New Ferrari 812 Competizione gets 610kW V12

Full details of the new 2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione have been revealed, along with the revelation the famous Italian car-maker will offer its hard-core 812 as both a coupe and open-top Aperta.

Limited to just 999 units of the Ferrari 812 Competizione and just 599 units of the targa-style 812 Competizione A, prices are said to start at €499,000 ($A770,000) for the coupe and €578,000 ($A895,000) for the convertible.

However, all are believed to have been sold before deliveries begin early 2022.

Previewed last month, until now Ferrari was hesitant to give its faster, more powerful and lighter take on the already fearsome 812 Superfast a name, referring to it as a 'Versione Speciale'.

The new Competizione resurrects a name already seen on the iconic 275 and legendary F40.

It was created to be the "ultimate expression" of Ferrari's already extreme front-engined coupe, with power from the naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 boosted from 588kW to 610kW.

To generate the extra oomph, a huge amount of re-engineering has been undertaken, including equipping the big V12 with new con-rods and pistons, and redesigning the intake manifold to include variable-geometry inlet tracts.

Finally, a lighter new crankshaft and a few tweaks to the ECU complete the upgrades.

The result is an engine that can rev to a stratospheric 9500rpm, making it Ferrari's highest-revving production engine to date.

To help it rev so high, the engine runs special low-viscosity oil that cuts frictional losses.

The only drawback is the standard car's 718Nm torque peak shrinks to 692Nm.

Like the regular 812 Superfast, the Competizione version uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that's been tweaked to offer shift times five per cent quicker.

With extra power and less weight, Ferrari says the 812 Competizione can smash the 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.85 seconds and top out at more than 340km/h.

That's 0.05sec quicker than the 812 Superfast, with the same top speed.

If that doesn't sound impressive enough, from rest to 200km/h the extreme V12-powered coupe is 0.4sec quicker, with the Competizione set to offer more explosive in-gear acceleration.

Improving its handling on road and track, Ferrari has added rear steering to the 812's armoury that's claimed to boost agility and steering responses while improving grip on the rear axle.

For those who like to go sideways, the 812 Competizione gets Ferrari's latest 7.0 version of its Side Slip Control traction management system that now also controls its four-wheel steering.

Slashing around 38kg from the dry kerb weight, the 812 Competizione tips the scales at 1487kg.

Ferrari has saved weight by using forged aluminium wheels, carbon-fibre panels, a 12-volt lithium-ion battery and lightweight engine parts, like the titanium con-rods.

A further 3.7kg can be saved if buyers tick the box for the carbon-fibre wheels.

With less weight and more straight-line speed, Ferrari has completely revised the 812's air-bending features.

There's now a new front bumper that has grown wider air intakes and sports a deeper front splitter.

A large carbon-fibre blade integrated within the bonnet, plus extra louvres on the fenders also help expel hot air from the engine, with the Competizione said to have 10 per cent better cooling.

At the rear, the most visually arresting change is Ferrari's decision to replace the glass screen with an aluminium panel that's claimed to incorporate vortex generators.

The panel is said to be lighter and supplemented with a new lip spoiler and lower rear diffuser that aims to boost downforce.

As part of the changes, the revised 6.5-litre V12 now features particulate filters, but the Italian brand says it sounds as good as ever thanks to a new twin-exit exhaust.

Adopting most of the visual updates found on the coupe, the Competizione A rear bodywork naturally differs to accommodate the 812 GTS' folding rear roof panel.

Instead of sporting the GTS rear body, the 812 Competizione A's boot deck acts as an extra spoiler that directs fast-moving air to a ducktail spoiler.

Keeping weight as low as possible, the limited-edition Ferrari's roof panel is made from carbon-fibre.

Inside, the Ferrari 812 Competizione gets plentiful use of lightweight material in its construction and the same H-gate gear selector as the latest Ferrari Roma GT.