Best Car Reviews - 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast

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Introduction

The 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast is a front-mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive grand touring coupe built for drivers who want an uncompromising naturally aspirated V12 experience. It combines supercar acceleration with a two-seat cabin and more luggage space than many exotic rivals. For 2020, the single 812 Superfast coupe remained essentially unchanged, preserving its dramatic styling, 6.5-litre V12, and exceptionally broad performance envelope.

Design and Exterior Features

The 812 Superfast has a long, sculpted nose, compact glasshouse, muscular rear haunches, and a short tail that give it a classic front-engined Ferrari proportion with an aggressively modern finish. At approximately 4.66 metres long, it is a substantial two-seater rather than a tiny track special. Its bodywork was designed as a major evolution of the Ferrari F12berlinetta, with more purposeful aerodynamic detailing, pronounced wheel arches, and an integrated rear diffuser. The appearance is expressive, but the shapes also support high-speed stability and cooling.

Long-bonnet, fastback grand touring coupe profile
LED headlights and LED rear lighting
20-inch wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes
Integrated rear diffuser, lip spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets
Extensive Ferrari personalization choices for paint, wheels, calipers, and carbon-fibre details

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is designed around the driver, with a low seating position, a compact steering wheel carrying many primary controls, and a broad passenger-side display area. Leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre, and contrasting stitching allow a highly individual specification, while fit and finish feel suitably special. It is still an exotic performance car, so entry is low and road noise can be present, but the 812 is more usable than many supercars. The two-seat layout provides reasonable room and an unusually practical cargo area for this class.

Two-seat layout with supportive power-adjustable front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather- and Alcantara-trim options with extensive customization
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Useful front luggage capacity for weekend trips

Performance and Handling

The 812 Superfast uses a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated, direct-injected V12 producing 788 hp and 529 lb-ft of torque in U.S. specification, with power sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Ferrari quoted 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, while independent testing recorded 0-60 mph in about 2.8 seconds. Rear-wheel steering, adaptive damping, an electronic differential, and Ferrari’s Side Slip Control help make the enormous output more manageable on fast roads. Around town it is wide, low, and demands attention over rough surfaces, but it settles into a surprisingly capable long-distance GT on open highways. Fuel use is predictably high: the EPA combined figure converts to about 18.1 L/100 km, while the supplied 22.9 L/100 km figure is realistic for enthusiastic driving or urban-heavy use.

6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 with 788 hp
Seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering and electronic differential
Ferrari-claimed 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds
EPA-rated 13 mpg combined, equivalent to about 18.1 L/100 km

Technology and Connectivity

The 812 Superfast focuses more on driving than screen-based technology, but its equipment is suitable for a luxury GT. The central infotainment display supports navigation and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, while a passenger display can show selected performance information. Apple CarPlay was available, but Android Auto was not offered. The digital instrument display, steering-wheel-mounted controls, parking camera, and sensors are the most useful everyday technologies.

Integrated navigation with voice activation
Bluetooth phone and music streaming
Apple CarPlay availability
Six-speaker audio system
Digital driver display and available passenger information display

Safety Features

The 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast was not given an overall crash-test rating by NHTSA or IIHS. Its safety approach relies on a rigid performance-car structure, powerful carbon-ceramic brakes, stability systems, and parking aids rather than a broad suite of active driver-assistance features. Forward-collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring were not offered. Buyers should also confirm that all applicable recall work has been completed; certain 2018-2022 812 models were recalled for a brake-fluid reservoir cap that could affect braking performance.

Front and rear parking sensors
Backup camera
Electronic stability and traction control systems
Carbon-ceramic braking system
Check VIN-specific recall completion before purchase

Pricing and Variants

The 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast had a U.S. starting price of $338,000 before options, taxes, and delivery charges. It was offered as one highly customizable coupe specification rather than a conventional trim ladder, so final prices could rise substantially with carbon-fibre components, special paint, upgraded audio, and bespoke interior materials. Its closest performance-oriented alternatives included the Lamborghini Aventador S, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, McLaren 720S, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and Bentley Continental GT Speed. The Ferrari stands apart with its high-revving V12 and front-engined GT character.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Extraordinary naturally aspirated V12 sound and response
Explosive acceleration with a highly capable chassis
Rear-wheel steering improves agility at speed
More cargo utility than most supercars
Highly customizable design and cabin specification

Cons

Very high purchase price and costly optional equipment
Heavy fuel consumption, especially in city driving
Limited modern driver-assistance technology
Wide body and low ride height reduce urban convenience
Maintenance and repair costs can be substantial after included service coverage ends

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single reliable public annual maintenance-cost estimate is not available because mileage, location, usage, options, and Ferrari dealer rates vary sharply. When new, the 812 included seven years of scheduled maintenance with unlimited mileage, which materially reduced routine service exposure during that period. For used examples, a pre-purchase inspection, complete dealer history, warranty coverage, tyre condition, brake condition, and recall verification are essential. Owner and specialist reports most often mention battery or low-voltage electrical warnings, intermittent dashboard or control-module faults, high-pressure fuel-system component concerns, oil seepage associated with engine solenoid-cover areas on earlier cars, and occasional cooling-system overflow after extreme heat or heavy use. These reports are not proof of universal defects, but they are sensible inspection points.

Rating

Overall rating: 9.2/10. Design: 9.5/10. Comfort: 8.5/10. Performance: 10/10. Technology: 7.5/10. Safety: 7.5/10. The 812 Superfast earns its high score through its remarkable V12, acceleration, chassis sophistication, and rare ability to combine theatre with genuine grand touring usefulness. Its technology and active-safety equipment are less comprehensive than newer luxury-performance cars.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centres on the emotional appeal of the naturally aspirated V12 and the unexpected usability of a very fast front-engined Ferrari. Enthusiasts generally value the steering response, high-speed confidence, and luggage space, while also acknowledging running costs, limited assistance systems, and the importance of proper servicing.

Owners frequently praise the V12 sound, throttle response, and sense of occasion
Many find the car more comfortable and practical than expected for a supercar
Drivers appreciate the stability and agility created by rear-wheel steering
Fuel cost, tyres, brakes, and out-of-warranty repairs are recurring ownership concerns
Buyers strongly value full service history, recall completion, and healthy electrical systems

Best Cars in This Category

2020 Lamborghini Aventador S
2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
2020 McLaren 720S
2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S
2020 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Summary

The 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast is best suited to well-funded enthusiasts who want a dramatic, naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari that can also cover serious distance. It is neither economical nor discreet, and it lacks the advanced assistance systems expected in newer luxury cars. Yet its combination of iconic engine character, rear-wheel-drive involvement, remarkable acceleration, and real grand touring practicality makes it one of the most compelling front-engined super-GTs of its era.