Leaving in style is sometimes the best reason for going anywhere. Maybe that is why Ferrari has engineered such a potent launch control system on the new 812 Superfast. Even bad cars have some form of traction system, using throttle of ignition timing to keep the wheels from spinning. But launch control is another story. Trying to send anything over 400 horsepower to the pavement with street tires can be a recipe for burning rubber. For cars without all-wheel drive, the trick is in holding the engine at the right RPM. If it’s too low you will bog the launch and embarrass yourself. Revving too high and you will smoke them.
Ferrari has made sure the new 812 Superfast can make an exit. Engineers in Maranello are obsessed with traction, which is why launching a used F12berlinetta scared me like nothing else. But the new car has a 6.5 liter V12 instead of 6.3, which offers 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. No turbos to spool, or superchargers to whine, it is all motor all the time. A manual transmission would not live very long at these power levels, so the only gearbox offered is a 7-speed dual clutch. The factory claims it is capable of reaching 62 MPH in only 2.9 seconds, and one lucky driver took us along for the ride. In a video uploaded by Motorsport Magazine, the incredible acceleration can be witnessed. Rolling into the skinny pedal at 3,000 rpm, it looks like 2nd gear arrives before 60 mph. If money wasn’t a consideration I would attempt to foot-brake it with drag radials, but maybe that is a goal for retirement. You can’t deny the abilities of Ferrari’s latest flagship, so turn up the audio and listen to a proper exit. Stay with us for all your Ferrari updates.
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