New Ferrari 812 Competizione And Competizione ‘A’ Targa Are Here To Remind Us What A V12 Is All About

Ferrari has finally revealed the name of its special edition 812: meet the new 812 Competizione and its open-top sibling, the Competizione A.

The headline figure of the new Ferrari 812 Competizione is of course the horsepower, which gets an upgraded version of the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 818 HP, instead of the Superfast’s 789 HP, while revving up to a shocking 9,500 rpm. Torque is slightly reduced from 529 lb-ft (717 Nm) to 513 lb-ft (695 Nm).

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission comes with new software that further reduces shift times by 5 percent, retaining the same ratios with the ‘regular’ 812 Superfast. Ferrari’s new 812 Competizione models claim a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time in 2.85 seconds, while flat out they’ll do over 211 mph (340 km/h).

To make a 6.5-liter V12 spin its internals at that speed, Ferrari redesigned many of its components, including new titanium con-rods that are 40 percent lighter than those in the Superfast, and a new ‘diamond-like’ carbon coating on the camshafts and the pins inside the pistons for reduced friction and more durability.

The engine revisions also include a lighter and rebalanced crankshaft while the intake now features variable geometry inlet tracts. Add to that a new exhaust system that, despite having a mandatory petrol particulate filter for Europe, makes the Ferrari V12 scream as ferociously as ever.

The new exhaust employs rectangular pipes mounted at either end of the bumper, making room for the full-width rear diffuser, which accounts for 25 percent of the total increase in downforce over the regular model. The giant new diffuser works in “perfect aerodynamic synergy” with the new full-width rear spoiler as well, guaranteeing the maximum downforce possible over the rear axle.

The front spoiler features a passive mobile aero system, which opens at speeds over 155 mph (250 km/h), stalling the diffuser and allowing the 812 Competizione to reach its top speed.

Ferrari was able to improve the cooling flow management on the 812 Competizione without increasing the dimensions and weight of the radiators. The engine air intakes are on either side of the central grille, while the evacuation of hot air was improved thanks to the vents on either side of the bonnet’s new central ‘blade’, and the louvers on the wings.

One of the most eye-catching features of the new Ferrari 812 Competizione is of course the new rear screen, which here is completely closed, freeing up space for some new aerodynamic solutions. These include three pairs of protruding elements that act as vortex generators, in order to distort the flow and redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field. Part of the flow is deflected towards the sides of the rear spoiler, boosting downforce and improving the efficiency of the diffuser. Ferrari says that these vortex generators “guarantee” 10 percent of the total increase in rear downforce, compared to the Superfast.

Other go-faster components include Ferrari’s latest Side Slip Control v. 7.0, an independent rear-wheel steering system with a new electronic management system that allows the right and left actuators to be operated individually, a set of bespoke Michelin Cup 2 R tires wrapped on all-carbon-fiber wheels, and more.

Ferrari says that it was able to reduce the weight of the 812 Competizione by 38 kg (84 lbs) compared to the Superfast, at 1,487 kg (3,278 lbs) dry, thanks to the new materials and components used in the powertrain, running gear, and bodywork.

While the new 812 Competizione and Competizione A models are described by Ferrari as “dedicated to a very exclusive group of collectors and enthusiasts of the most noble of Ferrari traditions”, they didn’t reveal exactly how many of them will be produced. If the past is any indication, we’d say that the open-top Competizione A will be the rarer one, if you care for that sort of thing.

Correction: We erroneously called the Competizione A a drop-top, but it’s technically a Targa or open-top model with a removable carbon fiber center section.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster & GT C Roadster Officially Revealed [w/Video]

Image
Mercedes finally pulled the wraps off the  AMG GT’s Roadster version  which will come in two flavors: the basic 469hp model and the range-topping 547hp GT C model. The rumors were true then, as the new AMG GT C Roadster not only offers 46hp more than the AMG GT S Coupe but also borrows some of the technology found  in the manic AMG GT R .  More specifically, the new AMG GT C comes with the GT R’s rear axle steering, electronic locking differential and a wider rear track. Torque is rated at a peak 501lb-ft (680Nm), available from just 1900rpm. Mercedes reckons it needs 3.7 seconds to hit 62mph from a standstill, with the top speed electronically limited to 196mph (316km/h). The AMG GT Roadster on the other hand requires 4 seconds flat for the 0-62 procedure and won’t stop accelerating before hitting 187mph. Both models are powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that has become the spine of AMG’s range, powering almost everything wearing their badge. As in the Coupe, a sev
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu
Read more

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as
Read more