A 1997 Toyota Century, the only V12-powered front-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car from Japan, has made its approach to the United States and is presently up on the market. Titled in Massachusetts, this right-hand drive luxurious limo affords a glimpse into the unique world of high-ranking enterprise folks, authorities officers, and even the Japanese Royal household, who’ve historically been the proud homeowners of the distinguished Century collection. And it does so at an affordable value.
The odometer of this explicit automobile reads roughly 218,700 kilometers, translating to round 135,900 miles. A testomony to its well-maintained historical past, the promoting supplier highlights that no modifications have been made to the automobile, preserving its originality. The automobile has a metric instrument cluster and comes geared up with manufacturing facility options that embrace 16-inch wheels, a soft-close trunk, leather-based upholstery, a digital instrument panel, heated entrance and rear seats, a entrance passenger’s seatback pass-through, massaging and reclining rear seats, computerized local weather management, power-operated rear curtain, and rear air-con and radio controls.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a powerful and comfortable grand tourer that is perfect for long-distance drives.
It builds upon the success of its predecessor, the F12, with updated mechanical parts, rear-wheel steering, and improved design and build quality.
The 812 Superfast stands out with its naturally aspirated V12 engine, making it the most powerful grand tourer available and capable of outperforming many supercars.
Ferrari is well-known for its high-end supercars, rooted in racing heritage. From mid-engine supercars to front-engine GTs, Ferrari’s cars have always embodied a racing identity. Ferrari has been a pioneer in the Grand Tourer segment, which consists of powerful and fast yet luxurious and comfortable cars, along with models from Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, and Aston Martin. However, the Ferrari 812 Superfast offers a unique option in today’s market. It continues Ferrari’s long legacy of producing grand tourers, making it a perfect choice for long-distance drives with its captivating sound when cruising down the Autobahn.
In the 1950s, Ferrari first introduced front-engine road cars, known as V12-powered GT cars. The Ferrari 166, produced from 1948 to 1950 with only 38 examples, was the first Ferrari grand tourer. It featured a 2.0-liter V12 engine producing 90 horsepower and had a top speed of 93 mph, which was impressive for its time. Since then, Ferrari has continuously manufactured V12-powered grand tourers. The latest addition to this lineage is the 812 Superfast, equipped with a V12 engine that produces nearly 9 times the power of its predecessors. It offers an exhilarating driving experience, comfort, and the ability to cover long distances quickly.
The Ferrari 599 was the first V12 front-engine Ferrari to offer an automatic transmission. While it originally offered a manual transmission, most buyers preferred the convenience of an automatic, resulting in the majority of cars being sold with an automatic transmission. The F12 marked a significant shift in this platform, as it was the first Ferrari Grand Tourer to only offer a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This new transmission improved driving engagement and overall performance without compromising comfort and luxury. The F12 also featured modern technology and better build quality, keeping Ferrari’s famous V12 engine and upholding the Grand Tourer legacy.
The 812 Superfast, the latest Ferrari Grand Tourer, refines the successful elements of the F12. It retains the long hood design, suggesting the presence of a powerful engine. The body lines have been improved, integrating aero parts into the bodywork. The mechanical components have been updated, including the addition of rear-wheel steering for enhanced handling and maneuverability.
The 812 Superfast offers a comfortable ride, with a “bumpy road” mode that softens the suspension, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, when needed, the car can deliver balanced and precise performance. The hatch design provides ample luggage space for two people, allowing for stylish and convenient traveling. With its exceptional performance capabilities, the 812 Superfast can achieve speeds faster than most other road cars, given the appropriate driving conditions.
Ferrari is known for its powerful V12 engines, and the 812 Superfast continues this tradition. While many car manufacturers are downsizing engines or adding twin turbos for increased performance, Ferrari remains committed to its V12 engines. The 812 Superfast is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 789 horsepower and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It may not be the most powerful V12 Ferrari anymore, but it remains the most powerful grand tourer available.
Engine Specifications
Engine
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement
6.5 liters
Power
789 horsepower
Torque
530 pound-feet
Transmission
Seven-speed dual-clutch
Layout
Front engine Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
2.9 seconds
Top Speed
211 MPH
Compared to competitors such as Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes, the 812 Superfast offers more power despite not having forced induction or electrification. It remains the quintessential grand tourer, blending power, speed, and luxury in its purest form. Most cars that surpass the 812 in terms of power and speed are hypercars that come with multi-million dollar price tags.
Versatility: Daily, Track Toy, And Autobahn Slayer
Ferrari
Only a few cars can successfully combine the attributes of a comfortable grand tourer, a track-focused sports car, and a high-speed performer capable of reaching speeds above 200 mph. The Ferrari 812 Superfast excels in all these aspects. In daily use, it can be set in “bumpy road” mode, offering one of the most comfortable rides among road cars. In wet conditions, the car can be switched to “wet” mode, activating Ferrari’s advanced systems to ensure safety. On the track, the 812 Superfast transforms into a formidable machine, capable of achieving lap times comparable to other supercars. In fact, it was only 1.8 seconds slower than the hybrid LaFerrari supercar on Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. With enough open road, the 812 Superfast can reach a top speed of 211 mph, surpassing many supercars and leaving other grand tourers far behind.
To further enhance the grand touring experience, Ferrari has introduced the 812 GTS, an open-top version of the 812 Superfast. While Ferrari has previously offered limited-edition open-top models, the 812 GTS is the first modern convertible series production Ferrari GT in 50 years. Its retractable hardtop roof maintains the beautiful lines of the 812, giving it a distinctive look both with the top up and down. Although the convertible feature adds weight, it doesn’t compromise the car’s performance or driving characteristics. Owners can choose between the comfort of a closed cabin or the open-air experience, all while enjoying the powerful roar of the V12 engine.
Among the sea of fast GT cars, supercars, and super sedans, the Ferrari 812 Superfast stands out as a true unicorn. Its versatility makes it the most adaptable car in its class, suitable for city driving, road trips, track days, and high-speed cruising on the Autobahn. However, owning this exceptional vehicle comes with a price tag of around $400,000.
In October 2017, Mercedes said goodbye to the V12-powered G-Class with a G65 Final Edition. Fast forward to June 2023, the G500 V8 Final Edition marked the end of the road for the non-AMG eight-cylinder model. While the G63 is still available, the iconic off-roader is also getting smaller. In 2024, there will be a G-Class variant that has no combustion engine at all. The electric G-Class was shown in prototype form at IAA Munich and will soon be closer to production.
Two years after revealing the Concept EQG at the same event, Mercedes is now showcasing a prototype of the electric SUV that is very close to the final production version. Mercedes has announced that visitors to the IAA event will have the opportunity to see the electric G-Class up close “months before its worldwide debut next year.” No further details have been provided, but it is confirmed that the conventional gasoline-powered G-Class will also continue to be available.
Ferrari continues to use a modified Roma as a test mule for what we highly suspect is a new V12-powered model. This latest spy video catches it leaving the brand’s headquarters in Maranello.
This car wears a different nose than a standard Roma. The distinctive shark-nosed shape is no longer present. Instead, there are inlets on the outer sides and a wide central opening with no mesh covering it. The headlights seem to be the same as those found on the Roma.
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