Few debates in the front-engined V12 world are as satisfying as the Ferrari 812 GTS vs Superfast question. Both cars share the same naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre heart and the same unmistakable silhouette, yet the choice between them says a great deal about how an owner intends to use the car. At Dourado Luxury Cars in Al Quoz, we currently have a Bianco Italya (white) 812 GTS in the showroom, and it gives us the perfect starting point to unpack exactly what separates these two extraordinary Maranello grand tourers.
Ferrari's front-engined, twelve-cylinder lineage is one of the most storied in the marque's history, and the 812 range represents its most powerful modern chapter. Anyone exploring the wider Ferrari collection in Dubai will quickly notice that these V12 flagships occupy a different category to the marque's mid-engined supercars - they are built for effortless speed over long distances, not just outright track lap times, though they are more than capable there too.
For buyers who want the roof-down experience without compromise, our showroom also holds a 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS in red, alongside a striking one-of-one 812 GTS 8XX by Onyx Concept for those seeking something more bespoke. Each car wears the same 789hp V12, but presented in different colourways and specifications - a reminder of how personal these Ferraris can be.
The Core Difference: Coupe Versus Convertible
The most immediate distinction between the 812 GTS and the Superfast is architectural. The Superfast is a fixed-roof coupe, the purest expression of the 812's design philosophy, while the GTS is Ferrari's first series-production V12 spider since the 1969 365 GTS4 Daytona Spider - a genuinely significant nameplate in Ferrari history. The GTS uses a retractable hard top that folds away in a matter of seconds, transforming the car from an enclosed grand tourer into an open-air experience without sacrificing structural rigidity or the coupe's dramatic lines.
Shared V12 Soul, Shared Character
Mechanically, the two cars are close siblings. The naturally-aspirated V12 in both the GTS and Superfast is one of the last of its kind - no turbochargers, no hybrid assistance, just a screaming, high-revving powerplant that Ferrari has spent decades refining. This is part of what makes the 812 platform so significant: as emissions regulations push more manufacturers toward electrification and turbocharging, Ferrari's commitment to a large-displacement, naturally-aspirated V12 in a series-production model is increasingly rare. Full technical detail on the platform and its engineering can be found on Ferrari's official website.
Whichever body style is chosen, the driving character is unmistakably 812. Immense front-engined power, a chassis tuned for high-speed stability, and a soundtrack that remains one of the most celebrated in the automotive world.
How the Open Roof Changes the Experience
Removing the roof does more than change the silhouette. The GTS was engineered so that wind buffeting is minimised even at speed, meaning owners can genuinely use the car with the roof down on longer drives rather than treating it as a novelty feature. In a climate like Dubai's, where cooler evenings and clear skies are common for much of the year, this open-top capability adds a dimension the Superfast simply cannot offer. The trade-off is a small amount of added weight from the folding roof mechanism, though Ferrari's engineering keeps this impact minimal on real-world performance.
For UAE buyers who enjoy the region's coastal roads or a sunset drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, the GTS's ability to switch between a closed, weatherproof coupe and an open-air spider within seconds is a meaningful practical advantage over the fixed-roof Superfast.
Visual Presence and Everyday Distinction
Both cars are visually striking, but they attract attention differently. The Superfast's uninterrupted roofline gives it a more singular, aggressive stance, while the GTS's folding mechanism and slightly reworked rear deck give it a distinct identity even with the roof up. Our showroom example - finished in Bianco Italya white - shows how the GTS wears its design language with understated elegance, a contrast to the more overt colours often chosen for the Superfast.
Buyers drawn to Ferrari's front-engined GT tradition but who prefer a coupe silhouette may also want to consider the marque's smaller grand tourer, the Ferrari Roma, though it sits in a different performance tier to the V12-powered 812 range.
Which One Suits the Modern Ferrari Collector?
There is no wrong answer between the 812 GTS and Superfast - the decision comes down to how the car will be enjoyed. Collectors focused purely on the fixed-roof, ultimate expression of the 812 platform will gravitate toward the Superfast, including limited editions such as the 812 Superfast 8XX by Onyx Concept currently in our stock. Those who want the flexibility of an open-top experience, without giving up any of the V12's drama, will find the GTS the more complete ownership proposition for year-round UAE use.
Either way, both cars represent the final, most powerful chapter of Ferrari's naturally-aspirated V12 GT lineage before the marque's future shifts toward hybridisation - making both the GTS and Superfast increasingly significant from a collector's standpoint.
To experience the Ferrari 812 GTS in person, or to discuss any of the V12 Ferraris currently available, visit Dourado Luxury Cars in Al Quoz, Dubai - browse our full exotic cars inventory, or get in touch via our contact page to arrange a viewing.