Superfast(er) |
Ferrari has recently unveiled the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione Aperta, the most powerful and highest revving road cars from Maranello, at a live-streamed event held at the Fiorano racetrack in Italy.
Derived from the 812 Superfast, the new limited-edition special series and more uncompromising 812 Competizione and its spectacular Targa-top 812 Competizione Aperta twin, now employs the most powerful internal combustion engine of any road car from the Prancing Horse.
The most potent twelve-cylinder models from Maranello receive an upgraded version of the 6.5-litre V12 engine in the Superfast, now producing 610 kW at a stellar 9,250 rpm (the engine redlines at 9,500 rpm) and maximum torque of 692 Nm at 7,000 rpm – an increase of 22 kW over the Superfast, while twisting force has been slightly reduced by 26 Nm.
To achieve these figures, key components of the engine, now with a compression ratio of 13.5:1, have been redesigned and lightened. This includes the intake system, conrods, pistons and crankshaft, while a new variable-displacement oil pump continuously adjusts oil pressure across the operating range.
Improved Cooling
The cooling system has also been adapted to cope with the additional heat generated by the more powerful engine, leading to the introduction (for the first time on a Ferrari V12) of a single front air intake of cooling air channelled towards the radiators. The entire coolant circuit has also been improved, with a 10% increase in cooling efficiency than the 812 Superfast.
The 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and shift times have been improved by 5%, ensuring lightning-fast cog swops. According to Ferrari, the 0-100 km/h time for the Competizione Coupé is 2.85 seconds, quite similar to the Superfast, but improved interaction between engine and transmission means the latest Ferrari is nearly 0.5 seconds quicker to 200 km/h.
No figures for the 812 Competizione A have been released, but one can assume it will be slower than the Coupé, but not by much due to its excellent aerodynamics – with the engine vents designed to deviate hot air away from the cockpit even when it is driven in open configuration.
The brake cooling system has been redesigned around the new front “aero” calliper (as used on the SF90 Stradale) with an air intake integrated into the casting. With cool air also channelled towards the integrated air intake, brake operating temperatures have been reduced by around 30° C compared to the 812 Superfast.
The brake system modifications also enabled a redesign of the front underbody, and optimising the performance of the front air vents contributed to a 30% increase in overall front downforce. The front diffuser is also equipped with a passive mobile aero system that opens at speeds over 250 km/h.
Innovative Styling
The modified front-end aerodynamics allowed for more aggressive styling, with a wide front grille flanked by two prominent side intakes and a carbon-fibre splitter. At the rear, the most noticeable aspect is the all-aluminium surface replacing the rear screen. Vortex generators on the upper surface boost the car’s aero efficiency and create a backbone effect.
The higher rear spoiler gives the rear a greater stance, and the muscular appearance of the rear blisters reference iconic cars like the Ferrari 330 P3/P4, while the taillight clusters give the Competizione a more aggressive look. Three aerodynamic slots along the outer bumper surface mimic the shape of the vortex generators on the rear screen.
The rear-end treatment incorporates innovative aero solutions, and, as such, the silencers and tailpipes have been completely re-engineered. It now consists of a pair of angular pipes (replacing the circular quad exhausts of the Superfast) to create dynamic interaction between the hot exhaust gases and the “cold” airflow from the curved diffuser to generate more downforce.
With no vortex generators, the drop-top 812 Competizione A has a bridge element between the flying buttresses to deflect airflow towards the rear spoiler, essentially restoring downforce to the same level as the 812 Competizione. Both special derivatives have independent rear-wheel steering for even better handling behaviour and an evolution of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) system.
Particular attention was also paid to making the Competizione as light as possible, resulting in 38 kg being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast, thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre, lightweight technical fabrics, and a reduction in soundproofing.
Local availability of the Competizione models is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022. While pricing has not been released, expect them to cost more than an 812 Superfast, now going for R7.4 million and R8.1 million for its 812 GTS open-top stablemate.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © FERRARI S.P.A.
