[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ferrari-812-superfast-critics-think\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ferrari-812-superfast-critics-think\/","headline":"Ferrari 812 Superfast – what the critics think","name":"Ferrari 812 Superfast – what the critics think","description":"Some cars are just too cocky. We\u2019ve had the Rapide, the Superb, the Mindblowingly Amazing (okay, we made that one up), but the name of Ferrari\u2019s latest offering not so much pushes the boat out, but rather tips it off the edge of the horizon. Those familiar with the 812 Superfast may already be aware that it is the most powerful Ferrari ever built. It was designed from the ground up to be the fastest car in the prancing horse\u2019s […]","datePublished":"2017-07-11","dateModified":"2017-07-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/ferrarifeature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/ferrarifeature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ferrari-812-superfast-critics-think\/","about":["LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":708,"keywords":["812 Superfast","ferrari","Ferrari 812 Superfast","supercars","The Telegraph"],"articleBody":"Some cars are just too cocky. We\u2019ve had the Rapide, the Superb, the Mindblowingly Amazing (okay, we made that one up), but the name of Ferrari\u2019s latest offering not so much pushes the boat out, but rather tips it off the edge of the horizon.Those familiar with the 812 Superfast may already be aware that it is the most powerful Ferrari ever built. It was designed from the ground up to be the fastest car in the prancing horse\u2019s history and the numbers attest to that claim.It has a new 6.5-litre V12 engine, pumping out 788bhp and up to 718Nm at 7,000rpm, with 80 per cent of that torque available from a more accessible 3,500rpm.That means it can blast off to 62mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds and it won\u2019t stop picking up speed until it hits 211mph. If that isn\u2019t \u2018superfast\u2019, we\u2019d love to know what is.But these are mere numbers. How does all this translate out on the road? With so much power, is it even fun to drive or is it too scary for its own good?Well, the great and good of the UK motoring press recently got their hands on it, and this is what they thought\u2026PerformanceThe Telegraph\u2019s Paul Hudson confessed to being \u201ca huge fan of the outgoing F12berlinetta, but this is something else\u201d.\u201cThe power is both real and sensory; on the road, it is simply mighty,\u201d he gushed. \u201cThe gear ratios are shorter to improve the car\u2019s responsiveness [compared to the legendary F12berlinetta, which it replaces].\u201dIn cramped towns, the 812 Superfast felt \u201calmost anti-climactic\u201d, he noted. However, let off its leash up in the hills, he felt it became \u201can entirely different beast, a snarling, crackling road-burner that commands respect, as you\u2019re inevitably travelling a lot faster than you imagine\u201d.\u201cThe faster you go, the better it gets,\u201d he added.Auto Express\u2019 Steve Sutcliffe said the Superfast was \u201cmaybe even crazy fast\u201d, but unmistakably \u201ca road car\u201d rather than \u201ca track toy\u201d.On the road, he couldn\u2019t deny that the Superfast felt intimidating, due to its size and expense. However, after a while, the car\u2019s usability becomes significantly apparent, with deceptively soothing suspension despite its ability to let all hell loose with a simple prod of the throttle.HandlingAlso writing for Evo, Sutcliffe noted how, compared to the F12, handling had become \u201cperhaps a touch heavier than before, which is good, but is also even faster in its responses, which to begin with at least, is not so good. Not unless you are naturally hardwired to drive a car as if it were a fighter jet.\u201dThe result? A car smoother and easier to drive.Styling The Telegraph\u2019s Paul Hudson was won over by the 812 Superfast\u2019s exterior – a product of the Ferrari Styling Centre.\u201c[It] is clearly a derivative [of the F12berlinetta], but it has been restyled and is now festooned in aerodynamic aids that are effective yet discreet,\u201d he mulled.\u201cThe perfect antidote to massive slots and vents and wings of so many performance cars.\u201dInteriorInside though, Hudson reckoned the Superfast \u201cretained the feeling of space and comfort\u201d that V12 buyers expect.But the cabin now boasts \u201ca sportier look compared with the F12, coming with new seats, a new steering wheel and instrument clusters, as well as upgraded infotainment and air-conditioning units\u201d.VerdictSo the big question is, should anyone with \u00a3253k burning a hole in their pocket come March 2018 buy one?\u201cHell yes,\u201d answers Autocar\u2019s Matt Prior, who noted a lack of like-for-like rivals to the 812 Superfast in terms of providing this kind of high performance without overwhelming the driver.Prior concluded that the 812 \u201cfeels less natural than the lazier, more analogue Aston Vanquish S\u201d, adding that opting for the Aston over the 812 would be like \u201ctaking a roll-top bath over a jacuzzi: there are reasons why you would, but technologically and experientially, the Superfast offers more\u201d.A similarly satisfied Paul Hudson signed off with \u201cSuper? Check. Fast? Undoubtedly. And so much more besides.\u201dSo that\u2019s a thumbs-up all-round. What do you think of the 812 Superfast? Tell us down there in the comments. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Ferrari 812 Superfast – what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ferrari-812-superfast-critics-think\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]