Ferrari 812 Versione Speciale Revealed With Most Powerful V12 Ever

Apr. 21, 2021 10:13 AM ET by Martin Bigg Supercars / 21 Comments

It's also the highest-revving Ferrari road car ever.

Thanks to numerous leaked images, spy shots, and videos of prototypes in action, we've known for a long time that Ferrari is giving the 812 Superfast a very special send-off with a new limited-edition variant. Ahead of its debut next month, Ferrari has released the first official details and photos of the new hardcore 812 Superfast.

The model name is still being kept a secret for now, but comments by chief marketing officer, Enrico Galliera, suggest it will be called the Versione Speciale (Italian for Special Version). Alternatively, it could be called the 812 Imola if a recent domain name registration is anything to go by.

At its heart is Ferrari's most powerful V12 ever fitted to a road car, uprated to produce 818 horsepower. It also revs all the way to 9,050 rpm, making it Ferrari's highest revving road car. For comparison, the 6.5-liter V12 engine powering the 812 Superfast generates 788 hp and 529 lb-ft. To extract more power from the V12 unit, key engine components were redesigned and a new valve timing mechanism was added along with a new exhaust system. All four wheels also now have independent steering, improving the car's agility for more precise cornering.

Thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber on the exterior and in the interior, the special-edition 812 Superfast is significantly lighter than the 812 Superfast, but specific details haven't been revealed yet.

To improve the downforce, the 812's aerodynamics have been redesigned with new front air intakes, a new rear diffuser, a new exhaust system, and a rear screen with vortex generators integrated into the roof. To further enhance the aerodynamics, the rear glass is also replaced with a single-piece aluminum structure. Other visual modifications include a prominent carbon fiber blade on the hood, more aggressive front air intakes, and a higher rear spoiler.

The 812 Versione Speciale is designed for "Ferrari's most passionate collectors and connoisseurs," suggesting that production will be highly limited and offered only to long-time customers.

More details will be revealed when the Ferrari 812 Versione Speciale - or whatever it is called - debuts on May 5.