Exactly 50 years on from the debut of of Ferrari's last V12-powered front-engine spider, the Italian marque has premiered the new 812 GTS. Launched alongside the new F8 Spider at Universo Ferrari, it is the first time that Ferrari has premiered two new models at the same time. 

The 12-cylinder engine plays a pivotal role in Ferrari's brand history. Indeed, the first production model to roll out of the Ferrari factory, the Ferrari 125, was equipped with a V12 engine. The 812 GTS hails the return of an iconic model type - the front-mounted V12 spider. The first of the kind was the 166 MM, and the last production model of that fabled lineage is the famed 1969 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spider because of Ferrari's legendary victory in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. 

Though four special series limited editions have been produced since (the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina in 2000, the Superamerica in 2005, the SA Aperta in 2010 and the F60 America in 2014), this new 812 Spider marks the return of the brand's iconic front-mounted V12 architecture to a series-production spider. Thus, the GTS designation also pays tribute to the iconic Daytona Spider. 

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre and based on the 812 Superfast, the 812 GTS echoes the language and proportions of Ferrari's front-engined V12 models without altering either its exterior dimensions or interior space and comfort. 

Similar to the F8 Spider, the 812 GTS uses a retractable hard top (RHT) that opens and closes in 14 seconds, and can be operated when driving at speeds up to 45km/h. The RHT does not impinge upon the interior dimensions, thus maintaining a roomy cockpit. The electric rear screen also acts as a wind-stop, and can be left open to allow occupants to fully take in the naturally aspirated V12's unique soundtrack. 

The draped design of the flanks visually shortens the tail and is characterised by sharply slanted crease lines and muscular wheelarches. On the 812 GTS, the entire rear of the car - roof, tonneau cover and luggage compartment - has been redesigned. The two buttresses, beneath which the roof movement mechanism is stowed, has been designed to visually embody a sense of forward thrust. When the top is dropped, the roof panels disappear beneath the tonneau cover.  

From a stylistic perspective, the rear wheelarch has lost the 812 Superfast's characteristic aerodynamic by-pass. The absence of this duct has been compensated for, however, by reconfiguring the rear diffuser which now has an additional flap. The resculpted tonneau cover surfaces and the integration of a triplane wing into the rear diffuser also allows the 812 GTS to compensate for the downforce lost by the removal of the 812 Superfast's rear wheelarch by-pass duct. This allows the 812 GTS to deliver the same performance as the coupe version with the top up and, at the same time, ensures maximum passenger comfort with the roof down. 

The new 812 GTS also features a new, highly sculptural and model-specific multi-spoke forged wheel. A choice of three versions will be offered - diamond-finish, liquid silver and Grigio Scuro. A new model-exclusive Grigio GTS paint is also available. 

Powering the 812 GTS is the brand's iconic naturally aspirated V12 engine. The 6.5-litre V12 produces a heady 788bhp and 718Nm of torque, while its 8,900rpm rev limit makes for an undiminished sporty drive and an inimitable soundtrack. 

The 812 GTS is also fitted with all of the driving control systems found in the 812 Superfast, including Electric Power Steering, Side Slip Control, as well as the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system. This allows the 812 GTS to retain the exhilirating performance, agility and response of its berlinetta brother. As a result, the 812 GTS delivers spectacular performance - 0-100km/h takes under three seconds, 0-200km/h takes 8.3 seconds, and a 340km/h top speed that matches the 812 Superfast. 

The new Ferrari 812 GTS is expected to be launched in Singapore in the first half of 2020. Similar to the F8 Spider, there is no indicative local pricing, but the car is priced in Italy roughly 11% more than the equivalent 812 Superfast.