THE fastest Ferrari road car ever built will make its world debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Heralding a new generation of 12-cylinder engines, the new F12 Berlinetta has a 730bhp, 6.3-litre powerplant mated to an F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car.

Not surprisingly the F12's performance is savage, with the potential to scorch from 0-62 in 3.1 seconds, 0-124 in 8.5 seconds and capable of a top speed of 210mph.

Don't expect more than 18.8mpg though - and that's using the optional Start-Stop system - while CO2 emissions are 350g/km, both figures appreciably better than the Ferrari 599 it replaces.

Ferrari's traditional transaxle layout has been altered to match the more extreme performance of the car, so the wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari's engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller.

Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent, while drag has been significantly reduced as well.

The overall result is a more compact car with a lower centre of gravity and level of aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards.

Ferrari says the new supercar, which comes in a new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour, has completed a lap of the Fiorano test circuit in one minute, 23 seconds - faster than any other Ferrari road car.