Ferrari reveals new limited edition 812 Competizione

Taking place at the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track, Ferrari unveiled the new V12 special series based on the 812 Superfast - the limited edition 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A. 

Focused on delivering uncompromising maximum performance, innovative technological concepts have been applied to the engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics of the car to raise the bar to new heights. 

Performance is derived from the multi-award-winning 6.5-litre V12 engine found in the 812 superfast. Here, performance from the naturally aspirated engine has been raised to 818bhp, thanks to a number of key optimisations. The redline has been raised to 9,500rpm, thanks to a redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution and cylinder heads. 

The intake system has also been redesigned - both manifold and plenum are now more compact, thus delivering more power at high revs, while the torque curve is optimised at all engine speeds by a system of variable geometry inlet tracts. A redesigned engine oil tank saves over 1kg of oil compared to the 812 Superfast, and also contributes to the overall reduction in the car's kerb weight.

The 812 Competizione also features aerodyanmic enhancements to increase cooling efficiency (to cope with the additional heat generated), as well as to increase overall downforce. 

Key to this is a new integrated air intake. Hot air coming off the radiator is expelled via vents on the bonnet either side of a central 'blade', which translates into 10% more efficient cooling of engine fluids. By adopting the new front 'Aero' calliper that debuted on the SF90 Stradale, brake cooling has also been significantly improved. Compared to the brakes on the 812 Superfast, operating temperatures have been reduced by around 30°C.  

The modifications made to the braking system also enabled the engineers to redesign the front underbody. The new layout allowed the insertion of a new S-shaped side vortex generator and ensure it works in synergy with the front diffuser. These solutions hail a significant improvement in performance - optimising the air vents contributes to a 30% increase in overall front downforce while the new side vortex generator adds a further 40%. 

The 812 Competizione's distinctive tail-end treatment incorporates a number of innovative engineering solutions regarding the exhaust layout, diffuser geometry, spoiler volume, patented rear screen and the bumper design. 

The rear screen, for the first time on a production car, is completely closed and thus allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. These vortex generators further enhance the work of the rear spoiler-diffuser system. This provides 10% of the total increase in rear downforce compared to the 812 Superfast.

The 812 Competizione also debuts many innovative components and contents to improve on its dynamic capabilities. Specifically, these include the first use of independent four-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.

Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible. With lighter components in the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell, as well as extensive use of carbon-fibre on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes, the car is 38kg lighter than the 812 Superfast. 

The 812 Competizione A provided the Ferrari Styling Centre with the opportunity to use the modifications required for the rear of the car to create a unique limited edition Targa-top version. The flying buttress concept, which has long been a much-loved part of Ferrari tradition, harmonises effortlessly with the arrow theme of the front created by the blade and lends a sense of forward thrust to the car's body, while also visually reducing the car's centre of gravity.  

With the Targa top stowed, the roll bars become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance created by the flying buttresses. This amplifies the visual lowering of the side view. In the closed configuration, the roll bars connect perfectly with the roof structure forming a seamless unit. The targa top is made from carbon-fibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. In the open-top configuration, it is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. Being able to stow the top at any time means the car can be enjoyed to the full, whatever the weather.