The hierarchy of Ferrari sports cars starts with V8 front-engine coupes and convertibles, continues with mid-engine V8 supercars, and tops out with the V12 super grand-tourers. The 2021 Ferrari 812 Superfast falls firmly into the latter group. It combines head-turning, dramatic styling with a raucous V12 engine and a world-class interior. 

The heart of the 812 Superfast is its 6.5-liter V12 engine. It is rated at 789 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, making it the second-most powerful naturally-aspirated (no turbocharging or supercharging) engine ever made. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 812 Superfast is capable of rocketing from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 2.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 211 mph, according to Ferrari. 

More than just straight-line speed, the 812 is a masterclass in cornering, thanks to its raft of advanced chassis-dynamics systems. It has a rear-wheel-steering system called Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0, designed to help it corner like a shorter supercar. It also has passive and active aerodynamics designed to improve downforce in cornering and reduce drag for high-speed runs. The 812 rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. The whole affair is brought to a swift halt thanks to Brembo Extreme Design carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 

The 812 features a modern, high-tech cockpit with elegant leather-clad bucket seats. The flat-bottom steering wheel includes the push-button start, a drive-mode selector, active damping-system toggle, and buttons for the turn signals. The instrument panel combines a traditional center-mounted tachometer, flanked by two digital screens. The left screen features instrument dials and the trip computer. The right screen is the infotainment system, operated via toggles ergonomically located to the right of the steering wheel. This infotainment system is available with Apple CarPlay. If you don’t want to pay more than $4,000 for this option, the 812 Superfast does provide voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth connectivity as standard features. 

The 812 Superfast comes equipped with a backup camera and front-and-rear parking sensors. It does not offer anything else in the way of advanced driver-assistance features. It provides 18 cubic feet of trunk space, which is better than most other supercars. 

As they say, “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” If you must know, the 2021 Ferrari 812 Superfast has a starting price of $338,000. It is backed by a three-year/unlimited mile limited warranty and powertrain warranty.