Iconic Italian sports car maker Ferrari S.p.A. - which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year - has staged the China premiere of its most powerful V12-engine production car yet at the ongoing Shanghai auto show, wowing fans in the world's largest car market.

Sporting a new 6.5-liter engine, Ferrari called the 812 Superfast a benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, ensuring a top-end performance that is the exclusive characteristic of Ferrari's V12s.

The model generates a top torque of 718 Nm at 7,000 rpm, 80 percent of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving drivability and pick-up at low revs. It has a top speed of 340 kilometers per hour and finishes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.

Ferrari said the unveiling of the new, most-powerful-yet flagship berlinetta model in this anniversary year is particularly significant, as the company has a V12 heritage dating back to its founding in 1947.

Enrico Galliera, senior vice-president for commercial and marketing of Ferrari S.p.A., said: "The V12 is the heart of our company, is the DNA of Ferrari."

The company remains to this day the only manufacturer to have consistently produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines over the past 70 years.

Like all cars with the "Prancing Horse" DNA, this new berlinetta delivers exhilarating feedback on both road and track.

The automaker said the 812 Superfast is in fact aimed at clients that demand the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range.

They want a blisteringly high-performance car, but refuse to compromise on the kind of versatility that will allow them to thoroughly appreciate driving as a 360-degree experience.

The 812 Superfast is striking for both its highly innovative design and aerodynamic package, as well as its unparalleled handling.

It is the first Ferrari to introduce electric power steering, which - in line with Ferrari tradition - is used to fully exploit the car's potential performance.

The introduction of the company's virtual short wheelbase 2.0 system combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept based on tire dimensions and rear-wheel steering.

"Driving a Ferrari is not only driving a fast sports car, it's driving something that injects emotion. The vehicle dynamics are designed to increase the pleasure to drive," said Galliera.

The 812 Superfast's aerodynamic design is part of Ferrari's commitment to improving performance with each new model, both in terms of speed and augmented vehicle dynamics for a more exhilarating driving experience.

The car delivers a record aerodynamic coefficient of 1.72, 53 percent higher than the previous model. The main contributing factor was a 65 percent increase in downforce to 210 kilograms at 200 km/h.

Ferrari is expected to start delivering the 812 Superfast in the fourth quarter, with prices starting from 5.39 million yuan ($782,747).

LaFerrari Aperta

In addition to the 812 Superfast, Ferrari is also showcasing its LaFerrari Aperta, California T, GTC4Lusso T, 488 GTB and 488 Spider Tailor-made at this year's Shanghai auto show, the most prominent car expo in China.

The LaFerrari Aperta - launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the marque this year - has the same performance figures as the LaFerrari coupe, unleashing 949 horsepower from its V12 engine and a 120-kW electric motor, whose price is over 30 million yuan.

Tailor-made offerings are another highlight, including the 488 GTB finished in Rosso Corsa and the 488 Spider in the signature green livery of the 365 P2.

Ferrari said anniversary celebrations will be held in more than 60 countries so that the marque's customers and enthusiasts can enjoy unique experiences based on the concept of "Driven by Emotion", which has been one of the pillars on which Ferrari has built its history.

In China, Ferrari is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a wide range of events. After opening with the Ferrari Owners Club of Hong Kong"70 Mile Rally" on March 18, the world's most popular track experience, "Ferrari Racing Days", will return to the Shanghai International Circuit from May 28 to 29.

In August, Ferrari car owners will have an opportunity to embark on an exciting seven-day, 1,000-km journey setting of from Xining to the Yumen Pass.

In a tribute to Ferrari journeys of years past, the expedition will retrace part of the magical route previously covered by the"15,000 Red Miles" in 2005.

[email protected]

(China Daily 04/20/2017 page11)