Ferrari's new 812 Competizione is faster than Superfast

Singapore

FERRARI livestreamed the launch of its new 812 Competizione on Wednesday, a car based on its 812 Superfast but lighter, more powerful and faster around the racing circuit. And then it unveiled a surprise in the form of the 812 Competizione A, a variant with removable roof panels (the "A" stands for aperta, Italian for "open") for the driver who wants to know what that wind-in-the hair feeling is like above 340km/h.

With 830 horsepower from a 6.5-litre V12 engine, the 812 Competizione pair can accelerate to 200km/h in a stomach-churning 7.5 seconds.

Various new technologies help them lap a race track effortlessly. Their rear wheels steer automatically at independent angles, for example, to sharpen the way the Ferraris dive into corners while making them more stable.

Another innovation: the Competizione has no rear window. Instead, an aluminium panel with curved winglets shapes the airflow above the car to make the rear wing more effective at pushing it to the tarmac. The driver sees out the back with a camera system.

Ferrari is building both in limited numbers. Chief marketing and commercial officer Enrico Galliera said at the streamed event that the factory will start assembling 999 examples of the coupe version in the first quarter of next year.

Only 599 of the open-top version will ever leave the Ferrari plant.

The Business Times estimates that the cars could cost S$1.6 million to S$1.8 million here before optional extras or Certificate Of Entitlement. Not that it matters, because before taking questions from the press, Mr Galliera unveiled another surprise.

"They are both sold out," he said. "We contacted our clients before (the launch), giving them the right of first refusal. And of course, their reaction has been incredible."

Talk about making a very fast profit.