What We Like
Sensational performance from its V12 powerplant
Sublime handling that is perfectly balanced
Really lives up to its name
What We Dislike
It's just as well that the latest Ferrari supercar is called the Superfast, because that's what we needed to be in order to complete our experience of driving it around the track and make our flight back home.
Ferrari had invited us to the Sepang International Circuit to sample their all new V12 wonder. But our flight into Kuala Lumpur was delayed due to bad weather, and by the time we touched down, time was not on our side, and we really had to pick up the pace if we wanted to catch our flight back later that day.
Super fierce
So we got the introductions out of the way quickly. The 812 Superfast is the replacement for the Ferrari F12berlinetta, a car that was introduced a mere five years ago and was the most powerful Ferrari ever at the time. It has since been surpassed, of course, by the LaFerrari hypercar and, naturally, its successor here.
Like the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the 812 Superfast looks like a mere update over its predecessor, with similar styling in some places. But unlike the GTC4Lusso, however, the differences on the 812 Superfast are somewhat more noticeable.
It feels as though the Superfast is like a more aggressive version of the F12, with bold slash lines sweeping across and upwards on the doors. The rear end now features quad taillights, and the 'fierce' factor is further emphasised by the air vents on the bonnet and the new rear diffuser. It's not just for show, of course, for all of these bits are there for aerodynamic purposes.
Super snug
The interior of the Superfast has been refreshed as well, although it still looks reasonably familiar to the F12. It's not a dramatic difference, just the little bits here and there, like the updated controls and displays, which help keep the cabin looking modern and fresh.
Like any good Ferrari, you sit snug in the driver's seat, low down but with a good view out. Most of the controls are on the steering wheel itself, which can be a tad intimidating for the first-time Ferrari driver like me, but it doesn't take long for one to get used to them.
Once you've settled into position, though, just push the button on the centre console into Drive and off you go.
Ferrari had invited us to the Sepang International Circuit to sample their all new V12 wonder. But our flight into Kuala Lumpur was delayed due to bad weather, and by the time we touched down, time was not on our side, and we really had to pick up the pace if we wanted to catch our flight back later that day.
Super fierce
So we got the introductions out of the way quickly. The 812 Superfast is the replacement for the Ferrari F12berlinetta, a car that was introduced a mere five years ago and was the most powerful Ferrari ever at the time. It has since been surpassed, of course, by the LaFerrari hypercar and, naturally, its successor here.
Like the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the 812 Superfast looks like a mere update over its predecessor, with similar styling in some places. But unlike the GTC4Lusso, however, the differences on the 812 Superfast are somewhat more noticeable.
It feels as though the Superfast is like a more aggressive version of the F12, with bold slash lines sweeping across and upwards on the doors. The rear end now features quad taillights, and the 'fierce' factor is further emphasised by the air vents on the bonnet and the new rear diffuser. It's not just for show, of course, for all of these bits are there for aerodynamic purposes.
Super snug
The interior of the Superfast has been refreshed as well, although it still looks reasonably familiar to the F12. It's not a dramatic difference, just the little bits here and there, like the updated controls and displays, which help keep the cabin looking modern and fresh.
Like any good Ferrari, you sit snug in the driver's seat, low down but with a good view out. Most of the controls are on the steering wheel itself, which can be a tad intimidating for the first-time Ferrari driver like me, but it doesn't take long for one to get used to them.
Once you've settled into position, though, just push the button on the centre console into Drive and off you go.
Super power
And go you shall. The 812 Superfast rockets from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and can go on to a top speed of 340km/h. All that courtesy of the upgraded V12 that has been bored out to 6.5 litres, up from 6.3 litres previously on the F12, and the result is a car that can produce 789bhp and 740Nm of torque.
But it's not the outright speed that took my breath away. The Superfast felt tremendously composed in its handling, with a fluidity and sharpness that felt like nothing that I've ever experienced before. It was almost like the car could do anything, at any speed, and all you had to do was tell it where to go and it will execute your command like clockwork.
I wasn't even in full-fledged Sport or Race mode, having decided to leave the car in Auto in order to ease myself into my virgin Ferrari track experience. Everything about the Superfast was bullet-sharp, from the brakes to the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It even has electronic rear wheel steering, which goes some way towards explaining why the Superfast is able to pivot around corners like a compact hot hatchback.
I was given about four laps around Sepang with the Superfast, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. The electric power steering (a Ferrari first) was utterly precise like a well-oiled machine, and the power was intoxicating down the long straights. I stepped out of the car with a satisfied grin, and most definitely wanting more.
Super sensational
For my first experience driving a Ferrari, I certainly couldn't ask for more. The 812 Superfast is a phenomenal track machine that is sensational enough to delight any enthusiast. It offers a superb balance of speed and precision to make it a truly complete supercar that is absolutely right up there with the very best.
And in case you were wondering, yes we did make it in time for our flight home. Guess the Superfast really did live up to its name then.
And go you shall. The 812 Superfast rockets from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and can go on to a top speed of 340km/h. All that courtesy of the upgraded V12 that has been bored out to 6.5 litres, up from 6.3 litres previously on the F12, and the result is a car that can produce 789bhp and 740Nm of torque.
But it's not the outright speed that took my breath away. The Superfast felt tremendously composed in its handling, with a fluidity and sharpness that felt like nothing that I've ever experienced before. It was almost like the car could do anything, at any speed, and all you had to do was tell it where to go and it will execute your command like clockwork.
I wasn't even in full-fledged Sport or Race mode, having decided to leave the car in Auto in order to ease myself into my virgin Ferrari track experience. Everything about the Superfast was bullet-sharp, from the brakes to the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It even has electronic rear wheel steering, which goes some way towards explaining why the Superfast is able to pivot around corners like a compact hot hatchback.
I was given about four laps around Sepang with the Superfast, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. The electric power steering (a Ferrari first) was utterly precise like a well-oiled machine, and the power was intoxicating down the long straights. I stepped out of the car with a satisfied grin, and most definitely wanting more.
Super sensational
For my first experience driving a Ferrari, I certainly couldn't ask for more. The 812 Superfast is a phenomenal track machine that is sensational enough to delight any enthusiast. It offers a superb balance of speed and precision to make it a truly complete supercar that is absolutely right up there with the very best.
And in case you were wondering, yes we did make it in time for our flight home. Guess the Superfast really did live up to its name then.
