FERRARI 812
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
Essentially an open-top, roadster version of the 812 Superfast, the Ferrari 812 GTS hasn’t had a direct predecessor for over half a century.
To be more exact, save for a few special limited edition models, Ferrari last offered a convertible with a front-mounted V12 engine back in 1969, with the 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spyder after Maranello’s victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
The model uses a retractable hardtop that can be opened in just 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 45 kph. Its electrically heated rear screen also acts as a wind-stop when the top is down, keeping the interior wind-free in convertible mode. Since the car is based on the 812 Superfast, most of its technical details are borrowed straight from the grand tourer, including its screaming naturally aspirated V12. The 812 GTS powertrain develops no less than 800 horsepower and 718 Nm of torque, while the rev limit is a stratospheric 8900 rpm. Despite being high-revving, approximately 80 percent of its maximum torque is available at as low as 3500 rpm for improved drivability at lower speeds. Despite a weight increase of 75 kg, caused by the extra strength added to the chassis, the Ferrari 812 GTS can accelerate almost as quick as the 812 Superfast. It can go from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 3 seconds, while its top speed is identical to the berlinetta at 340 kph.
Most of the Ferrari in history had a specific appeal, and they were significant for their times, but when it introduced a flagship model, it was a stunning appearance such as the 2017 812 Superfast.
Ferrari always was a symbol of power, performance, beauty, and speed, and the 812 was all of that. It was premiered at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, and it was the fastest, quickest, and most potent in the Ferrari’s 70 years history. It goes without saying that it was packed with race-inspired technologies.
The Ferrari Styling Center, led by Flavio Manzoni, designed the lines of the 812. At the front, the design team incorporated air-intakes next to the LED-headlights, and the V-shapes over the hood diverted the air around the cabin. On the sides, the air escaped through the air-vents behind the front wheels flow toward the rear over sculptured door panels, diverted over the rear shoulders. Manzoni took its inspiration from past glorious models such as the 1969 365 GTB for the back’s high tail. In the rear, the four-round taillights were already traditional for the Italian brand.
Inside, the car featured a pair of sport bucket seats with high bolstering on the sides. The dashboard was curved and clean, without any big-screen infotainment systems. Like the F12 TDF before, there was a small screen in front of the passenger displaying the information for the audio system. The instrument cluster featured a big, center tachometer with a yellow dial and a red needle and two side TFT screens for other onboard computer data.
Under the hood, Ferrari installed a naturally aspirated V12 engine that provided 800 hp at 8.500 rpm. It was mated to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox.