Automotive

Black Is The New Black: GMC Special Editions Coming

Black Is The New Black: GMC Special Editions Coming GMC fans will receive a new trim package later this year. The 2019 Terrain and Acadia Black Editions give buyers a little extra flare from the factory. The GMC Black Editions arose after company officials reviewed internal data showing roughly one in five new SUV buyers spends extra money to personalize their vehicle.
“The new Terrain and Acadia Black Editions perfectly capture the identity of the GMC brand by offering a bold and confident exterior appearance,” explained Duncan Aldred, Vice President of Global GMC. “They give our customers more choices within the premium SUV segment to distinguish their vehicle and themselves.”
As the name would suggest, the Black Editions are characterized by their darkened exterior treatments.
Terrain Black Edition
Available on SLE and SLT grades, the package includes 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and a darkened grille insert. There are black mirror caps, roof rails, and badging, along with other exterior accents. The 2019 GMC Terrain Black Edition will be offered in five colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Satin Steel Metallic. A new Sedona Metallic will be available later on.
Acadia Black Edition
Available on SLT grades, the package features 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with black accents, a black grille insert, and black headlamp and taillamp details. Similar to the Terrain, the Acadia Black Edition comes in five colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, and White Frost Tricoat. Dark Sky Metallic and Smokey Quartz Metallic are new for 2019.
Pricing & Availability
The GMC Black Editions will be available this summer. GMC has not yet announced pricing, although expect it to be competitive relative to other special edition SUVs on the market. GMC crossovers were up 19 percent in February alone, with the Terrain posting a 17 percent year-over-year increase, and the Acadia was up 22 percent.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photo & Source: GMC.

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These Very Stylish Infiniti Vehicles Are Headed To The Big Apple

These Very Stylish Infiniti Vehicles Are Headed To The Big Apple Infiniti will roll into the New York International Auto Show with two specially-equipped SUVs. The 2019 QX60 and QX80 Limited will have more premium appointments than their non-Limited counterparts, and will serve to bolster sales for both product lines. Infiniti has been making the rounds on this year’s auto show circuit, showcasing their SUVs in particular.
The automaker says the Limited versions of the QX60 and QX80 have treatments that were “designed to make a statement.” Here is a rundown of what those treatments are – it’s up to you if they actually make a statement.
2019 QX60 Limited
The QX60, already one of Infiniti’s top sellers, receives a dark chrome front grille and fog lamp finishers in its Limited skin. The roof rails and cross bar have a darker coat of premium paint, and the rear bumper is covered in a gloss black tint. A “Limited” rear badge denotes this QX60 from the rest of the pack as it rides on 20-inch dark aluminum-alloy wheels.
Luxury treatments on the inside include leather-wrapped grab handles, dark silver wood accents, and a black headliner and pillars. All three rows feature a stone-colored semi-aniline leather with quilting, perforation, and contrast stitching and piping. It even comes with special floor and cargo mats with metal logos. Why? Because Limited!
Like all QX60s, the Limited is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, creating 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque.
2019 QX60 Limited. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
2019 QX80 Limited
Drivers who demand large and luxurious will likely opt for the QX80 Limited. This big mother rides on dark machine-finished, 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Note the stainless steel running boards with rubber grips so drivers can actually get inside the vehicle.
And once inside, Infiniti says the “resemblance to a modern luxury space is purely intentional.” Thank goodness because we at this publication look poorly on automakers who unwittingly make their vehicles nice inside. That said, the 2019 QX80 Limited will feature two-tone semi-aniline leather and Alcantara-appointed seats, which come with their own special quilting, contrast piping, and stitching. The steering wheel and shift knob are leather-wrapped and matte silver open-pore Ash wood runs throughout. There’s even “branded welcome lightning” becasue Limited.
Those with a growing family may appreciate the available seating for seven. In this configuration, the second row has captain’s chairs whereas the third row becomes a bench. Also for the family, an available Theater Package has headrest screens for rear passengers who want to play a game or binge watch a show.
The 5.6-liter V8 creates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque, and powers either the rear or both axles, the latter being known as “All-Mode 4WD.” The four-wheel drive system operates via a dial on the center console. Infiniti says this provides four-wheel traction when conditions require and off-road capability when the driver needs it.
2019 QX80 Limited. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
In Person & Availability
These “Limited” machines will be on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on March 30th. They are expected to arrive at Infiniti dealerships beginning this spring and summer, with pricing info available at that time.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 QX60 Limited Gallery

2019 QX80 Limited Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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Letter From The UK: The British Pothole Crisis

Letter From The UK: The British Pothole Crisis
As drivers we are admonished by our leaders to do better and be mindful of all the road safety rules and regulations. Commit a minor misdemeanour, however innocently or accidentally, and a camera has your number or a policeman pulls you over and your billfold is suddenly, painfully, lighter. That’s how it works here on the British Isles and I daresay it is the same in the USA.
Big Promises
Successive UK governments (motto: If you can’t fight, wear a big hat) have made road safety a top priority. This is as it should be but, like a boasting bully, they scarcely ever follow through when it comes to supporting the automotive infrastructure. In short, we are supposed to drive better but we have to do it on increasingly inferior roads.
In the UK, road maintenance is carried out by two different agencies. Local or regional town and country councils must maintain the minor roads and The Highways Agency must maintain the arterial routes, motorways, and expressways.
Friends, it just ain’t happening.
A Bit Of History
When cars were invented, it didn’t take long for governments to realise there was money in it for them. As vehicles improved the requirement of better roads became greater and it is the driver who paid. Our motoring taxes work like this: A substantial amount of the cost of a gallon of fuel is made up of not one, but two, taxes. When we buy a new car, part of the cost is tax. When we insure it there is tax to pay, and every year thereafter we have to pay another tax known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
The name changes from time to time but, historically, VED has always been known as “Road Tax.” The motorist who pays expects that money to be used to maintain the roads. These days, the government don’t see it that way and trouser the cash to spend on diversity training or lavish lunches in both our Houses of Parliament.
The result is that drivers pay more and get less. Sound familiar?
Pothole Crisis
The number one gripe among British drivers is the pothole. We have more holes in our roads than the moon has craters. Driving on the surface of the moon is a luxury we can only dream of. Thanks to literally decades of under-investment, some of our roads aren’t much better than Peruvian goat tracks. In fact, goats steer clear. The backlog of repairs runs into the many BILLIONS of our British Pounds and we have passed the point of no return.
Sure, the “authorities” will tell you that every year a couple of million potholes are repaired. This is largely true but it is money wasted because the repairs are often so inferior that as soon as there’s a frost or heavy rain, the repair material pops out again to form more dangerous gravel on the side of the road. Potholes are like those hardy weeds that grow in your yard; those things just keep on coming back.
The solution is clear to all except those who have their heads buried ostrich-like in the sand. Every year more and more cars appear on our roads. Wear and tear of surfaces is inevitable. This is why a full and comprehensive road programme is required. Instead of patching, remake. Instead of repairing, renew.
We, the motorists of Britain, are not holding our breath.
Winter conditions can have an adverse impact on a nation’s roadways. For example, in the State of Michigan, a significant portion of the MDOT’s annual maintenance budget is dedicated to pothole repair – over 8 million alone in fiscal year 2017. According to MDOT, potholes are caused when moisture seeps into the pavement, then freezes, expands and thaws, creating a gap in the pavement. Photo: Mircea Ploscar.
Road Casualties
This writer has no figures as to how many accidents are caused by potholes; that it happens though is certainly true. Potholes that are severe can at best blowout tires and at worst damage suspension. That’s an accident waiting to happen right there. The aftermath of road crashes costs the UK economy in excess of £15.6 billion every year. Where do you think that money could be better spent?
It doesn’t stop there. Our current driving test is, to be fair, pretty comprehensive, but more could be done. That we could help reduce new driver risk in the first six months of solo driving is a priority, and one of the aspects that pertains is pothole awareness. A new driver will not know what to expect when a wheel drops into a chasm until it’s too late.
And Finally
When a car is damaged by a pothole we may choose to claim it on our auto insurance. Insurers don’t like customers claiming; they take it personally. Thus some motorists accept the financial hit and pay up themselves, then try and claim back the money from the organisation responsible for the road maintenance.
It is possible; you can make a claim and win, but it’s a Stygian hell of malevolence that awaits. There is nothing more labyrinthine and sloth-like than a local government department. Yet, how else can a taxpayer penalise the people he pays to do a job if not through litigation? Otherwise it’s all just highway robbery.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: Jacob Ode.

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2019 VW Arteon To Offer Sporty R-Line Package

2019 VW Arteon To Offer Sporty R-Line Package Volkswagen will offer the sporty R-Line package for the 2019 VW Arteon. The R-Line trim provides drivers with additional performance-inspired design elements throughout the car. The Arteon R-Line package will be formally introduced during the upcoming 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the pubic on Friday, March 30th. The new Arteon made its official debut in Chicago in early February.
Exterior Additions
With the R-Line package, the 2019 VW Arteon receives a set of special 19- or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, along with unique air inlets and cover panels. R-Line badging, a front bumper that incorporates the air intakes, and a gloss black spoiler complete the exterior treatments.
Interior Elements
Arteon R-Line models will include contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob, along with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, metallic décor pieces, and a black headliner. Other interior treatments include stainless-steel sport pedals and stainless-steel door sills with the R-Line logo.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 VW Arteon features a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct-injection. The engine creates 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Arteon goes on sale this fall with the R-Line package available at that time. In addition to debuting the R-Line trim, VW will also unveil a concept version of a new five-passenger SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The new SUV will be a variant of the seven-passenger Atlas designed and engineered for the American market.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2019 Audi A6 To Feature Technology You Can Interrupt

2019 Audi A6 To Feature Technology You Can Interrupt The 2019 Audi A6 will make its U.S. debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Audi promises the new A6 will offer the latest technology, better driving dynamics, and increased comfort. The interior of the new A6 is larger than the outgoing model too, so occupants can look forward to more head and shoulder room. In advance of the festivities in New York, here is what we know so far about the 2019 Audi A6.
Touch & Go
The new Audi A6 is a rolling bin of tech-goodness, starting first with the MMI touch response system. The rotary dial and traditional controls from the previous model are gone in favor of two high-resolution displays. The MMI touch response operates in a familiar fashion, through the use drag-and-drop features. The menu structure, including the search function, works like a smartphone, and the main menu tiles and direct access bar can be configured individually. Over 30 shortcut buttons can be stored so drivers can configure their own preferences.
Both displays have special, anti-fingerprint coatings and anti-glare layers, making them easier to clean and see. The outermost layer is tempered so it’s more scratch-resistant.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Talk & Go
The 2019 Audi A6 will take spoken requests and commands from drivers. This can include speaking things like “I’m cold” or “call Emily” or “where is the nearest coffee shop?” In each instance, the 2019 Audi A6 will respond accordingly, with things like “what temperature would you like to set the cabin to?” The dialogue manager will ask clarifying questions if necessary and offer other choices if applicable.
Audi also, quite hilariously, says the system “accepts being interrupted.”
Mobility Management
The myAudi app, launching later this year, offers A6 owners a special feature called myAudi Navigation. Essentially, the route to a given destination can be passed back and forth between the driver’s phone and their A6. Said route could begin on a smartphone, but continue through the car’s on-board system once the vehicle is started.
Power & Performance
Audi is slim on the details, but they do say “innovative suspension solutions” make the new A6 “noticeably more dynamic.” A new damping system is said to provide more precise feedback and higher levels of comfort, be it a cruise around town or a long jaunt on the highway.
An all-new turbo V6 is paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which supports the engine and serves as the vehicle’s primary electrical source.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
While such things are always subjective, the A6 does showcase Audi’s latest design language. Following the cues of the A8 and A7, the 2019 A6 is characterized by larger surfaces, nicely sculpted edges, and visible body lines. From the side, three distinctive lines actually reduce the visual height of the A6. The roof line, which tapers into the flat C-pillars, encompasses the silhouette while the shorter trunk ends in a curved edge for better aerodynamic performance.
Pricing & In Person
Audi did not disclose pricing or the date the 2019 A6 will be on sale. Expect to see it, in the meantime, at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Audi A6 Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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McLaren Senna GTR: A Really Fast Car With A Face Only A Mother Could Love

McLaren Senna GTR: A Really Fast Car With A Face Only A Mother Could Love This is the McLaren Senna GTR, the track-only version of the McLaren Senna hyper-road car. And it is, somehow, even worse looking than the street version. Look, I know that Borrum demands you make certain aerodynamic sacrifices upon their altar, but if this is the result, perhaps you should start questioning your god’s aesthetic decisions. Seriously.
Power & Performance
Air can do fantastic things, if you know how to treat it. In the case of the McLaren Senna GTR, it can screw its plug-ugly ass down to the tar-Macadam of a race track with 2,205 lbs. of downforce. That aero-capability combines with a weight around 2,641 lbs., and even more power and torque from the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the road car, which already puts out an upsetting 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque. With a bump now to at least 814 horsepower, the Senna GTR will be considerably faster in a straight line.
Combine all that with a race-style transmission (I’m figuring a full dog box set up), revised double wishbone suspension, and full-on Pirelli race slicks, and it’s easy to believe McLaren when they say the Senna GTR posts the quickest McLaren circuit lap times other than a Formula 1 car. The Senna GTR uses the same carbon fiber Monocage III structure as the road-going version, which still provides more than enough core strength and rigidity for a out-and-out track car. The rest of the technical specs will be confirmed later this year.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Form & Function
“Form follows function” is the McLaren design philosophy, which I would love to see here, but all I can clock to is how the McLaren Senna GTR looks like a drawing on little Mikey Bay’s notebook, circa 8th grade. It is somehow worse than the normal Senna’s catalogue of bad design ideas only with tacky race graphics added. The Senna GTR does have a wider track and new fenders, front and back, with a new wheel design specifically for circuit use. For what that’s worth.
The front splitter of the McLaren GTR is a hilariously over-done and over-extended affair that, combined with the side skirts, has about the surface area of 1.1 pool tables. Obviously that Wyoming-sized-and-shaped splitter is larger than the road-car version (duh!) and contributes to improved front aerodynamic performance (also duh!). Add to this list the rear diffuser, which is both larger and extends further back. The rear deck sits lower than any previous McLaren, which aids aerodynamic performance.
Woking even took a crack at the doors, pushing the outer skin in as far as possible towards the center of the car so airflow is better channeled. There’s also that race track standard polycarbonate “ticket” window, which is not found on the road-legal McLaren Senna.

All You Need
All of this is part of McLaren’s focus on giving customers a track-fixated version across their full range of cars. McLaren has even gone so far as to start a single-make race series as part of the Pure McLaren track events. Yes, Pure McLaren. All you need is an International D-grade comp license and McLaren takes care of everything else. It’s a full “arrive and drive” setup that currently starts with the race-prepped 570S GT4. Oh, and money, it takes that too. Lots of it. Yup, you only need three things: an International D-grade competition license, your McLaren, and money. Boxcars and boxcars of money.
Pricing & Availability
If you want to buy one (and most of you would I’d bet) you can contact McLaren, as they’d be more than interested in talking with you about spending vast quantities of your money. “Expressions of interest” (which is about the most British thing I’ve read today) were taken at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and those “expressions of interest” can still be expressed up to 75 confirmed orders, then they shut off the factory line in Woking, England where the car will be hand-assembled. Each will be priced around $1.4 million.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
McLaren Senna GTR Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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2017 VW e-Golf Improves Strongly Over 2016 Model

Volkswagen of America, Inc., recently announced fuel economy figures for the new 2017 e-Golf. The car features an improved EPA-estimated range, better fuel economy, and more power when compared to the outgoing model.

The 2017 VW e-Golf has a new lithium-ion battery with an increased energy capacity of 35.8 kWh from 24.2 kWh. This allows the range to increase from an EPA-estimated total of 83 miles to 125 miles on a single charge.

Faster, More Efficient Charging

SE and SEL Premium trim levels carry a 7.2 kW unit that enables the battery to be charged in less than six hours at a 240V charging station. When equipped with DC Fast Charging (optional on SE, standard on SEL Premium), the battery can be charged to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.

Fuel Ratings

According to VW, “battery chemistry” was enhanced to improve fuel efficiency. The 2017 e-Golf has an EPA-estimated city fuel economy of 126 MPGe, 111 MPGe on the highway, and 119 MPGe combined. This marks an improvement over the previous e-Golf which has EPA-estimates of 126, 105, and 116, respectively.

Currently, the 2017 VW e-Golf estimates are the best in the compact class, as defined by the EPA. Using 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, the EPA has estimated an annual fuel cost of $550 for the vehicle.

Power & Performance

The battery and fuel economy improvements are joined by advancements to the electric motor. For example, the 2016 VW e-Golf featured an 85 kWh electric motor with 115 horsepower. By comparison, the 2017 VW e-Golf’s new 100 kWh electric motor creates 134 horsepower. The maximum torque of the electric motor has been boosted to 214 lb-ft., an improvement of 15 lb-ft. over the 2016 model.

Finally, the 2017 VW e-Golf sprints from zero to 60 faster than the outgoing model. Just in case you feel like going pedal to the metal in your new e-Golf, you can hit 60 in 9.6 seconds. The vehicle goes on sale this spring – pricing information is forthcoming.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Hits Record Breaking Top Speed

It’s official! The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest Camaro ever, with a top speed of 198 mph. Recently, the Camaro ZL1 was put through the paces on the High Speed Oval, a 7.6-mile loop at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg GmBH proving ground.

The test included a run in both directions where the ZL1 ran 202.3 mph one way and 193.3 the other.

“This test caps an impressive list of performance stats for the Camaro ZL1, which was designed to excel at everything,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer.

Standard Settings

Papenburg’s banking allowed Chevy’s test drivers to push the ZL1 through the turns without backing off the accelerator. Papenburg features 1.3-mile turns with 49.7-degree banking on the top lane, giving way to 2.5-mile straights. Other than safety and data recording equipment, no modifications were made to this Chevy Camaro ZL1. The test was even run on the ZL1’s factory installed Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires.

“After testing the car in standard settings, which produced the 198-mph average, we set the front and rear camber adjustments to 0 degrees and the tire pressures to the maximum allowable sidewall pressure, and saw the ZL1 average over 200 mph,” Oppenheiser said.

The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 on the High Speed Oval at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg GmBH proving ground. Photo: Chevrolet.

Power & Performance

The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 hits 60 in 3.5 seconds, runs a quarter mile in 11.4 seconds (127 mph), and comes to a halt in 107 feet from 60 mpg. The 650 horsepower, supercharged LT4 engine in the ZL1 is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match or an available, all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.

The latter transmission was used for the high-speed test on Papenburg’s oval.

The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 has a number of aerodynamic advancements as the car’s entire front-to-rear aero balance was fine-tuned for high-speed stability. Examples include a stanchion rear spoiler with a stronger lift/drag ratio versus a blade spoiler, and a patent-pending auxiliary transmission oil cooler to reduce front-end lift.

“The ZL1 was developed with high-speed performance in mind, incorporating a balanced aerodynamic package that reduces lift without significantly affecting drag,” Oppenheiser said.

Photo: Chevrolet.

Pricing & Availability

Available for the Camaro ZL1 are things like Magnetic Ride Control, an Electronic limited-slip differential (coupe only), and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Other features include Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 summer-only tires measuring 285/30ZR20 in front and 305/30ZR20 in the rear, and Brembo brakes with six-piston Monobloc front calipers and two-piece rotors.

The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is available now and starts at $63,435 for a coupe with the manual transmission; $65,830 for a coupe with the 10-speed automatic.

“It’s the most capable and fastest Camaro ever,” Oppenheiser said.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet

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Ferrari 812 Superfast: The Benchmark Has Moved

Well this was a complete surprise that greeted me when I woke up the other day. The new Ferrari 812 Superfast. The front-engine V12 coupe, Ferrari’s pane e burro since Truman was president just got a big update, and put everyone else on notice. I’ll just get this out of the way right off the top: Porsche, Aston Martin all the rest of you meager little lumber carts: this, this is the car.

Your woeful attempts at performance fade in comparison to what Maranello does as a side job. So sit down, listen up, and take notes.

Power Packed

The fact the Ferrari 812 Superfast dropped out of the sky was surprising for a number of reasons. First and foremost: Why replace the F12 Berlinetta? Have you seen those things? Have you driven one? I swear to Gozer those F12s are monsters. Even a knuckle-dragging lack-wit like Jeremy Clarkson, a man not known for his subtlety or reserve behind a wheel said the F12 had “too much power.”

The F12 Berlinetta has nearly 70 horsepower less than the 812 Superfast.

Let that settle in. Consider how the outgoing F12 puts out 730 horsepower. That’s more than an Australian V8 Supercar. That’s within shouting distance of a NASCAR stocker. That is 30 more horsepower than an Indycar.

Ferrari’s new 812 Superfast puts out almost 800 horsepower. In Euro-parlance, it works out to 800 cv, hence the name: 812 Superfast. What, you didn’t think Ferrari put an 8-liter V12 in this thing, did you? C’mon, these people might have the self-discipline of Caligula, but they’re not completely round the bend. Engines that big belong in ocean going tugs and railroads and such.

Historic Identity, Modern Performance

The other part of that name, Superfast, is also worth noting. It’s an old Ferrari moniker from the 1964 500 Superfast, and although it sounds kind of goofy, it is also true. The gearing for the 64 model was set high, and the engine was squeezed enough that it was, indeed, Superfast.

The specs for the modern version are knee-weakening. For starters, let’s cover some basic performance numbers with Ferrari style mathematical reinforcement. How about 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds? Top speed? Over 211 mph.

The plant for the new 812 Superfast is a 6.5-liter V12 that, as mentioned, puts out nearly 800 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, and pulls with 530 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm. The car is smaller than it seems, clocking in at just over 15 feet long, 6-and-a-half feet wide, and four feet tall.

It tips the scales at a little over 3,300 pounds dry weight, which is not Miata-like but is still very impressive, given the mass of the engine. The weight distribution is an attractive 46-53% front/rear. So that number, combined with the wompin’ stompin’ horsepower and torque numbers, means the tail is going to want to come around like a cat on linoleum.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast utilizes a 350 bar direct injection system for the very first time on a high-performance engine. This is paired with variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally-aspirated F1 engines. Furthermore, the 812 Superfast’s dual-clutch transmission has specific gear ratios and shorter shifting times for better throttle response. Photo: Ferrari.

Driving Dynamics

Exacerbating this perceived tail happiness is the inclusion of Ferrari’s Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system. This is a four-wheel-steering scheme lifted directly from F12tdf, which everyone said was pretty bonkers to experience in real life.

The new outfit bolted to the Superfast further enhances the litheness of the handling and sharpens vehicle response.

The front wheels, you know, the ones that are supposed to turn, sport Ferrari’s new Electric Power Steering arrangement, the first Ferrari to do so. Since both the front and rear turning systems are fully electronic, they bring out the potential of the car’s performance and, are completely integrated with all the electronic vehicle dynamic controls – including Ferrari’s patented Side Slip Control. Ferrari says it makes the Superfast “easier to handle and even more thrilling to exploit.”

“Thrilling to exploit.” That makes me feel dirty.

Ferrari 812 Superfast Interior. Photo: Ferrari.

Styling & Design

I was going to delve into the styling, but why bother? Just look at the thing. It looks like a red running show Mercury himself would covet. Do Italians have style, or do they have style? The exterior design is functional, not surprisingly, with with active flaps on the front and an aerodynamic by-pass to increase downforce on the rear flank.

Inside, the cabin features a “floating effect,” meaning everything from the dash to the air vents is polished and sculpted. Ferrari says the interior has been given a “sportier, more radical look” to create an element of “thoroughbred racing eagerness and lean elegance.”

No arguments there.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. Now, why don’t the rest of you children get back to Gaydon and Stuttgart and Munich and Yokohama and play with your toys. The adults have some more records to set and world championships to win. È dilettanti!

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Ferrari

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