Used 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast

With nearly 800 horsepower from its V12 engine, a 0-60-mph time of 2.8 seconds and top speed of 211 mph, the 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast could be the most appropriately named supercar to ever gallop out of the Italian automaker’s stable. Introduced just last year, the 812 Superfast is the successor to the F12berlinetta, and is the most powerful and fastest road-going Ferrari to date.

This 2-passenger coupe touts the luscious looks and otherworldly driving manners that make Ferraris among the most sought-after cars in the world. And with its front-engine design, the Superfast even has a modicum of practicality thanks to a rear hatch that can carry a couple of suitcases.

As a Ferrari, and the flagship one at that, the Superfast is reserved for the super-wealthy. It takes over $360,000 just to get in the door, and options can lift that price by another six figures. That kind of money could buy fleeter, less expensive models from Porsche and McLaren, if not the sheer exclusivity that comes with owning a Ferrari.

Just in case it isn’t clear from the name, yes, the Ferrari 812 is Superfast. That’s what happens when you have a thundering 6.5-liter V12 sending 789 horses to the rear wheels. We’ve already mentioned its 2.8-second 0-60-mph time and 211-mph top speed. These figures are superfast indeed, if not the fastest out there (the new Porsche 911 Turbo gets to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, while the limited-run Dodge Demon with its 840 horsepower could do 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds).

But numbers hardly tell the whole story. You really must drive a Ferrari to understand why these are among the most euphoric vehicles available. Acceleration is one thing, but more impressive is the way Ferrari knits together how their vehicles steer, feel and even sound. And the 812 Superfast takes even this to another level.

Unlike Porsches and even some mighty BMW M models, the 812 isn’t a luxury-performance car that would be just as happy doubling as a daily driver. While its magnetorheological suspension does a fine job of quelling less-than-ideal roads, the 2019 Ferrari Superfast is at its best when stretching its legs at high speeds or hurtling around a track. The 6.5-liter V12 puts out an astounding 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque, all transmitted through a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.

Redline maxes just shy of 9,000 rpm, although in fully automatic mode the transmission will shift around 5,000 rpm. For the most aural and visceral delight, you’ll want to take control of shifts with the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to let this engine really sing.

Keeping the Superfast’s power in check are massive Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires that provide an unbelievable amount of grip, aided by Ferrari’s version of rear-axle steering. A powerful set of carbon-ceramic brakes quickly brings this 3,800-pound supercar to a stop. For maximum satisfaction (not to mention your own safety) we advise using a light touch. Despite its stability-control systems, this Ferrari is still quite feral, and even small inputs trigger abrupt movements.

The 812 Superfast has a 2-passenger cockpit that is relatively roomy and boasts good ergonomics for a supercar. The standard sport seats — covered in leather like the rest of the interior — are supportive and comfortable. Seven other styles are available, from diamond-stitched to racing-style, in your choice of colors.

If you’ve never driven a Ferrari, you’ll want to take special note of the steering wheel. Embedded in it are important functions such as the engine start, drive-mode settings, and even the turn signals. The idea: Keep your hands on the wheel and focus on piloting your Italian exotic.

Unlike most modern cars, you won’t find a big touchscreen display or scads of controls. In fact, most info is relayed on two smaller screens directly in front of the driver, straddling the tachometer. While there is no central touch screen, there is an optional passenger display that relays data like speed and engine rpm.

Between the driver and passenger are simple controls for climate and, below that, the transmission buttons, including one for “launch” mode. As mentioned in Favorite Features, in the rear is a relatively roomy hatch for cargo.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast really is a feast for the eyes. Just look at it. That long hood, sleek cabin, sweeping lines and muscular elements in all the right places. It looks super-fast just standing still. Details include long and sinister headlight housings up front and in back an upward-rising hatch door with a lengthy glass panel. A prominent rear diffuser sits between two pairs of exhaust outlets. Various paint colors are available, as are several wheel choices, paint caliper colors and carbon-fiber bits.

V12 ENGINE
Equipped with a stroked version of the V12 in the previous F12, Ferrari says that 75 percent of the 812 Superfast’s 6.5-liter V12 is new or improved. The result is a V12 engine with more horsepower and torque.

REAR HATCH
The Ferrari 812 Superfast coupe has drool-worthy design yet is surprisingly functional. Because the engine is in front (vs. midship like many other Ferraris), it means there is a hatch area in back with an appreciable 18 cubic feet of storage.

The most important standard features on the Ferrari 812 Superfast aren’t related so much to amenities, but rather performance. That $360,000-plus starting price won’t get you gee-whiz tech, but it does buy 12 cylinders of Italian glory. There’s also the previously mentioned multi-function steering wheel with driving modes for Wet, Sport and Race.

Also standard are leather sport seats, Ferrari’s Virtual Short Wheelbase (rear-wheel steering), electric-power steering (a first on a Ferrari), Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and a small configurable screen to the right of the tachometer for displaying various functions from speed to audio and navigation settings. Automatic climate control also comes standard.

But don’t look for driver assists like collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. These may be standard on a Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but sadly you can’t get them on a Ferrari that costs more than a house.

Options for the Ferrari 812 Superfast are mostly related to choices in paint colors, interior seats and leather colors, and other details like which color rev gauge you want. Apple CarPlay is available, but it costs a staggering $4,219. That’s $4,219 more than it costs on the aforementioned Toyota Corolla, not to mention most Kias and Hyundais. Such is Ferrari life.

Also available is the Passenger Display, which relays driving data like speed and rpm on the dash directly in front of the passenger. A suspension lifter is also handy, and can save scraping the front end on low driveways and speed bumps.

The heart of the Ferrari 812 Superfast is a hand-built, 6.5-liter V12 engine equipped with the latest in performance technology. Upgrades from the previous 6.3-liter V12 upon which it is based include revised pistons, stronger connecting rods and crankshaft, as well as smaller fuel injectors working under extremely high pressure for better combustion at high speeds.

The result is a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) V12 producing 789 horsepower, 530 lb-ft of torque and an 8,900-rpm redline. All this power is routed to the rear wheels via a twin-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. With a combined fuel economy of 13 mpg, it’s not exactly the pinnacle of fuel efficiency. But what did you expect?

6.5-liter V12
789 horsepower @ 8,500 rpm
530 lb-ft of torque @ 7,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/16 mpg