Extreme Ferrari 812 Versione Speciale on way

Ferrari has confirmed it will launch an even faster special-edition version of the Ferrari 812 Superfast that will be named the 812 'Versione Speciale' and unveiled in Europe as early as next month.

The news Ferrari is secretly developing a more extreme, track-focused (and strictly limited-run) version of its V12-powered coupe was revealed after Ferrari's marketing boss, Enrico Galliera, sent a video announcing the new model to VIP customers – which was subsequently leaked online by an Instagram user.

As part of the video, recorded at Enzo Ferrari's office near the famous Fiorano test track, Galliera announced the 2021 Ferrari 812 Versione Speciale but did not reveal how it would take shape.

Instead, he told his audience of Ferrari collectors that it would not be a "normal model" and that the development of the V12 Ferrari "represents a breakthrough".

Following on from the Ferrari 458 Speciale (2013-2015), it's believed the new model the Italian supercar marque is hatching will be a direct rival for cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and McLaren 765LT.

This means we expect the regular Ferrari 812 Superfast to have been placed on a diet to lose as much as 100kg from its kerb weight.

Next, engineers are thought to have uncorked the already-mighty naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 to produce more power. Currently it musters 588kW and 718Nm of torque, but some are tipping the big Ferrari to come with north of 600kW.

Justifying a price tag likely to exceed $1 million Down Under, the final parts of the Ferrari 812 Versione Speciale puzzle will be a comprehensive chassis tune and motorsport-inspired aerodynamics that could include active wind-bending.

Initially, the 812 Versione Speciale will be offered as a coupe, but once launched a convertible variant is also set to follow, based on the current 812 GTS.

Ferrari says it will pull the drapes off the fastest, most extreme version of the 812 Superfast in Europe's spring, suggesting a launch in a matter of weeks.