After a very long 18 months, my 812 is almost here.

Thanks for all kind words and well wishes everyone. Here’s some initial thoughts based on my first day of ownership.

So in between t-storms today I managed to get in my initial 30 mile blitz through the backwoods of North Carolina. I didn’t need any more time to validate my decision to move forward on the 812. If I’m honest with myself, I was more than a little concerned about the price walk between my perfectly awesome F12 and the 812. The dollar gap’s considerable and I was worried that the juice might not be worth the squeeze. Even though I had the opportunity to thrash a new 812 at Road Atlanta as part of Corsa Pilota last summer, I still wondered how it might work for my primary driving, which is primarily carving up the twisty’s in North Carolina. I felt then, and still do now, that the F12 is 85-90% of the 812. That extra 10-15% has a considerable price. To me though, in the end, it was worth it. And I say this as an unabashed superfan of the F12. Here is what makes the 812 worth the price of admission:

• 4WS - This new addition goes a long ways to reducing the overall feel of size and heft that is ever-present in the F12. Both cars are remarkably nimble, but the 4WS is a significant upgrade.
• Gearbox - The shifts are much quicker, especially the downshifts. My biggest gripe on the F12 was the relatively slow downshift. Compared to my Performante, it felt very much DCT 1.0. The 812 removes that criticism altogether. Added bonus is the shifts come quicker, which means there’s more of them. Also, they are more authoritative, not so much a slam (like a single clutch Aventador), but just very much both quick and abrupt.
• Noise - Hard to improve on the F12, but the 812 is louder, which for me, is a huge win. To my ear, the cold start is much much louder. I did not go over 6000 rpms, and can only imagine and assume that winding the V12 to the redline will be corresponding more eventful in the 812.
• Power - The F12 is freakishly overpowered. It’s a white knuckled affair every time you slam the accelerator. The 812 is even more powerful, and shockingly, the power upgrade is readily apparent.
• Confidence inspiring - Despite the obvious power upgrade, the 812 is more planted and creates far more assurance and certainty. The F12 always had a Jekyll and Hyde quality that I found endearing, but the 812 gently shifts towards Jekyll and away from Hyde, and that’s probably good thing overall.
• Turn in - I actually really liked the light and fast steering feel in the F12 and I always thought the turn in was surprisingly engaging. The 812 is greatly refined in its steering feel and directional control. I look forward to exploring this more in subsequent runs.
• My spec - The 812 is my first time creating a Ferrari spec and I love how it turned out. My worry regarding the spec took on a life of its own over the last several months, but all that trepidation was for naught. It’s exactly how I wanted it to be. Added bonus, my wife loves the spec. She actually called it “elegant and tasteful”. This last part is special as my wife is completely nonplussed on my car addiction. That she actually likes the 812 is an unexpected windfall. (For context, she thinks my Rosso Mars Performante is silly, and thinks the Miami Blue 991.2 GT3 RS I am thinking about acquiring screams mid-life crisis…)

Bottom line, the 812 is a massive step forward from the already perfectly incredible F12. It’s a forever car for me and I look forward to many years and miles spent thoroughly exploring its capabilities and personality.

 

Oops...I left that part out. So I had a Capristo valve controller for my F12 also. I really think it’s a must have component. I keep the valves closed exiting/entering my neighborhood, open otherwise. It’s perfect for being stealthy when you want to.

 

One additional enhancement from the F12 to the 812, and this point cannot be overstated, the battery charger process is massively improved. No longer do you have to open the hatch, attach the charger in the dark recesses of the boot, and smash the lid onto the cord. I know the workaround was to crack the driver/passenger window and drape the cord on a towel, but I worried about dust and losing the trademark Ferrari odor by leaving the car “open”. With the 812 it’s simple, you plug the charger into the exterior connection hidden near the rear number plate. Fast, simple.

 

So I have the Capristo programmed to stay open for the cold starts, then when I depart the neighborhood, I close them for stealthy departures and returns. Works well for me. I choose to live with my family in as close to a “normal” neighborhood as possible with the median home value probably south of $600. Works great for us, and keeping quiet (and humble) about my cars helps to keep people out of business. I know, I’m super weird. Always have been. Everyone’s different and there is no wrong or right way to do cars (or neighborhood departures and returns lol).

Slow boat to NJ and slow truck (train?) to CA... I really feel for you. The first year and a half wait was annoying, the last two months was mind-bending... This much I know though, once you have it in your possession, it will all have been worth the wait.

 

Thanks for kind thoughts. To be clear though, I’m agnostic on Ferrari flash and the supercar lifestyle. I take no philosophical position, rather just a personal position. It works great for some, but wouldn’t for others. I’m dark on social media and don’t do C&C events. None of my good friends, college buddies, etc even know about my cars. My financial world is radically different than theirs and I do not wish to adjust those relationships in any meaningful way. Like I said, I’m weird lol. I drive by myself and as often as a busy life permits. I like Fchat as it’s my only real social engagement with like minded car freaks.

Definitely keeping factory exhaust. I loved the factory F12 exhaust with valves open and the 812 is clearly the same, but even more, so I’m perfectly content.

 

Congrats!! Sounds like an epic road adventure. Having had additional seat time in the 812, I have come to the conclusion that the car could not have been made more perfect. All the enhancements/refinements from F12 to 812 are simply magnificent. I could not be any more pleased. Enjoy in good health my friend.

 

Friends indeed...!