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Ferrari Superfast gets amped up with the 812 Competizione redesign

If your dream supercar is all business in the front and alien in the back, then the new Ferrari Competizione should be on your radar. The limited-edition, naturally aspirated V12 coupe -- which is an extensively updated and redesigned 812 Superfast -- is Ferrari's highest revving model ever and is as extreme in looks as it is in performance. The use of state-of-the-art materials, the redesign of many of the engine's key components, and independent four-wheel steering are just some of the upgrades.

The front-engine berlinetta takes the core characteristics of the critically acclaimed 812 Superfast to an entirely new level. Its 65° V12 reaches the highest output of any Ferrari road-car engine -- 820 hp -- and revs to 9,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 2.85 sec and has a top speed of 211 mph.

Calibration of the control strategies for its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox has reduced shift times by 5%. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the new car's changes are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs allowed by the new V12.

To boost the output of the engine, which has the same 6.5-liter displacement as the 812 Superfast's V12, several areas have been significantly re-engineered to achieve a new record red line while optimizing the fluid dynamics of the intake system and combustion, and reducing internal friction.

Key engine component redesigns include the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft, and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than the steel versions but still deliver the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to reduce the coefficient of friction, which benefits performance, fuel consumption, and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3% lighter than the previous version.

The intake system was also redesigned; both manifold and plenum are now more compact to reduce the overall length of the tracts (which delivers more power at high revs), while the torque curve is optimized at all engine speeds by a system of variable geometry inlet tracts. This enables the length of the intake tract assembly to be continuously modified, adapting it to the firing order to maximize the dynamic charge in the cylinder. The result is an engine that revs with tremendous speed all the way to the cut off with no dropoff toward the red line.

The cooling system has also been adapted to cope with the additional heat generated by the new engine's extra 30 hp, resulting in the introduction (for the very first time on a Ferrari V12) of a single front air intake that maximizes the amount of cooling air channeled toward the radiators. The entire coolant circuit has also been improved, increasing cooling efficiency by 10% compared to the 812 Superfast. In addition, the single air intake has been further optimized to improve the fluid dynamics of the engine intake manifold, which minimizes charge losses along the tract.

One of the most striking aspects of this new model is its aerodynamic redesign, which was aimed at maximizing downforce levels. This included the new front air intakes, rear diffuser, and exhaust configuration, and also the patented design of its completely closed, single-piece aluminum rear screen, which is a first for a Ferrari production car. The rear screen has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements that protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. Ferrari says this feature was applied to the rear screen "to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle's pressure field." This feature alone is responsible for 10% of the total increase in rear downforce compared to the 812 Superfast. A camera system replaces the traditional rearview mirror.

The 812 Competizione also includes the first use of independent four-wheel steering for Ferrari, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tires. The independent rear-wheel steering features a new electronic management system that enables the right and left actuators to be actioned individually rather than synchronized, which yields a significant boost in performance in relation to the control of the position demanded of the individual actuators, and quicker response times.

VIDEO: Ferrari 812 Competizione official company reveal video.

Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in almost 84 lb being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear, and bodyshell. Carbon fiber was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler, and air intakes.

Another neat feature (and there are just too many to list here) is the all-carbon-fiber rims (a first for a Ferrari V12). The inside of the channel and of the spokes is coated in a layer of white aerospace-derived paint that reflects and dissipates heat produced by the car's extremely efficient braking system.

The interior architecture mirrors that of the 812 Superfast, retaining the main dash and door panel interfaces and volumes. The new roof/rear screen architecture, though, lends the cockpit a sportier, more modern edge that reflects the car's racing spirit.

And one more thing. ...

If you prefer an open-air experience instead, Ferrari is also introducing a carbon fiber Targa top version called the 812 Competizione A (Aptera). Its major modifications are the same as the coupe, but it includes special engineering to support the car's open-roof design.

Both Competiziones will be available in 2022. Prices were not released, but Top Gear listed them as just over $600,000 for the coupe and $700,000 for the open-top model.

Source: Ferrari

Published May 2021

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