EXACTLY 50 years on from the debut of the last spider in the Ferrari range to sport a front-mounted V12, the 812 GTS hails a triumphant return fora model type that has played a pivotal role in the marque's history since its foundation.
The Ferrari V12 spider story features many iconic models and began in 1948 with the 166 MM, an authentic thoroughbred competition GT that won both the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949.
The last in that long lineage was the 1969 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spider. The front-mounted V12 architecture has not been used in a Ferrari series-production spider since.
Like its predecessors, the 812 GTS sets a new benchmark in terms of performance.
Sporting Ferrari's 789hp V12 engine it is not merely the most powerful production spider on the market, but also the most versatile, thanks to its retractable hard top, a unique feature in this segment which also guarantees a larger boot capacity.
The retractable hard top, which opens in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph, does not impinge upon the interior dimensions, so the cockpit remain roomy.
An electric rear screen, which acts as a wind-stop, makes the car useable with the top down while, with the top up, it can be left open to allow occupants to continue to luxuriate in the naturally-aspirated V12's unique soundtrack.
The 812 GTS is the spider version of the 812 Superfast, from which it takes both its specifications and performance, most notably the power unit which, thanks to its ability to unleash a massive 789hp at 8,500rpm, is the most powerful engine in its class.
The 812 GTS is equipped with all of the 812 Superfast's new generation components and control systems including the Ferrari Peak Performance set up which gives the driver a sign it is getting close to its grip limit when cornering, and the Ferrari Power Oversteer will give the driver feedback to give steering wheel inputs to bring the car back under control.
Consequently, the 812 GTS accelerates from 0-62mph in under three seconds and 0-124mph in just 8.3 seconds. Maximum speed is 211mph.