Ferrari 812 Superfast: The New Era of the V12 Tradition

Horsefire Legacy - Speed has always been more than just a number. It’s a statement — a whisper of rebellion against limits, a celebration of what human ingenuity can do when art and engineering collide. Among the world’s most evocative machines, few names stir the senses like Ferrari. The marque from Maranello has long been synonymous with passion, precision, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. And in 2018, that spirit reached a new crescendo with the arrival of the Ferrari 812 Superfast — a name that sounds audacious, yet somehow feels entirely earned.

2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. (Picture from: Autocar)

Born as the successor to the beloved F12 Berlinetta, the 812 Superfast carried more than just the burden of expectation. It carried the legacy of Ferrari’s V12 lineage — a bloodline that stretches back through decades of roaring engines and unforgettable silhouettes. Yet, this wasn’t just an update; it was a reinvention. The 812 Superfast was Ferrari’s bold declaration that even in an age of hybrid and electric revolutions, the pure, naturally aspirated engine could still deliver poetry in motion. 

Front view of 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. (Picture from: Autocar)

Visually, the car marked a new era of aggression wrapped in elegance. Its bodywork, sculpted to slice through air and light with equal grace, reflected Ferrari’s aerodynamic mastery. Every curve was functional, every contour purposeful. Compared to the F12, the 812 appeared sharper, leaner, and more assertive — the result of countless hours in wind tunnels and design studios, all in pursuit of that delicate balance between beauty and brutality. The redesigned bumpers and lighting systems weren’t just cosmetic tweaks; they represented Ferrari’s continuous evolution, an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. 

Dashboard view of 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. (Picture from: Autocar)

Beneath its elongated hood lay the beating heart of the beast — a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, expanded from the F12’s 6.3 liters. It unleashed a staggering 800 horsepower and 718 Nm of torque, numbers that even in the era of turbocharged monsters, demanded respect. Ferrari made it clear: this would be the last of its kind — the final naturally aspirated V12 to leave Maranello’s gates. That knowledge alone imbued the 812 Superfast with an almost nostalgic reverence, a sense that one was witnessing the end of a glorious mechanical era. But what a farewell it was. From 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 340 km/h — the 812 didn’t just live up to its name, it transcended it.

Engine view of 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. (Picture from: Autocar)

Performance, of course, is never just about raw power. The 812 Superfast came equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, meticulously tuned for lightning-fast gear changes that delivered uninterrupted surges of acceleration. To ensure that this immense power remained controllable, Ferrari introduced advanced systems such as electric power steering — a first for the brand — alongside their refined Slide Slip Control and Virtual Short Wheelbase technology. The result was a car that didn’t just conquer straight lines, but danced through corners with remarkable poise. Even at the limits, it remained composed, intelligent, and deeply communicative — traits that define a true driver’s car. 

Rear view of 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. (Picture from: Autocar)

The world first met the 812 Superfast at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, where it immediately captured the imagination of enthusiasts and critics alike. By the time it hit the roads in 2018, it had already become more than a supercar — it was a symbol of Ferrari’s refusal to let tradition fade quietly. In a world racing toward electrification and efficiency, the 812 stood as a monument to mechanical purity, a reminder that emotion still has a place in engineering.

Today, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is remembered not merely as the successor to the F12, but as the embodiment of Ferrari’s philosophy: progress without compromise, power with purpose, and performance infused with soul. It represents a bridge between the past and the future — where the unmistakable wail of a V12 engine still echoes through time, defying silence, and daring us to remember what speed truly feels like. And if you’re curious to explore where it all began, you can click here to trace the lineage of the 812’s remarkable ancestors. .*** [EKA [25012018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR ]

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