The V12 Ferrari 812 Superfast, the fastest ever, arrives in Japan | Ferrari

Ferrari 812 Superfast

The V12 Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Fastest Ever, Arrives in Japan

Ferrari JapanGeneva Show in Marchunveiled the Ferrari "812 Superfast," which had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The price is ¥39.1 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of the year.

Text & Photographs by UCHIDA ShunichiPhotographs by Ferrari Japan

The Fastest Ferrari Ever

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta" can be considered the spiritual successor to the "812 Superfast". It has three main features: the engine, vehicle dynamics, and aerodynamics.

Boasting the most powerful and fastest engine in Ferrari's history, it is equipped with a 6.5-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine in a front-midship position. It produces 800 cv (horsepower) at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 718 Nm at 7,000 rpm. "The performance that thrillingly builds up to the top end is the traditional characteristic of Ferrari's race-bred V12 engines," says Dieter Knechtel, CEO of Ferrari Far East & Middle East Hub.

Seventy-five percent of this engine's components are newly designed. Its performance figures include a top speed of 340 km/h, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.9 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

Next, the 812 Superfast marks the first time Ferrari has adopted electric power steering, aiming to enhance vehicle dynamics. Furthermore, the "F12 TdF"Virtual Short Wheelbase" system, also found in models like the "F12 TdF", has been upgraded to version 2.0 (PCV). It combines electric power assistance for the front wheels with a mechanical concept based on tire size and rear-wheel steering.

These systems are integrated with a vehicle dynamics control system based on the latest version "5.0" of Ferrari's patented Side Slip Control, aimed at improving steering response and agility.

The transmission is a 7-speed F1 DCT, with shift times reduced by 30% for upshifts and 40% for downshifts.

Integrating style and aerodynamic function to create innovative technology and form is a common theme for all Ferraris. This is carried over to the 812 Superfast, with active flaps at the front and an integrated aero device cluster, as well as aerodynamic bypasses on the sides to generate downforce. As a result, compared to the F12, downforce has increased by 10%, and the downforce from the rear fender ducts has increased by 8%. This is said to significantly enhance performance and driving pleasure.

Finally, Dieter stated, "We have created the most powerful and fastest V12 Ferrari. No other car on the market can match this model in terms of the emotion and driving experience you get behind the wheel."

Ferrari 812 Superfast

The V12 Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Fastest Ever, Arrives in Japan (Part 2)

V12 Will Remain Naturally Aspirated; No SUV Planned

We took the opportunity of Dieter Knechtel's visit to Japan for the 812 Superfast launch to ask him a few questions.

First, will the V12 naturally aspirated engine continue to be produced? Dieter replied, "Due to strong customer demand, we will continue to use naturally aspirated engines," indicating no plans for downsizing or turbocharging. While acknowledging several future scenarios, he stated, "There are no plans for a V12 mid-engine in the next few years."

SUVs have become a trend in the high-end class recently, but he clearly stated, "Our customers are not asking for them, and it does not match Ferrari's DNA, so there are no plans." He added, "The same applies to fully autonomous driving. However, while we do not have electric vehicles, we are researching and developing electrification technologies."

Lino de Paoli, President of Ferrari Japan & Korea (left), and Dieter Knechtel, CEO of Ferrari Far East & Middle East Hub (right)

70th Anniversary Event Scheduled for October

2017 marks a significant milestone for Ferrari as its 70th anniversary. Various events are being held nationwide, and in Japan, an event is scheduled for October.

Lino de Paoli, President of Ferrari Japan & Korea, mentioned that he is considering unveiling a special personalization program at this event.

As announced at the Paris Motor Show,To commemorate Ferrari's 70th anniversary, personalization models are being developed based on five current models (F12, GTC4Lusso, California T, 488 GTB, and 488 Spider), inspired by 70 iconic Ferrari designs from the past.Of the total 350 units, a few are scheduled to come to Japan, and we hope to see them unveiled at this event." Further details are awaited.