THE FASTEST and most powerful road-going Ferrari ever to be wheeled-out of the Italian supercar maker's Maranello factory is set to be one of the stars of the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.

The new 12-cylinder berlinetta not only introduces a plethora of innovative features but is also particularly significant as the V12 series marked the official start of the glorious Prancing Horse story in 1947, 70 years ago this year.

It is aimed, says the company, at buyers demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range: an uncompromising sports car that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners enjoy it as an all-round experience.

Given that marketplace, unsurprisingly, no price is quoted. If you have to ask, you simply can't afford one.

Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12 engine which unleashes 788hp, the 812 Superfast will rocket from rest to 60mph in less than 2.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 211mph. Much of the power unit's technology is derived from naturally-aspirated F1 engines.

Ferrari claims that the Superfast sets a new benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, achieving maximum power output at 8,500 rpm - something, says the company, that no other front-engined production car has ever even come near to delivering.

Maximum torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm, a significant 80 per cent of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving both driveability and pick-up even at low revs. The engine is mated to a double-clutch auto gearbox with specifically-matched ratios.

The car is being launched in a special new colour, Rosso Settanta, which marks the company's 70 anniversary.

The cabin has been given a sportier, more radical look with more sporty and ergonomic seats, a new steering wheel and instrument clusters plus the latest infotainment and air-conditioning units.