New Ferrari 812 Competizione Elevates V12 to Record Heights

As promised, Ferrari today unveiled a special version of the 812 Superfast powered by the most potent combustion engine ever fitted to a Ferrari road car. 

The new 812 Competizione hardtop is joined by a targa-style convertible called 812 Competizione A (as in Aperta, which means “open”). Both cars will be built in very limited numbers.

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Surpassed only by the hybrid powertrain of the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale, the front-mounted, naturally aspirated, 6.5-litre V12 engine gets a boost from 789 to 819 horsepower. This is accessible at 9,250 rpm, but you can spin it to 9,500 rpm—the highest revs ever achieved by a production Ferrari. Curiously, torque is reduced from 530 to 510 pound-feet.

Several components of the 812 have been made lighter for the Competizione models, such as the connecting rods and crankshaft. The intake and exhaust systems have largely been revised, as well, though Ferrari assures the 812’s trademark sound is preserved.

Overall, designers and engineers have shaved 38 kilograms, bringing the weight down to 1,487 kilograms. "Extensive" use of carbon fibre is a big factor. In fact, the removable top on the Competizione A (which can be stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself) is entirely made of that lightweight material.

Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox featuring new calibration and allowing 5-percent quicker shifts, the car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 340 km/h.

As for handling and cornering performance, both special editions benefit from the first application of independent four-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tires. Optimized aerodynamics for the bumpers, splitters, rear wing, diffuser and more provide extra downforce.  

Pricing and availability for the Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A have not been officially disclosed. It’s safe to assume they cost a whole lot more than the 812 Superfast and 812 GTS—and all units are probably spoken for already.