetry system, which can be used to record lap times, track performance, as well as trip data. Much like any Ferrari out there, the interior specification of the Aventador S is virtually limitless through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization program.

Drivetrain

About a month before the 812 Superfast arrived, the folks over at Ferrari Chat claimed that the grand tourer would get a larger, 6.5-liter V-12 instead of the familiar 6.3-liter unit. This is one rumor that proved to be true, with the upgraded coupe using Ferrari's biggest modern engine.

Obviously based on the outgoing V-12 mill, the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter cranks out 789 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, of which 80 percent are available at 3,500 rpm. That's 59 extra horsepower compared to the F12berlinetta, to go with 20 additional pound-feet of twist. The 812 Superfast is also more potent than the limited-edition F12tdf, boasting an extra 20 horsepower and 11 pound-feet.

This makes it the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the company's history, while the 121 horsepower-per-liter output is more than any other front-engined production car has ever even come near to delivering. Impressive!

It's also worth noting that the 6.5-liter V-12 is as powerful as the LaFerrari's gasoline engine, while delivering an extra 13 pound-feet of twist. Granted, the LaFerrari is the more powerful vehicle is we take the hybrid drivetrain into account, but without its electric motor, it's just almost as potent as the 812 Superfast.

Not surprisingly, the 812 Superfast is quicker than the F12berlinetta from 0 to 60 mph, needing 2.9 ticks to complete the benchmark. This figure makes it two tenths faster than the standard models and as quick as the limited-edition F12tdf. On the other hand, top speed remained unchanged at 211 mph.

Ferrari says that these astounding performance levels were achieved in part by adopting a 350-bar direct injection system for the very first time on a high-performance engine. The system is paired to variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally-aspirated F1 engines, while the dual-clutch transmission has specific gear ratios which, combined with shorter up and down-shifting times, sharpen throttle response.

The 812 Superfast is also the first Ferrari to sport EPS (Electric Power Steering), which was added to fully exploit the potential of the car’s performance. Ferrari also included the latest, 5.0 version of its patented Side Slip Control (SSC), which makes the car's powerful performance easier to handle. The vehicle controls also feature, for the first time, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) that debuted on the F12tdf. The system features a further evolution of the software that improves handling and reduces vehicle response times even further.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Ferrari F12tdf

Engine

6.5-liter V-12

6.3-liter V-12

6.3-liter V-12

Horsepower

789 HP @ 8,500 RPM

729 HP @ 8,500 RPM

769 HP @ 8,500 RPM

Torque

530 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

508 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM

519 LB-FT @ 6,750 RPM

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)

2.9 seconds

3.1 seconds

2.9 seconds

Top Speed

>211 mph

>211 mph

>211 mph


COMPETING PERFORMANCE

Motivated by a naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V-12 that cranks out 730 horsepower and 508 pound-feet of torque, the Aventador S is more than capable to give just about any Ferrari out there a run for its money. Interestingly enough, both figures are identical to the outgoing F12berlinetta, but it no longer matters now that the 812 Superfast is here with 59 extra horses and 22 pound-feet. On the flipside, the 812 Superfast isn't quicker from 0 to 60 mph, despite the extra oomph, as the Aventador S needs 2.9 seconds to get there. When it comes to top speed, the Lambo wins the battle at 217 mph, versus the 812’s 211-mph rating.

Lamborghini Aventador S

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Engine

6.5-liter V-12

6.5-liter V-12

Horsepower

730 HP @ 8,400 RPM

789 HP @ 8,500 RPM

Torque

508 LB-FT @ 5,500

530 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

Lamborghini Aventador S

Ferrari 812 Superfast

7 speed ISR

F1 dual-clutch

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)

2.9 seconds

2.9 seconds

Top Speed

217 mph

>211 mph

Engine

3,472 Lbs

3,362 Lbs

Horsepower

43%/57%

47%/53%


Prices

Pricing information for the 812 Superfast is not yet known, but it's safe to assume that it will cost more than the outgoing model. Given that the F12berlinetta retails from around $325,000 in the U.S., the 812 Superfast should fetch at least $340,000 before options. Not the most affordable Ferrari out there, but definitely cheaper than the limited-edition F12tdf.

COMPETING PRICES

Pricing for the Aventador S starts from $421,350, which makes it significantly more expensive than what I expect the 812 Superfast to cost. Specifically, we're talking about nearly $100,000 more (almost 31 percent), which is quite a lot even for the luxury supercar market.

Competition

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 911 Turbo S isn’t exactly a supercar in terms of horsepower and it's definitely not the kind of vehicle that Ferrari buyers would cross-shop with the F12, but it’s incredibly fast. To top it all, its exterior design is arguably more iconic than those of its competitors, while the cabin has plenty of premium features to brag about. Moving on to what makes the Turbo S a menacing machine, the 2017-model-year update brought a revised twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six engine that cranks out 580 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the Ferrari or Lambo, the Turbo S has more torque at its disposal. What’s more, when equipped with the Sport Chrono package, it becomes the quickest of the bunch, needing only 2.8 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Top speed is inferior at 205, but I'm willing to sacrifice that in favor of winning a drag race against Italy's finest. Another thing that makes the 911 Turbo S a more appealing choice is the $188,100 sticker.

Find out more about the Porsche 911 Turbo S here.

Conclusion

I wasn't a big fan of the F12berlinetta at first, but it grew on me. The front fascia was the main reason why I couldn't really consider it a good looking car, but the aggressive sculpted profile and the powerful rear end with the vintage-looking taillights definitely made it an exciting design. I think that the mid-cycle update fixed everything that was wrong with the F12berlinetta. The front end is more aggressive -- which is basically what the F12 needed from the very beginning -- while the rear fascia brings together the modern Ferrari look and a race-inspired setup. The engine update is also a tremendous features, especially since it almost outguns the LaFerrari. I love it when production models get similar or more power than highly limited, special edition hypecars. The 812 Superfast name sucks, but hey, I'm not the one in change of Ferrari's marketing department.