The Ferrari 812 Superfast never really needed to be faster (especially after the Italians called it…Superfast) but it seems 588kW was just not enough for some people….enter the 610kW 812 Competizione. Now there’s also an open top version.
The 2 seat GT and Targa (slahla in Mzansi speak) version of the 812 Competizione is derived from the 812 Superfast and retains the overall design with performance and aerodynamic enhancements done to the body also making it stand out. Where the 812 Superfast gets air intakes either side of the large central grille, the 812 Competizione adopts an integrated solution with a single air duct. The shape of the engine vents either side of the bonnet’s blade is designed to guarantee correct management of the flows even when the 812 Competizione A is being driven in the open configuration: the hot air flow lines are deviated away from the cockpit and are channelled along the flanks until they eventually merge with the car’s wake. LED headlights come standard.
On to the side, the Competizione comes with exclusive 20inch wheels. Side gills ensure the Competizione allows hot engine air to come out cleanly but also increases downforce at speeds. The GT model has a normal hardtop whilst the Targa has a removable carbon-fibre hardtop. The flying buttress concept in the Targa, which have long been a much-loved part of Ferrari tradition, harmonises effortlessly with the arrow theme of the front created by the blade and lends a sense of forward thrust to the car’s body, but also gives it a completely different connotation to the coupé.
The most noticeable aspect of the 812 Competizione’s aesthetic is the replacement of the rear screen by an all-aluminium surface. The rear spoiler now looks more imposing and sits higher but the specific design treatment used also makes the tail look very wide, almost horizontal, giving the rear greater stance. The taillight clusters lend the car a more aggressive and suggestive look. They fit seamlessly into a slit just below the spoiler and contribute to creating the horizontal feel to the rear. The rear bumper is particularly sculptural and characterised by a scoop at wheel height that incorporates two imposing air vents.
The interior of the 812 Competizione is similar to the 812 Superfast, with the door panel lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit. Only a small appendage that connects to the door handle remains as an armrest, but creates a dynamic muscle on the panel. The central area of the cockpit has the iconic gear-gate theme but given a modern twist. This is the first time it has appeared on a V12 car and is very much mirrors the spirit of the 812 Competizione and the marque’s tradition.
The 812 Competizione gets a tuned version of the 912 Superfast 6.5-litre Naturally aspirated V12 producing 610kW/692Nm. The engine now revs to 9500rpm. Drive is only to the rear wheels via Ferraris 7-speed F1 DCT gearbox. The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version. Performance claims are 0-100km/h in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.5 sec with a 340km/h top speed.
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A. Available across the entire range, it covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance programme is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.