Ferrari 812 Superfast (2018–2023): the last great V12 you can feel in your bones
I still remember the first time I slipped behind the wheel of a Ferrari 812 Superfast. Key on the left, a prod of the starter, and the garage filled with that crisp, metallic bark only a naturally aspirated V12 can deliver. It’s theater, sure, but it’s also engineering purity. Between 2018 and 2023, the Ferrari 812 Superfast wasn’t just a fast grand tourer; it was a statement of intent from Maranello—one last, glorious aria from a free-breathing twelve.
As regulars at AutoWin know, I’ve driven most things with a prancing horse on the nose. The 812 stands out. Not simply because it’s quick (it is), but because it feels alive—on rough B-roads, on smooth autobahns, even creeping into a restaurant valet (where it inevitably steals the show).
The Ferrari 812 Superfast: debut, drama, and the details that matter
Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the 812 Superfast arrived as the successor to the F12 Berlinetta, but it wasn’t just an evolution. It was the first Ferrari with Electric Power Steering (EPS), paired with four-wheel steering (Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0) and Side Slip Control. On paper, that sounds clinical. On the road, it means the nose keys into corners with absurd confidence while the tail stays poised—eager but never unruly.
When I tried it on crumbling country tarmac, the adaptive dampers read the surface like braille. You feel everything, but the ride never turns punishing. It’s the difference between being informed and being battered. And once you’re out on a fast sweep, the 812 shrinks around you—classic front-engined GT theatre, mid-engined reflexes.
Inside the Ferrari 812 Superfast: a cockpit that’s all business (with a few quirks)
Climb in and you sit low, with the long bonnet stretching out like a runway. The steering wheel is a manifesto: manettino, wipers, indicators—everything’s on there. The turn-signal buttons? You’ll miss them once on day one, then wonder why other cars still use stalks. The infotainment is very Ferrari; it works, and there’s available Apple CarPlay, but the real joy is the passenger display egging you on with revs and speed. Practicality? For a super-GT, surprisingly good. You can pack enough for a two-up Alpine weekend, helmets included.
Did you know? The 812 Superfast’s aero is sneaky-clever. There’s no towering rear wing—instead, subtle vortex generators and a ‘blown’ spoiler do the heavy lifting, giving real downforce without showy appendages.
Ferrari 812 Superfast performance: numbers are great, the noise is better
- 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12
- 789 hp (800 cv) at a spine-tingling 8,500 rpm
- 529 lb-ft (718 Nm) of torque
- 0–60 mph in about 2.8 seconds; top speed 211 mph
- 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with near-telepathic shifts
The engine is the star. From 4,000 rpm it sings; from 7,000 it becomes something else entirely—clean, hard-edged, unfiltered. You don’t surf torque here; you chase revs. It’s addictive. And yet, trundling through town, it behaves. The EPS helps at parking speeds, though the nose still feels long in tight garages. Trade-offs, and worth it.
Fascinating facts about the Ferrari 812 Superfast
- The name says it all: “8” for 800 cv, “12” for cylinders, and “Superfast” nodding to classic Ferrari models from the late ’50s and ’60s.
- It’s the last mainstream production Ferrari V12 without turbos or hybrid assistance.
- The 6.5L V12 is among the most potent naturally aspirated engines ever fitted to a road car.
- Factory claims put 0–60 mph at 2.8 seconds—and in the right conditions, it feels every bit that quick.
Ferrari 812 Superfast vs rivals: who does what best?
| Car | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 812 Superfast | 6.5L NA V12 | 789 hp | 529 lb-ft | ~2.8 s | 211 mph | High-rev drama, razor steering, GT polish |
| Aston Martin DBS Superleggera | 5.2L twin-turbo V12 | 715 hp | 663 lb-ft | ~3.4 s | 211 mph | Deep torque, sultry GT, more relaxed |
| Lamborghini Aventador S | 6.5L NA V12 | 730 hp | 507 lb-ft | ~2.9 s | 217 mph | Wild theater, edgy ride, mid-engine feel |
Ferrari 812 Superfast: a legacy paused, not forgotten
Production wrapped in 2023. A sad day for V12 romantics, yes, but hardly the end of the story. Ferrari’s spiritual successor, the 12Cilindri, arrived to carry the twelve-cylinder torch into a new era. Still, there’s a rawness to the 812 Superfast—especially in the way it piles on revs—that feels like the last chapter of something gloriously analog.
Owning a Ferrari 812 Superfast: prices, costs, and what to expect
Prestige comes at a price, naturally. In 2023, a clean example could command upwards of $335,000. Early 2018 cars typically range from $300,000 to $320,000, depending on spec, mileage, and service history. Carbon bits, rare colors, and the right options all matter at resale.
- Annual service: budget a few thousand dollars; more if you’re picky (you should be).
- Tires: wide rears don’t last forever—spirited owners will see frequent replacements.
- Ceramic brakes: long life on the road; track days accelerate wear (and costs).
- Fuel economy: 12–16 mpg. You’re here for the music, not the thrift.
Elevate your Ferrari experience: the best 812 Superfast parts and accessories
Every Ferrari 812 Superfast deserves an interior that matches its exterior swagger. Small upgrades make a difference—especially where your hands and feet meet the car. I’m fussy about floor mats (track dust, wet shoes, the odd espresso mishap), which is why I point owners to the properly made sets at AutoWin. They’re tailored to fit, they wear well, and they quietly lift the cabin’s look without shouting.
- Custom fit to the 812’s footwells
- Materials that handle real-world use (not just concours lawns)
- Easy to clean after a spirited Sunday blast
Browse the AutoWin Eshop for the best floor mats for your Ferrari 812 Superfast and other tasteful upgrades. Simple ordering, quality materials, done right.
Ferrari 812 Superfast highlights (the quick version)
- One of the last great naturally aspirated V12s—pure and unassisted
- EPS + four-wheel steering make a big, front-engined GT feel agile
- Cabin layout puts essential controls on the wheel; infotainment is fine, not class-leading
- Real-world usability for road trips; still thrilling on a track morning
- Values remain strong; the right spec will always turn heads (and keep them turned)
FAQ: Ferrari 812 Superfast
Is the Ferrari 812 Superfast still in production?
No. Production ended in 2023. Ferrari has since introduced the 12Cilindri to continue the V12 lineage.
How fast is the Ferrari 812 Superfast?
Ferrari quotes 0–60 mph in about 2.8 seconds and a 211 mph top speed. In the real world, it feels every bit as quick—and then some.
What’s the 812 Superfast like to live with?
Shockingly civilized. It rides firmly but never harshly in its softer modes, has usable luggage space for weekends away, and the V12 behaves in traffic. The infotainment is the only bit that feels a step behind modern luxury rivals.
How much does a used Ferrari 812 Superfast cost?
As of recent market checks, 2018 cars often range from $300,000 to $320,000, with later models (2023) running $335,000 and up depending on spec and mileage.
What makes the 812 Superfast special?
A naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 that loves revs, a chassis that flatters and thrills, and a driving experience that feels unfiltered—rare in today’s turbo-hybrid world.
In the end, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is the kind of car that stays with you. The sound, the steering, the feeling that you’re plugged into something mechanical and alive. It may have bowed out in 2023, but for many of us, this luxury GT will always be the reference point—the one we measure the rest against. And if you own one, dress it well; a great set of mats from AutoWin is a pretty good place to start.
