GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ferrari reveals 588kW 812 Superfast

Ferrari will reveal its fastest, most powerful supercar in its 70-year history next month at the Geneva motor, it has been announced.

Called the 812 Superfast, the Italian car maker has released pics and full specification of the powerful two-door coupe that's set to rival the recently revised Lamborghini Aventador S.

Like the Lambo, despite its name, the 812 Superfast isn't all-new.

Instead it is a thoroughly reworked version of the current F12 Berlinetta.

Re-clothed in a more aerodynamic skin, the 812 Superfast gains a larger, even more powerful 6.5-litre V12 in place of the old car's 6.3-litre.

Now said to be the most powerful front-mounted engine fitted to any production vehicle, the normally aspirated V12 produces a mighty 588kW/718Nm up from the 574kW/705Nm the F12tdf produced.

Combined with a seven-speed gearbox that now shifts quicker, the 812 Superfast is claimed to hit 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and top out at more than 340km/h – impressive figures that match the pace of the F12tdf, despite the 812 Superfast weighing in at 1525kg – 110kg heavier than the stripped-out F12.

Helping keep the 812 Superfast stable at high speeds is the coupe's completely rethought aero that incorporates new active aerodynamic flaps under the body that increase downforce when needed and reduce drag when not.

Other revisions over the old car sees the introduction of a new electric power steering system. The reason for the switch from the old car's hydraulic set-up wasn't, for once, driven by the need to cut fuel use.

The new rack allows Ferrari to introduce its Slide Slip Control system to the big coupe for the first time. This allows for not only faster lap times, as the system enhances traction, but also more controlled drifting.

As well as the new active chassis tech, the 812 Superfast also comes with an updated version of the F12tdf's four-wheel steering. Updated for the new car, Ferrari claim the Virtual Short Wheelbase improves handling and quickens the steering response.

Inside, the old F12's interior has been overhauled with the introduction of a redesigned instrument panel, new steering wheel, updated infotainment system and redesigned controls for the air conditioning. Even the seats are new.

Ferrari says it will launch its 812 Superfast in a new special colour, Rosso Settanta, that's claimed will mark the company's 70th anniversary.

Ferrari hasn't revealed pricing yet for its heavily updated V12 coupe, but in Europe a price rise is expected meaning Australian buyers will most likely pay more than $690,745 (plus on-road costs) Ferrari Australia charges for the current F12 Berlinetta.