Ferrari launches lightweight 812 Competizione and Competizione A

Yes, along with the 812 Competizione there’s the 812 Competizione A, with that flat deck and array of vortex generators nowhere to be seen. In their place, a delightful decklid complete with evocative ‘flying buttresses’. To look at, both cars are striking and elegantly shaped, if not classically gorgeous. Ferrari claims the Competizione has an ‘arrow theme’ and a ‘forward thrust’ in its design. No arguments here...

We now know some hard figures, too. The Competizione will get to 62mph in 2.85 seconds and 124mph in 7.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of over 211mph. Overall track performance is contextualised by a 1 minute 20 second lap time around Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit. That’s just 0.3 seconds slower than the LaFerrari hypercar. 

The 812 Competizione is stated to weigh 1,487kg dry, which is a 38kg reduction compared with the Superfast’s dry weight. If that seems a bit low, the distribution is also marginally improved, with a 49/51 split. Speaking of reduced weight, optional for the first time on a V12 Ferrari are carbon wheels, first seen on the 488 Pista in 2018. This option drops 3.7kg in total by comparison to the Superfast’s lightweight forged items.

We now know what those vortex generators are worth in terms of downforce, too. On their own guarantee a 10 per cent increase over the 812 Superfast. The blown diffuser, which sacrifices the prettier traditional Ferrari quad-exhausts for standing rectangular items, adds 25 per cent at the rear, while the rear floor adds 10 per cent. 

Up front, downforce is up a cumulative 30 per cent, while S-shaped side vortex generators add another 40 per cent. Overall, those new Cup 2R tyres are being pressed harder into the ground than ever before at speed in the 812 Competizione.

What about that engine? How does it make that extra 30PS (22kW) and 500 revs? A redesigned intake and oiling system free up flow and improve cooling, while the conrods are 40 per cent lighter, being made of titanium. The crank is also three per cent lighter.

As for cost and availability? Neither are known but you can expect a healthy jump over the Superfast’s and GTS’s respective £260,908 and £293,150 starting prices. We’d estimate £350,000-plus isn’t a million miles away. 

Which would you have? We suspect the decision facing most Competizione buyers will be whether to have them in differing or matching specs, rather than whether to have one or the other.