The Novitec N-Largo S is a limited-edition widebody version created by German automotive refinement specialist Novitec for the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Limited to just three vehicles worldwide, this special edition has already been completely sold out.
Exterior Enhancements
The N-Largo S features a widened body, achieved through lightweight yet durable carbon-fibre components. The wider front fenders and flares at the rear axle add 14cm to the car’s width compared to the standard Ferrari 812 Superfast, enhancing its aerodynamics and visual appeal. The rear end is redesigned with an integrated rear spoiler in a striking and aerodynamically efficient ducktail design.
Described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’, the limited-edition special series 812 Competizione takes the 812 Superfast to a higher level than ever before. Unveiled to the world from the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track at the factory, the 812 Competizione was accompanied by the targa-top 812 Competizione A which is also produced in a limited series.
Re-engineered V12 engine
Both Competizione cars have similar 6.5-litre V12 engines which can produce up to 818 bhp at 9250 rpm, with 692 Nm generated at 7000 rpm. Though derived from the Superfast, several areas have been significantly re-engineered while optimising the fluid dynamics of the intake system and combustion, and reducing internal friction.
Ferrari engineers revealed that there has been meticulous redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than steel versions whilst delivering the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) to reduce the coefficient of friction to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3% lighter than the previous version.
The most significant improvements, however, are to the distribution and the cylinder heads, which have both been completely redesigned. The cams (which now also have the DLC coating) now action the valve stems via DLC-coated steel sliding finger followers, which are derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience and were developed specifically for this engine to provide a higher lift profile.
To maintain the traditional V12 engine sound, whilst simultaneously introducing a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to the exhaust system that ensures compliance with the very latest emissions regulations, the engineers added a new exhaust tailpipe. This unusual and innovative design solution reinstates the medium-high frequency sound muffled by the use of the GPF. Work was also carried out on the intake tract to which a second pair of resonators was added to enhance specific frequencies, creating the perfect melding of the sound from the exhaust and from the intake system.
Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A use a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with calibration of the control strategies reducing shift times by a further 5%. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the shifts are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs.
0 – 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds
Together with the significantly improved aerodynamics, the claimed top speed is over 340 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h said to be bridged within 2.85 seconds. Like on the 812 Superfast, the front diffuser is equipped with a passive mobile aero system which opens when running over 250 km/h, allowing the car to reach its maximum speed.
The rear screen, for the first time on a production model, is completely closed and allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. From the LaFerrari onwards, vortex generators of this type have been used on production cars to maximise downforce generated by the flat underbody. However, this solution was applied to the rear screen on the 812 Competizione to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Focus on boosting overall performance levels
The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version. This called for the development and use of many innovative components and contents. Specifically, these include the first use of independent 4-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.
The fact that the car is faster into corners demanded an improvement in braking power. Compared to the 812 Superfast, the brake cooling concept was completely redesigned around the new front Aero caliper which debuted on the SF90 Stradale and which has an air intake integrated into its casting.
Lightweight strategy
Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in 38 kgs being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell. Carbon-fibre was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes.
Much attention was also given to the design of the cockpit with the extensive use of carbonfibre trim, lightweight technical fabrics and a reduction in soundproofing. There are also dedicated sporty, lightweight forged aluminium rims and titanium studs. All-carbonfibre rims are also being made available for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 and can offer a total weight reduction of 3.7 kgs.
In terms of its interior architecture, the 812 Competizione has remained faithful to the 812 Superfast, retaining the same general parameters and main dash and door panel interfaces. The door panel itself has been lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit.
Occupant comfort in targa top version
Occupant comfort in the targa-top configuration is ensured by the introduction of a flap integrated into the windscreen header rail which deflects the energised, incident flow upwards so it won’t cause turbulence for the occupants. This extends the bubble that covers the entire length of the cockpit, thereby also avoiding excess pressure in the area behind the occupants’ heads.
The targa top is made from carbonfibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. It is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. With the top stowed, the roll bars partly jut out above the rest of the bodywork but because they are carbonfibre, they become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance buy instead amplify the visual lowering of the side view.
Pricing and production schedules have not been announced although it’s a sure bet that potential customers have already been informed and would have placed their orders. In fact, given their limited-edition status, these two cars are unlikely to be in showrooms except when an owner is kind enough to allow the dealer to display it for a while before it is taken away.
While its name remains a secret (until May 5), Ferrari has released the first official images of its latest limited-edition special series, described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’. It encapsulates and epitomises the company’s 70+ years of experience on racetracks around the world as well as draws on thoroughbred sportscar DNA to offer numerous uncompromising engineering solutions and innovations.
As is the case with all of Ferrari’s cars, the most striking feature lies at its very heart: the latest evolution of the legendary 65° V12 engine. It will produce the highest output of any Ferrari road-car engine – 830 cv (181.3 bhp) – and spin up to 9,500 rpm, also the highest of any Ferrari combustion engine.
Redesign of key components
The use of state-of-the-art materials, redesign of many of the engine’s key components, a new valve timing mechanism, and a new exhaust system are some of the technical solutions that contribute to delivering performance levels that are said to be unprecedented in the V12 segment.
The powertrain is paired with class-leading vehicle dynamics control systems to allow the driver to fully exploit the performance and have maximum driving pleasure. The adoption of independent steering on all four wheels enhances the feeling of agility and precision when cornering as well as providing greater responsiveness to steering inputs.
Lower overall weight
Another noteworthy engineering achievement is the development work undertaken to reduce the car’s overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. This was achieved in particular by extensive use of carbonfibre, both on the exterior and in the cockpit. Lastly, the new model premieres version 7.0 of the renowned Side Slip Control vehicle dynamics system.
In-depth aerodynamic research
One of the most striking aspects of this new model is how in-depth aerodynamic research has altered the car’s lines. Working in close synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the aerodynamicists have adopted solutions that are extreme in form and featuring profiles that are unprecedented for a road-legal car. The aerodynamic redesign of the whole car was aimed at maximising downforce levels – from the new front air intakes, rear diffuser and exhaust configuration to the patented design of the rear screen which now hosts vortex generators.
From a design point of view, this new special series has a strong personality that differentiates it significantly from the 812 Superfast on which it is based. This was achieved by choosing styling themes that further enhance the architectural design and dynamism of the 812 Superfast.
Vortex generators instead of glass screen
One example of this is the decision to replace the glass rear screen with a single-piece aluminium structure. The vortex generators incorporated improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency but the design solution chosen, which is fully integrated with the roof, simultaneously creates a backbone effect that underscores the car’s sculptural forms.
Together with the carbonfibre blade that traverses the bonnet, this motif changes the overall perception of the car’s volumes. The bonnet seems shorter, emphasising the width of the car, and the tail now has a more powerful, fastback look, thus making it appear more compact and competition-like despite it sharing the 812 Superfast’s silhouette, proportions and formal balance. Even the rear spoiler now looks more imposing: it is higher but the specific design treatment used also makes the tail look very wide, almost horizontal.
The interior architecture very much reflects that of the 812 Superfast, retaining the main dashboard and door panel interfaces and volumes, including the signature motif. Along with other elements of the interior, the door panel has been redesigned to reduce weight and, combined with the introduction of the H-gate theme on the tunnel, this lends the cockpit a sportier, more modern edge that reflects the car’s racing spirit.
The Ferraris that most people read about or see on the roads are the ones that the company makes in ‘large’ numbers. However, there are also many cars which are not publicised – and we’re not talking about the prototypes that are going to be future models. Ferrari, like other high-end niche carmakers, also offers extensive customisation services to its customers who want unique and exclusive models.
The Omologata (unusual name but actually means ‘homologation’ in Italian) is one such car and the project was commissioned by a customer in Europe. Representative of Ferrari’s line of unique one-off models, it took a little over 2 years to complete.
The initial presentation of sketches started with images that covered a variety of inspirations, from racing heritage to sci-fi and references to modern architecture. The idea from the onset was to create a futuristic design with distinctive elements reinterpreted in a fresh manner to provide potential for a timeless shape that is certain to leave a lasting impression.
812 Superfast
812 Superfast as the basis
To achieve this, the designers used the underlying package of the 812 Superfast, keeping only the windscreen and headlights as existing bodywork elements. The objective was to exploit the proportions of the mid-front layout to deliver a very sleek design defined by smooth volumes and undulating reflections. The trickiest aspect was striking the ideal balance between expressiveness and restraint, projecting street presence whilst maintaining a very pure formal language.
A tapering front volume defines the flattened oval grille, with the rounded section over the front wheelarches emphasized by a contrasting stripe wrapping across the bonnet. Rearwards of the door, the flank develops into a very potent rear muscle that neatly blends upwards into the three-quarter panel.
The entire volume is rendered deliberately imposing through the elimination of the rear quarter light, while three horizontal transversal cuts in the fastback volume visually lower the rear mass. The tail is surmounted by a prominent spoiler which adds not only downforce, but a more aggressive, sporty stance.
Making it road-legal
Meeting every safety requirement to ensure a Ferrari is road-legal is always a huge challenge for the design team, more so when starting from an existing platform. And ‘Omologata’ was indeed a keyword that resonated throughout the development of this, the 10th front-engined V12 one-off Ferrari has delivered since the 2009 P540 Superfast Aperta.
Beyond the clear instructions coming from the customer and down to every detail on the car, the designers effectively took into account countless variables to make this a very exclusive model through and through. The quest for the ultimate touch went as far as developing a new shade of red just for the livery, to match the fiery triple-layer Rosso Magma over a darkened carbonfibre finish.
Link to Ferrari’s racing heritage
Inside the car, numerous trim details suggest a strong link to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage. In fact, the Omologata can be seen as a clear descendent of Ferrari’s great GT tradition spanning 7 decades of history.
The electric blue seats, finished in a combination of leather and Jeans Aunde fabric with 4-point racing harnesses, stand out against a full black interior. In the absence of rear quarter lights and screen, the atmosphere in the cabin is purposeful, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Metal parts on the dashboard and steering wheel are finished with the crackled paint effect associated with the great GT racers of the 1950s and 1960s as well as with Ferrari’s engine cam covers. A hammered paint effect so often used in cars such as the 250 LM and 250 GTO can also be seen on details such as the inner door handles and on the Ferrari F1 bridge.
