If we’re the gambling type, we will wager that a good majority of us weren’t even born yet when Ferrari last mounted a V12 in the front of its roadster. Although Ferrari continued to plop in the V12 in hard-topped and limited-edition convertibles. The last series-production convertible was the 365 GTS4, or better known as the Daytona Spider. Perhaps, that car was a tough act to follow, but it took Ferrari a whole 50 years just to create its ‘successor’, the Ferrari 812 GTS.
Debuted last year, the Ferrari 812 GTS is really the 812 Superfast with a roof that you can tuck neatly behind the cabin. For that to happen, Ferrari needed to redesign the entire backend of the car, including the roof, tonneau cover and the boot. However, it is the two buttresses and the side windows that ultimately give the 812 GTS a visual identity that’s specific to only the spider.
Style aside, turning the coupe into a convertible meant that some aerodynamic parts had to go. The deletion of the Superfast rear wheel arch by-pass duct is compensated with the integration of a triplane wing into the rear diffuser. This, together with the resculpting of the tonneau cover surfaces, creates suction that replaces the lost downforce from the underbody. Surplus pressure build-up in the wheel well is ushered out through the air vents on top of the rear flank, effectively cutting drag.
Because no one like to step out of a convertible looking like t-shirts after a spin-dry cycle, Ferrari’s aerodynamicists worked to channel air away from the cabin. They’ve added bits and pieces that reduces turbulence in the cabin and aerodynamic noise so you can still have a chat while driving fast.
And the Ferrari 812 GTS can do ‘fast’ very well. Sitting in front of the firewall is a 6.5-litre V12 engine that pushes 789hp at a lofty 8,500rpm and 718Nm at a heavenly 8,900rpm. The engine is machined to deliver 80 per cent of the torque at 3,500rpm, so expect massive g-forces under acceleration.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box that shifts quicker than you can think, depending on the Manettino settings. This super-convertible will do 0-100kph in under 3.0 seconds, and 0-100kph in 8.3 seconds. Top speed is billed at over 340kph.
Extracting tremendous speed from the engine is one thing, controlling it is quite another. Version 5.0 of Ferrari’s patented SSC, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system and the Electric Power Steering ensures the convertible is agile and responsive. The 812 GTS is also equipped with the Ferrari Peak Performance that lets the driver know the car is close to losing traction and aiding the driver to take control of the Ferrari.
The cost of having the Ferrari 812 GTS in your driveway starts from RM1,538,000 before duties, taxes and insurance. The price quickly more than doubles as soon as you load the car with customisation options. Be that as it may, ponying up the money for a car that took 50 years in the making might be worth it.
If you’re interested, you could make an appointment for a private viewing at the Ferrari Malaysia Showroom. Act fast because it’ll only be here till the end of the month. But if you want a Ferrari that isn’t so pricey but could still give you infinite headspace, try the Ferrari F8 Spider.
