On 5 May 2021, Ferrari presented two variants of the new 812 Competizione in a live broadcast event on all of the marque’s social media channels. It took place at the newly opened GT Sporting Activities Department, next to the iconic Fiorano track, to highlight Ferrari’s links to racing. While pictures of the Competizione had already been teased prior to the reveal, the open-top Competizione A (Aperta) was a pleasant surprise for car enthusiasts the world over. Here’s a brief rundown of these special automobiles.
In a previous article we spoke briefly about the then-unnamed 812 Competizione. As we said, this aggressive looking car took design inspiration from the 812 Superfast but had its profile altered to improve its aerodynamic performance. As a track-focused model, two things were important when designing the 812 Competizione, weight loss and cooling. To address the issues of cooling the powerful, updated V12 engine, this new stallion features a new air intake system. Ferrari utilised a single air duct for intake, vents on both sides of the bonnet “blade” and arch louvers for more efficient engine cooling. It was also essential to develop a way to cool the brakes without increasing their weight or affecting downforce generation. To get around this, the marque’s engineers redesigned the original 812 Superfast brakes around their new “Aero” calliper, which first came out on the SF90 Stardale, and its integrated air intake.
To reduce the car’s weight, Ferrari heavily utilised carbon fibre, at this point pretty much a must on luxury sports cars, on the 812 Competizione’s front and rear bumpers, rear spoilers and air intake. A redesigned powertrain and engine, which we will get to in a moment, also play a part in cutting weight, making it 38kg lighter than the 812 Superfast on which it was based. There’s even an option for carbon fibre wheels which shaves off an additional 3.7kg.
Powering the build is a souped-up version of the marque’s 6.5 litre V12 engine. Many of the engine’s internal components have been reengineered, with many incorporating lightweight materials. The con rods, for example, are now constructed using titanium, cutting weight by 40% compared to conventional steel versions while retaining mechanical strength. The piston pins are given a diamond-like coating (DLC) which reduces friction resulting in superior fuel consumption and performance.
Additionally, the cylinder heads have been redesigned, and the DLC-coated cams now control the valve stems using DLC steel sliding finger followers, a feature previously only seen in Ferrari’s F1 cars.
Together with the reengineered intake system, Ferrari reports that the new V12 is able to deliver 819bhp and 513lb-ft of torque, with maximum revs at 9,500rpm, providing “a rising crescendo of torque delivery (that) unleashes a feeling of progressive and boundless power and acceleration.”
The engine is also complemented with the 812 Superfast’s seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, but which is calibrated here to shift 5% faster. The result? 0-62mph (100km/h) in 2.85 seconds, 0-124mph (200km/h) in 7.7 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 211mph (340km/h).
Compared to the old 812 Superfast, the 812 Competizione has had its profile significantly revised to make it even more aerodynamic. In the front end, its front diffuser has been repositioned and there are new S-shaped side vortex generators to increase front downforce. It is in the rear however where the most drastic changes are seen in Ferrari’s bid to improve aerodynamic performance. The new rectangular tailpipes are vertically positioned to maximise the volume of air which is required by the larger rear diffuser. There’s also an enlarged rear spoiler, extending the car’s entire width and positioned higher to increase downforce.
Then we have perhaps the most striking feature of the Competizione, the rear screen, positioned where the rear window would be and featuring six vortex generators to disrupt airflow and increase the pressure over the rear axle for even greater rear downforce.
Apart from the open-top design and lack of rear vortex generators, the 812 Competizione and Competizione A are essentially the same in terms of features. The 812 Competizione A features a targa-style roof rather than the folding fabric roofs we see in convertibles these days. This could be in-line with Ferrari’s racing DNA as the targa allows driver and passenger to get fesh air without compromising on much of the vehicle’s weight, structural integrity, or rollover protection. Instead of a piece of fabric, the roof consists of a removable carbon-fibre panel that can be stowed in the rear of the 812 Competizione A. The roll hoops which jut out behind the seats are also made of carbo fibre and connects seamlessly with the roof panel when deployed.
In place of the vortex generators, the 812 Competizione A has a bridge which helps direct air towards the rear spoiler while compensating for the increased drag that results from a targa-style roof.
Both vehicles will come standard with independent four-wheel steering, all of Ferrari’s acclaimed electronic driving assistance features and the latest version of its Side Slip Control system for easy handling whether on the road or track.
These new Ferraris will be produced in limited numbers with only 999 units of the coupe variant and 599 of the open-top car. These numbers no doubt contributed to their extraordinary asking prices. The Competizione starts off at US$598,567 while the Competizione A costs US$694,549. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to get your hands on one of these magnificent stallions, all vehicles have already been sold ahead of their expected delivery date in late 2022. All we can do is wait and hope that one of these beauties end up at auctions in a couple of years.
For more information on these additions to the prancing horse’s stables, head over to their website.