It doesn’t seem like long ago that the Ferrari 812 Superfast hit the market but the Italian car manufacturer has already started testing its replacement. We caught our first glimpse of the new Ferrari in April 2022 before clearer images of a camouflaged prototype emerged in October. Ferrari is currently testing different mules adorned with parts from the V8-powered Roma. However, the car is noticeably larger than the Roma and the howl of the V12 is unmistakable.
Throughout this clip, the Ferrari engineer
behind the wheel drives the prototype at the limits of adhesion, frequently
kicking out the tail of the car but struggling to keep it under control at some
stages. Specifics about the V12 powering this prototype aren’t known. Ferrari’s
simplest option would be to retain the current 6.5-liter mill and simply make
some modifications to it, lifting horsepower and torque beyond the 819 hp of
the 812 Competizione. As recently as 2021 there were reports circulating that
suggested Ferrari would turbocharge its famed V12 to keep it alive for another
generation but the engine of this prototype sounds very much like a
naturally-aspirated engine.
If Ferrari does decide to advance the V12
through more than just internal upgrades, it will likely do so with the
adoption of a hybrid system. Such a system could likely lift power to around
the 900 hp mark, allowing the new car to slot nicely between the 819 hp 296 GTB
and the flagship 986 hp SF90 Stradale.
