The flagship V12 Ferrari is heavily loaded but stunningly fast and extremely exciting on UK roads. Certainly not an everyday driver - but all the more epic as a result

What is it?

The Ferrari 812 Superfast makes a bit of a mockery of the way we classify the exotic car market. We call it a "super GT" because it has a long V12 engine up front and a boot at the back, and that's why cars like the Aston Martin Vanquish S compare most closely. And, for obvious reasons, we expect it to be primarily fit for the purposes of a quick tour.

But, like every one of its direct predecessors I've ever driven, going back to the 575M, the 812 Superfast doesn't want to fit in. It has its own agenda, its own reasons for doing so - and they're pretty compelling reasons. Because it's Maranello's most powerful and expensive production model; it's nothing like any other GT car on sale. It feels wide on the road and is as fast and exciting as any mid-engined supercar you're ever capable of driving - let alone more heavily laden than many.

Our first trip on Italian roads came last June, when the new electric power steering and re-tuned four-wheel steering system seemed to combine very cleverly to address the dynamic shortcomings of the limited-run F12tdf. The 812 then felt like a more natural feeling, rounded car to drive even the F12.

But what about British roads, right-hand drive - and a freezing, cold day in March?

What is it?

I'm not sure "rounded" is how I'd put it. Stick the shocks on a "bumpy road" and the suspension deals with highways and well surfaced A-roads. Here the driven axle is kept in constant enough contact with the Tarmac to give you the confidence to start exploring what this engine is capable of.

And, my word, it's an incredible engine; one of such power that penetrates the bottom half of the throttle stroke are rare - and induce a deep breath. At half throttle from city gears, you'll drop through second and third gear and go fast enough to keep your enthusiasm up before you've blinked. Wipe full throttle toward 9000 rpm and you'll be stunned by this car's tremendous, linear pace - and left in awe with its musical aggression.

It's unlikely to risk those heady journeys on less than immaculately pressing crossroads. Even at its softest, the 812's suspension is firm to the point that it's a jostling, nerve-testing ride at times. Its ride and its handling are both particularly reactive over bumps, taken at pace when those extra-wide front wheels can start to tramline. At that point the car's steering - whose straightness isn't really an issue elsewhere, thanks to plenty of weight and good centre stability - just starts to burst the bubble. The rear suspension, meanwhile - on whose lateral stiffness the car's super-impressive handling is built - can compound the offense by making that body noise and not tying me together over the same bumps that deflected the steering a moment earlier.

The end result? That you drive the 812 Superfast down a B-road test in particular reminds you of Owen Wilson's Armageddon movie line. when he's not sure if he's 98% excited and 2% scared, or if it's the other way around."

Look for surfaces and rides that are right for it, though, and this car will amaze you time and time again. Handling response and turn-in acumen as well as lateral grip and balance, it feels like it gives up absolutely nothing to the best mid-engined supercars and road machines.

This will make you look further to be sure of that, because you can't get to the limits of 812 on the road. You can, however, enjoy a sense of agility and desire that can't be matched by anything else on four wheels. Partnered with the aforementioned performance, which is equally breathtaking for its style and for its range, making for a driving experience that will keep you awake at night. For all the right reasons.

Should I buy one?

The 812 Superfast is every inch the car the name suggests it will be. It's not as easy to drive as it is, and can be distinct and imposing. But it's so intoxicating and such an epic thrill - even on the road, where the limits of its performance and handling capabilities are far beyond your reach - that you'd make great allowances for it. You'd embrace the chassis compromise, respect it and use it intelligently.

Then to dive into the wild side of the car with a full Autocar test, with benchmark times on the scooter and everything else that comes with it. So far, we've uncovered enough cause for concern about the 812's UK touring blend to justify returning the half-star recognition we played last year.

And once we test it, what is the car's ability to move on the road? I feel like the final calculation should be a very interesting discussion indeed.

Engine data

Engine V12, 6496cc, atmospheric, petrol;

Power 789 hp at 8500 rpm;

Torque 530 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. /

Min; Gearbox 7-spd dual clutch automatic;

Kerb weight 1630 kg; 0-62 km/h 2.9 sec;

Top speed 211mph;

Economy 19.0mpg (NEDC combined with HELE);

CO2 emission rate 340 g/km;

Rivals Lamborghini Aventador S, Aston Martin Vancouver C

5/5 - (1 vote)

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