grand tour ferrari 812

The New Ferrari 812 GTS Is Now The Most Powerful Production Convertible In The World

The Ferrari 812’s V12 engine has long been known to be one of the sweetest V12 powerplants ever fitted to a car. It’s powerful, free revving, and howls like a banshee on LSD. So really, the only way to improve it is to make its unmistakable soundtrack more prominent by removing the 812’s roof.

The 812 has long been one of the most beautiful cars on the road with muscly hips reflective of the sheer amount of torque from the 6.5-litre’s countless cylinders. This feature has only been highlighted by the new rear deck which hides away the folding solid roof which can fold out at only 14 second’s notice at anything under 28mph.

But with 789bhp and 530lb ft of torque, at full pelt 28mph melts away at a moments notice. 0-62 comes and goes in 3 seconds, and despite the interference of an open cabin, its top speed equals the Superfast’s at 211mph. This car really is a performer, and the lack of roof only adds to its premium look.

Unfortunately, the lack of roof also adds to its mass, with an extra 75kg of chassis-stiffening metal. But come on, this is a Ferrari. The bright bods over in Italy aren’t going to leave you falling behind once you reach a corner, so the car is packed full of cornering technology like its roofed brother. Side-Slip Angle Control will efficiently guide you around a corner perched on the front wheels, the manettino mode switch will hold your hand, and the variable steering weight will allow just the right level of counter steer to see you round in a corner in tyre-smoked style.

Just like the Ferrari F8 Spider , the aerodynamics of the car have had a thorough seeing to, mainly with the interest in maintaining your styled hair while travelling at 70+, but also to keep downforce high and drag low.

Being a bit late in the year to fully enjoy the Summer (especially in Britain), new owners of the GTS may have to travel to really soak in the rays. But with that being exactly what this car was made for, I think that’s one hell of an excuse for a holiday.

Alex Harrington

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The 785bhp 812 Superfast is the ultimate Ferrari Grand Tourer

Fast and furious

It hardly seems possible, considering the bottomless pockets and desires of Ferrari collectors. But the 812 GTS is the first front-engine, V-12 convertible production Ferrari since the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider. There’s a full 50-year gap between the 1969 Daytona’s debut and the GTS’s in 2019.

On a perfect, top-down day in New York, we’ve managed to introduce padre to figlio . Our Daytona Spider is a 1972 Euro-market model with 17,195 kilometers on the odo, spectacularly restored by Ferrari Classiche in Italy. Knees turn to gelatin as a faithful mechanic de-trailers the Daytona at a diner in Port Jervis, New York, accompanied by its publicity-shy owner in a Bugatti Chiron. The owner bought his first Daytona Berlinetta coupe for $17,000 in 1972 in Manhattan, after enlisting in the Air Force during Vietnam and then making a self-described “lucky” fortune on Wall Street. He’d earlier headed out to the Greenwich, Connecticut, dealership of Luigi Chinetti, the three-time Le Mans overall winner and godfather of Ferrari in America. He timed his arrival for the opening hour and politely knocked on the showroom’s locked glass door. Chinetti ignored him. For 15 minutes the importer sipped his espresso and read a newspaper, refusing to even look up. Playing hard-to-get is a Ferrari tradition, and while Chinetti’s snub might have sent our man to Manhattan to buy his car, it didn’t dim his desire: He’s bought and sold a dozen Daytona coupes and five Spiders over 50 years, the latter among just 121 convertibles made.

This story originally appeared in Volume 6 of Road & Track.

The 812 GTS will look to make memories with a new generation of Ferrari fans. Coupe or hardtop convertible, the 812 is sui generis among today’s automobiles, an ingot of hardcore, 789-hp performance wrapped in a surprisingly velvety GT bow. The Ferrari will crush and dispose of an Aston Martin DBS or a Bentley Continental GT, though its price makes those rivals seem affordable. Fifty years from today, will people see the Ferrari’s $404,494 base price—$534,835 for our carbon-fiber-crazy tester—and gasp over a seeming bargain? Probably not: The final tally, adjusted for inflation, is nearly five times the Daytona’s in ’72. But never say never, especially since Ferrari’s wild-revving, naturally aspirated V-12—whose current F140 iteration dates to the Enzo in 2002—will eventually be a victim of the industry’s push for electrification.

Then or now, these 12-cylinder cars’ reputations are built on sound as much as speed. With a quaint key twist for the Daytona, and a poke of the 812’s red start button, our duetto of GTs barks to life. With six Weber carbs feeding 4.4 liters, the Daytona sounds bracingly raw and mechanical, including a piercing harmonic counterpoint from four chain-driven overhead camshafts (the “4” in GTS/4). It even smells good, the aroma of spent ethanol-free fuel wafting from four quivering exhaust pipes. This European model makes 347 hp and hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. At 174 mph, Ferrari billed it as the world’s fastest production car, nipping the Lamborghini Miura’s 171 mph.

The 812 brings nearly 50 percent more displacement from a 789-hp 6.5-liter, and crescendoes even higher—8900 rpm, versus the Daytona’s 7500. Its tune rises from a mellow chuff to Pagliacci’s crime-of-passion wail, en route to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a 211-mph top speed.

We convoy to the nearby Hawk’s Nest, a cinematic slalom above the Delaware Water Gap that provided the non-CGI backdrop for Benedict Cumberbatch’s Lamborghini crash in Doctor Strange . If I’m going over these cliffs, I’m choosing the 812, not merely for its airbags. The Daytona sports pop-up headlamps, but might easily pop out its occupants: There are no seat belts on its slim, perforated chairs. The nearest lifelines are the lifebuoy-sized wooden steering wheel and the five-speed dogleg shifter.

The metal-gated lever requires patient slotting versus the automated rat-a-tat of the GTS’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Hold the GTS’s left paddle down entering turns, and rev-matched downshifts fire in bunches to prep for amazingly sticky corner exits. Sure, 530 lb-ft of torque will test the limits of any traction control or tire. Yet compared with the previous F12berlinetta, Ferrari claims the 812 can send about 50 more horsepower to the ground in any gear from third to seventh. I can’t name another rear-driver that applies great gobs of thrust to pavement so efficiently.

Wherever these movie-star cars pose together, it’s natural to look for Maranello family resemblances. Our cars are coincidentally dressed in blue; the Daytona in Blu Dino Metallizzato, the 812 in Blu Ahrabian. They share a sharply angled Kamm tail and four round, offset taillamps. Yellow Cavallino hood badges, check. The 812 inherits a long, louche hood, rear-hinged versus the Daytona’s Scaglietti-constructed clamshell. Raising the 812 hood reveals a modern V-12 shoved fully behind the front axle, for a 47/53 percent weight balance. The vintage GT’s laughably idealized engine bay shows what a multiyear factory restoration can do. The Daytona’s signature, waist-spanning indent stands in contrast to the aggressive door scallops of the GTS, seemingly clawed by some hungry beast.

.css-gwp8ws{color:#434343;font-family:GTSuperDisplayMedium,GTSuperDisplayMedium-roboto,GTSuperDisplayMedium-local,serif,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.5rem;letter-spacing:-0.0225rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;padding:1rem 1rem 0;}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gwp8ws{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-gwp8ws b,.css-gwp8ws strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-gwp8ws em,.css-gwp8ws i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} The Daytona is proudly analog, with hands-on controls and a sternum-shaking sound that can’t be faked. Of course, it’s become a prized collectible.

“You don’t have to worry about potholes in this one,” the mechanic says of the vintage model, as he nods to the 812’s barely-there sidewalls, 315/35R-20s at the rear. The Daytona rides on 15-inch Borrani wire wheels shod with Michelin reproduction radials in 215/70R-15 size.

Viewed from the GTS’s homage “Daytona” seats, the flared front fenders recall a hammerhead shark. The vintage GTS/4 is a sleeker creature, pocketbook-sized exterior mirrors and dainty door latches that pop with the gentlest flick; yank them like a brute, the mechanic warns, and they’ll strip, requiring door disassembly to repair. Old-school delights include a one-handed console lighter (just dip your cigarette inside). Two sunshades roll down from the windshield header and attach via suction cup.

From power to size and style, the Daytona father might wonder how many ’roids his offspring was downing. The 812 GTS is nearly 9.5 inches longer and nine inches wider than its ancestor, and 2.5 inches longer than a Corvette C8. Despite all the carbon-fiber bits, it weighs around two tons, versus about 2650 pounds for the slender Daytona. Modern inflation includes 165 bonus pounds for the 812’s roof. The payoff is easeful retraction in 14 seconds. The Daytona’s fabric-and-metal tangle, plus a leather tonneau cover, proves a two-person job. The 812’s interior is calm with side windows and rear glass raised, but wind buffeting is otherwise wearying at highway speeds—I’ll blame the dramatic head fairings.

Only an obtuse type would argue that one of Enzo Ferrari’s racing Alfa Romeos of the Roaring Twenties was “better” to drive than a Daytona, simply because it was more difficult or dangerous. So it’s no insult to say the Daytona can’t overcome another half-century of automotive development. The 812’s design, performance, tech, and safety would blow the mind of a car nut from the psychedelic era. Better to mentally transport oneself to that time, to revel in the Daytona’s hairy-chested, open-collared strengths.

Pointed north toward the Catskills, the Daytona proves surprisingly quick and agreeable, its pedals in tight formation, the V-12 flexing hidden muscle above 4000 rpm. The Ferrari’s double-wishbone suspension, leading edge in its era, keeps the body in check and tires planted. Steering seems tricky at first, not just for its arm-wrestling effort at parking-lot speeds: The huge rim rests practically in one’s lap, with the arms-out, laid-back driving position of vintage European sports cars. It’s a car that will reward practice and commitment, even if most owners are loathe to rack up miles—or in my case, push it in someone else’s seven-figure classic, sans seatbelt.

The 812 GTS is cooler to the touch, perhaps, but a multitracking genius that’s unbeatable as a fast, versatile, programmable tool. And it can still bring the noise.

That programmability includes the 812’s magnetic suspension that lets the high-strung Ferrari relax. The 812 Superfast coupe introduced the brand’s first electric steering, looped into the car’s network of digital aids like Side Slip Angle Control 5.0. Ferrari’s old hydraulic steering was blind, engineers and test drivers say, but now it can see. Clarity includes steering-wheel feedback to hint at impending understeer, or a countering tug to encourage proper reaction to oversteer. If that sounds overbearing in theory, it’s transparent in practice. Ferrari intentionally tunes that steering light in the 812. Yet it’s ideal for this GT-slash- supercar. On the roller-coaster Taconic Parkway, the 812 GTS puts it all together, howling along at high speed, its front end digging in with nearly the grace and nimbleness of Ferrari’s mid-engined best.

The 812 GTS and Daytona speak to not just the last half-century, but to the brand’s misty beginnings, including the 166 MM, whose 2.0-liter V-12 led it to Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, and Le Mans victories in 1949. As the industry swears off naturally aspirated engines for the artificial sweetener of turbocharging or the pure rush of electrification, those melodramatic voices may soon be silenced. If the 812 GTS marks the beginning of the end of the Ferrari V-12, it’s been one hell of a ride.

1972 FERRARI 365 GTS/4 ‘DAYTONA’ Price : $19,500 (base when new) Engine : 4.4-liter V-12 Output : 347 hp/365 lb-ft Transmission : 5-speed manual Curb Weight : 2650 lb

2021 FERRARI 812 GTS Price : $404,494 (base) Engine : 6.5-liter V-12 Output : 789 hp/530 lb-ft Transmission : 7-speed dual- clutch automatic Curb Weight : 4000 lb

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Ferrari 812 Superfast: The Ultimate Grand Tourer

• October 12, 2023

When it comes to the epitome of automotive excellence, the Ferrari 812 Superfast stands tall. This front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, crafted by the renowned Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari, was unveiled at the prestigious 2017 Geneva Motor Show, marking a new era as the successor to the iconic F12berlinetta.

The heart of the 812 Superfast roars with a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, a powerhouse capable of producing an awe-inspiring 789 horsepower and delivering 530 lb-ft of torque.

This exceptional engine harmoniously pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring a seamless and thrilling driving experience.

Buckle up for a mind-boggling journey as the 812 Superfast sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, leaving a trail of astonishment in its wake. Pushing the boundaries of speed, this automotive marvel boasts a top speed of 211 mph, elevating it to the echelons of the fastest grand tourers.

The 812 Superfast isn't just about raw power; it's a symphony of engineering artistry. Advanced aerodynamic features grace this supercar, with a prominent rear diffuser and a dynamic front splitter, fine-tuned to perfection. These elements work in unison to enhance stability and control, making every drive a work of art.

Adding to its allure, the 812 Superfast incorporates a cutting-edge rear-wheel steering system. This innovation enhances agility and handling, ensuring that the driver's every command is executed with precision. Whether you're navigating sharp turns or cruising along a scenic highway, this grand tourer effortlessly adapts to your desires.

Beyond its raw power and engineering brilliance, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is a statement of luxury. Its interior exudes opulence, with finely crafted materials and exquisite attention to detail. The cabin is a haven of comfort, making long road trips a delight. It's where performance meets sophistication.

In conclusion, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is a marvel that transcends the boundaries of automotive engineering. It's not just a car; it's a work of art. A grand tourer that effortlessly marries luxury and high-performance, it redefines the driving experience.

With its astounding speed, precision handling, and luxurious interior, the 812 Superfast rightfully claims its place among the finest grand tourers available today.

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Ferrari 812 Superfast: How Ferrari Built An Autobahn Slayer

Ferrari has a longstanding history of building incredible V-12-powered GT cars, and here's how the 812 Superfast keeps that spirit alive

• Ferrari's long history of making V12-powered grand tourers has culminated in the 812 Superfast, a fast and comfortable car perfect for long-distance drives.
• The 812 Superfast builds upon the success of its predecessor, the F12, with updated mechanical parts, rear-wheel steering, and improved design and build quality.
• The 812 Superfast stands out from its competitors with its naturally aspirated V12 engine, making it the most powerful grand tourer available and able to outperform many supercars.

Ferrari is an established marque in the high-end supercar space. Its cars were born out of racing and have maintained that DNA to this day. From mid-engine supercars to front-engine GTs, they all share this racing identity. Ferrari was among the first brands to lead the Grand Tourer segment we all know today.

This segment has models that are very powerful and fast but luxurious and comfortable. They include models from Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, and Aston Martin but Ferrari offers the most unique option in today’s market. The Ferrari 812 continues the long history of the Italian brand's super GTs , perfect for any long-distance drive, offering up a sonorous soundtrack when blasting down the Autobahn.

RELATED: The V-12 Cars That Paved the Way For Cars We Love Today

Grand Tourer Origins

Ferrari initially started out making front-engine road cars in the 1950s and they were all V-12-powered GT cars. The Ferrari 166 was the first Ferrari grand tourer which was made from 1948 to 1950 with only 38 examples. This featured a 2.0-liter V-12 which made just 90 horsepower and had a top speed of 93 mph which was good for its time, but the game has moved on significantly from there.

Ferrari never abandoned this philosophy and has continued to make V12-powered grand tourers to this day. Its latest iteration comes in form of the 812 Superfast which still has a V12 engine and produces almost 9 times the power of Ferrari's original GT car. It is fast, comfortable, and capable of eating up miles faster than a plane at take-off.

RELATED: Top 10 Practical GT Cars That Can Do Everything

Built On The Success Of The F12

The Ferrari 599 was the first V12 front-engine Ferrari to offer an automatic transmission. This led to many of these cars being optioned with the automatic with only 30 manual cars produced . As engaging as these cars were, all people wanted to do was drive and enjoy the vehicle without feeling tired. Ferrari listened and gave buyers what they wanted.

The F12 was a major shift for this platform as this was the first time the Ferrari Grand Tourer was offered without a manual transmission. It had a new dual clutch automatic transmission which was still as engaging and fun to drive as the previous cars. It also became much easier to drive as a result, had modern technology and better build quality. Ferrari's famous V-12 engine is still alive and well in this car and carries on the Grand Tourer legacy.

The 812 Superfast is the latest Ferrari Grand Tourer and has refined most of what made the F12 such a phenomenal car. It still maintains the long hood design which hints at the monster power plant under the hood. The body lines flow better than before with integrated aero parts in the bodywork. Its mechanical parts have been updated and now features rear-wheel steering for sharper handling and better turning radius.

The ride is also very compliant with the bumpy road mode which slacks off the suspension and makes it soft. But when you need it to stay balanced and sharp, it happily obliges. There's still an ample amount of space with the hatch design that allows owners to comfortably stuff bags full of clothes for two people and travel in style. When you finally choose to travel with it, you can do it at speeds faster than almost any other road car when the laws allow.

RELATED: Ferrari's Last Naturally Aspirated V-12 Will Bid Farewell With the Upcoming 812 GTO

A Grand Tourer With Supercar Power

The V-12 engine has always been a part of Ferraris grand tourers and the 812 Superfast is no different. In a world where most carmakers are downsizing or adding twin turbos to make their cars faster, Ferrari has stuck to what it does best. Stick a huge naturally aspirated V-12 under the hood and give it more power than any competitor.

Engine Specifications

The naturally aspirated V12 is an updated version of the 6.3 liter F12 engine which was the most powerful Ferrari at the time. But in the 812 it is now a 6.5-liter engine making 789 horsepower paired with an updated seven-speed dual-clutch featured in most modern Ferraris. It may not be the most powerful V12 Ferrari anymore but it is the most powerful grand tourer you can buy.

Competitors like Aston Martin, Bentley, and BMW still have less power despite having big engines and twin turbos. Porsche and Mercedes have cars with more power but they make employ turbos and electrification. The 812 is still the quintessential grand tourer in its purest form and can keep up with any vehicle from the competition. Most cars with more power and speed than the 812 are hypercars that cost millions of dollars.

RELATED: 7 Practical Mid-Engined Grand Tourers that Came Before the McLaren GT

Versatility: Daily, Track Toy, And Autobahn Slayer

There are very few cars that can pull off being a comfortable GT car with track prowess and still hit top speeds above 200MPH. For daily use, it can be left in bumpy road mode and this Ferrari becomes one of the most compliant road cars. If you happen to encounter some unforeseen weather, switch to wet mode and the advanced Ferrari systems will take care of you.

For track use stick it in race mode and it turns into a weapon capable of running laps as fast as any other supercar. It was only 1.8 seconds behind the hybrid LaFerrari supercar on the Ferrari's Fiorano test track. With enough space, the Ferrari 812 can hit a top speed of 211 mph which is faster than some supercars and much faster than any other GT car.

RELATED: 10 Things Only True Enthusiasts Know About the Ferrari 812 Superfast

Elevate The Experience With An 812 GTS

Ferrari finally upped itself and finally gave us an open-top version of this super grand tourer. The Italian brand has done something similar in the past, but they were all special editions made in limited numbers. The 812 GTS is the first modern convertible series production Ferrari GT in 50 years and it takes the 812 experience to another level.

The retractable hardtop roof still retains the beautiful lines of the 812 when on and gives it a new look when off. Unfortunately, it does steal some cargo room from the hatch in the regular 812. While this feature adds weight, it does not impede the performance in any way and simultaneously enhances the fun aspects of this super GT. Owners have the choice of being cocooned in luxury or staying open to the elements while driving gently or listening to the roaring V12 engine.

In a sea of outstanding fast GT cars, supercars, and super sedans, the Ferrari 812 seems to be the only car that blends all of that into a single package. Its multi-personality traits make it the most versatile car in its class and a true unicorn. Whether you are driving around your local city, taking a road trip, chasing lap times on a track, or blasting down the Autobahn, the 812 Superfast is one of the best cars for the occasion if you can afford its $400,000 price tag.

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2022 Ferrari 812GTS / Competizione

Starting at .css-1ykuyyb{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;margin-left:0.25rem;}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1ykuyyb{color:#000000;}} $405,450.

Select a year

• Lows Compromised trunk space in GTS, dismal gas mileage, Competizione is already sold out.
• Verdict The last naturally-aspirated V-12 Ferrari reminds us to savor this pre-hybridized moment, especially that screaming soundtrack.

What's New for 2022?

The 812 lineup drops the Superfast but adds the extreme Competizione model. This track-oriented 812 gains 30 horsepower, lighter materials, revised aerodynamics. Ferrari will only build 500 coupes and 312 Competizione A convertibles, but they have all already been sold.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2022 Ferrari 812 starts at $405,450 and goes up to $697,549 depending on the trim and options.

Ferrari offers the 812GTS in a single spec that features carbon-ceramic brake rotors, 20-inch wheels, and an interior slathered in aromatic leather. Buyers can select from a host of paint colors, interior trimmings, and wheel designs, but that's about the extent of the customization. Given that the Competizione is already sold out, we'd recommend the GTS, which allows us to enjoy the feeling of windswept hair and revel in long drives down the Pacific Coast Highway or through the Catskills.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ferrari 812GTS gets its muscle from a 789-hp 6.5-liter V-12, which delivers a bracing 530 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Although the GTS doesn’t use the Superfast name, it is still super fast, reaching a 211 mph top speed. While we haven’t tested a GTS, the Superfast that we tested hit 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds . Ferrari claims the GTS should reach 60 about a tenth of a second behind the Superfast, likely owing to the necessary chassis reinforcements that make the convertible an estimated 265 pounds heavier than the coupe. In our drive of the GTS , we found the handling to be quite nimble for a near two-ton car, making it feel like a much smaller vehicle. The removable roof makes it easy to listen to the 812’s stupendous noise—its exhaust note starts as a guttural growl and rises to an ear-piercing shriek. And the standard carbon-ceramic brakes bring this beast to a quick and decisive halt; the coupe needed just 142 feet to stop from 70 mph in our testing and performance should be similar on the GTS. The Competizione takes things to a new level; while we haven’t tested one, we expect it to reach 60 mph around 0.2 seconds quicker than the GTS. The Competizione is so fast, in fact, that our senses struggled to keep up with the extreme speeds. It is the naturally-aspirated 812 pushed to its absolute limits.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2022 Ferrari 812GTS chugs fuel, averaging 12 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway per the EPA's yardstick. The Lamborghini Huracán —a chief rival, albeit with a V-10—fares a bit better, returning 13 and 18 mpg, respectively, in those environs. During our time with the 812 Superfast, we managed only 11 mpg, two points shy of its 13-mpg combined rating; we haven’t gotten our hands on a GTS for testing purposes. The Competizione actually performs slightly better than the GTS, returning 12 mpg in the city but 16 mpg on the highway. For more information about the 812's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website .

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 812's cabin provides seating for two, with reasonably spacious accommodations, good ergonomics, and modern design. Wishing for drivers to embrace the grand-touring nature of the 812 and keep their hands on the wheel at all times, Ferrari eliminated the typical steering-wheel stalks and instead put push-button controls for the wipers and turn signals on the spokes. As for storage space, the coupe outshines many competitors, offering 18 cubic feet of cargo volume. We can't say the same for the convertible, though. The GTS's roof-folding equipment cuts that down to a mere seven cubes. You'll need to send most of your luggage on ahead.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 812 coupes and convertibles come with a six-speaker stereo, but why listen to that when you have a built-in V-12 soundtrack? An integrated navigation system with a voice-activation feature comes standard along with Bluetooth phone pairing and music streaming. Owners can option to have Apple CarPlay capability, but Android users are out of luck.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Like a lot of supercars, the 812GTS and Competizione offer little in the way of driver-assistance features . For more information about the 812's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard backup camera
• Standard front and rear parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ferrari's limited and powertrain warranties match the coverage provided by Lamborghini . However, the Maranello automaker sets itself apart by offering seven years of complimentary scheduled maintenance; Lamborghini offers nothing of the sort.

• Limited warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
• Powertrain warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for seven years with no mileage limit

Specifications

2021 Ferrari 812GTS

VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

BASE PRICE $404,494 

ENGINE TYPE DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement 396 in 3 , 6496 cm 3 Power 789 hp @ 8500 rpm Torque 530 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.1 in Length: 184.8 in Width: 77.6 in Height: 50.2 in Trunk volume: 7 ft 3 Curb weight ( C/D est): 4000 lb

PERFORMANCE ( C/D EST) 60 mph: 2.8 sec 100 mph: 5.8 sec 1/4 mile: 10.5 sec Top speed: 211 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 13/12/15 mpg

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10 Things We Just Learned About The Ferrari 812 Superfast

Living up to its name, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is the Italian carmaker's fastest naturally aspirated model of all time.

Those who've been following the automotive industry for a while know that some of the biggest manufacturers reveal their latest creations at the Geneva Motor Show . It is one of the oldest and most prestigious car exhibitions in the world that dates back to 1905, and it is often used as a venue for carmakers to showcase their most exotic concepts and latest offerings to the public.That was the case with Ferrari back in 2017, where the legendary Italian marque celebrated their historic 70th anniversary in the most Ferrari way possible by revealing the 812 Superfast - Maranello's all-new uncompromising Grand Tourer. It's the latest V12 Berlinetta of the Prancing Horse, and we're here to show you some of the stuff we just learned about the 812 Superfast.

10 F12 Successor

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the latest in the legendary lineage of 12-cylinder Ferrari sports cars, which was last held by the awesome Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the F12tdf.

A lot of people have praised the F12 Berlinetta as a proper Italian grand tourer, and the 812 Superfast carries on that legacy, as it's rather an evolutionary more than a revolutionary new sports car from Ferrari.

RELATED : These Are Our Favorite Features Of The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

9 Most Powerful Ferrari Back In 2017

With the exception of the limited-edition LaFerrari hypercar, the Ferrari 812 Superfast held the record for being the most powerful and fastest production Ferrari in history . The F12 Berlinetta's 6.3-liter V12 engine was enlarged to 6.5 liters, and it generated a naturally aspirated power output of 789 hp at 8,500 rpm.

That record was beaten by the Ferrari SF90 Stradale in 2019, but that was due to its V8 engine having hybrid assist. To date, the 812 Superfast is still the most powerful naturally aspirated Ferrari ever made.

RELATED : Here's What Makes The Ferrari 812 Superfast's Engine Its Coolest Feature

8 Performance Figures

Ferrari officially claims the 812 Superfast could reach a top speed of 211 mph, with a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds. The super GT has a dual-clutch transmission built by Getrag with specific gear ratios to provide quick upshifts and downshifts that maximize throttle response even further.

Despite being designed as a grand tourer, the 812 Superfast still lapped Ferrari's Fiorano circuit just half a second slower than its track-focused predecessor, the F12tdf.

RELATED : This Ferrari 812 Superfast Hits 205 Mph With Ease

7 Weight And Dimensions

The 812 Superfast is longer, wider, but is surprisingly lighter than its predecessor, the F12 Berlinetta. Official figures say the 812 Superfast is 4,657mm long, 1,971mm wide and is only 1,276mm tall.

Its official curb weight stands at 3,845 lbs, so by no means is the 812 Superfast a super-lightweight car. However, it is still 100 lbs lighter than the F12. Coupled with a more powerful engine, the 812 gets a better power-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, despite being a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, the 812 Superfast has a rearward weight distribution, as it only has 47% of the car's weight on the front wheels.

6 All-Rounder

Ferrari describes the 812 Superfast as "an uncompromising sports car that delivers exhilarating driving both on road and track, yet comfortable enough to allow its owners to enjoy it as an all-round experience".

In fact, this combination proved to sway Ferrari owners to take a V12 Grand Tourer like the 812 Superfast as a daily driver. According to Autocar, Ferrari's research suggests utilization rate increased from 36% in the 550 Maranello to 54% with the F12 Berlinetta.

5 Leading Edge Control Systems

Ferrari refined the F12's vehicle dynamics and integrated them into the 812 Superfast. It's the first Ferrari to be fitted with electric power steering, and with that, technologies such as Ferrari's patented Side Slip Control (SSC) exploits the 812 Superfast's potential even further.

Also, the F12tdf's rear-wheel-steering system has been carried over to the 812 Superfast, and is called the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0, which improves the car's nimble handling and quickens the vehicle's response to driver input.

4 Designed By The Ferrari Styling Center

The 812 Superfast's design was based on its predecessor, the F12 Berlinetta. But it has new styling cues with full LED headlamps, revised air vents on the hood, and the circular tail lamps have gone from two to four.

Furthermore, the 812 Superfast's two-box, high-tail design is reminiscent of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona which was a Pininfarina design, but was adopted by the design team at the Ferrari Styling Center.

The 812 Superfast's interior breathes an air of familiarity as it didn't change much from the F12 Berlinetta, and it shares some of its interior pieces with the LaFerrari hypercar such as the shape and position of the air vents, and the contours of its dashboard.

Like its predecessor, the 812 Superfast can also be ordered with a specially-designed, model name-tagged, multi-piece luggage set that will fit nicely into the car's rear trunk.

2 Special New Color

When it was revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the 812 Superfast sported a special new color called the Rosso Settanta, which celebrates 70 years of the Prancing Horse.

Visibly in a darker shade of red than the iconic Rosso Corsa, the Rosso Settanta paintjob was exclusive to the 812 Superfast.

1 812 Competizione

Back in 2021, Ferrari revealed two limited-edition special series cars derived from the 812 Superfast, and they were called the 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A. The A stands for Aperta, which is a spectacular Targa top version that's sold exclusively to Ferrari's most loyal customers.

Power output was further boosted to 819 hp thanks to the 6.5-liter V12 having a higher 9,500 rpm redline. They are the direct successors to the F12tdf, and only a total of 999 Competizione and 599 Competizione A examples were made. All of those, of course, were sold out almost immediately.

Middle East / Africa

• Al Tayer Motors L.L.C, Dubai
• Premier Motors L.L.C., Abu Dhabi
• Euro Motors, Sitra
• Select Cars, New Delhi
• Navnit Motors, Mumbai
• Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co., Safat
• Scuderia Lebanon , Beirut
• Alfardan Motors, Muscat
• Alfardan Sports Motors, Doha
• Fast Auto Technic - Jeddah, Jeddah
• Fast Auto Technic - Riyadh, Riyadh

South America

• Centro Milano, PILAR
• Ferrari São Paulo, São Paulo
• Ferrari Santiago, Santiago
• Ferrari Bogotá, Bogotá
• Ferrari Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García
• Ferrari Guadalajara, Guadalajara
• Ferrari Mexico City, Ciudad de México
• Ferrari Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
• Ferrari Puerto Rico, San Juan
• Ferrari Caracas, Caracas
• Passione Sportiva, Zipf (Pfaffing)
• Scuderia Gohm, Vösendorf
• Ing H Pichler GmbH, Wels
• Baron Service GmbH, Wien
• Autolux Azerbaijan LLC, Baku
• Nazar Group, Baku
• F.M.A. NV, Wijnegem
• Monza NV, Sint-Martens-Latem
• Francorchamps Motors Brussels S.A., B-1300 WAVRE
• Auto Italia EAD, Sofia
• Modena Cars SA, Plan-les-Ouates
• ZENITH Automobiles Lausanne, Lutry
• Kraehenmann Autocenter AG, Meilen
• Automobile Nemeth AG, Hinterkappelen
• Niki Hasler AG, Basel
• ZENITH Automobiles Sion, Sion
• Sportgarage Leirer AG, Stein
• Loris Kessel Auto SA, Grancia
• B.I. Collection AG, Urdorf-Zurich
• Sport Auto Staub AG, Luzern
• Rebellion Motors SA, Romanel sur Lausanne
• octane126 AG, Wallisellen
• Kessel Auto Zug AG, Zug
• Sportgarage Leirer AG, Stein (AR)
• Mototrend, Latsia Nicosia
• Scuderia S.F. Praha, Praha 17
• Scuderia Praha a.s., Praha 17
• Ulrich, Frankfurt am Main
• Eberlein Automobile GmbH, Kassel
• Thomas Sportwagen GmbH, Radebeul/Dresden
• LUEG Sportivo GmbH, Meerbusch
• Autohaus Blöchl GmbH, Osterhofen
• Gohm Singen, Singen/Hwtl.
• Emil Frey Sportivo GmbH, München
• Moll Sportwagen Hannover GmbH, Hannover
• AutoToyStore GmbH, Starnberg
• Maranello Motors GmbH, Köln
• Gohm Böblingen, Böblingen
• Riller & Schnauck GmbH, Berlin
• Autohaus Isert GmbH & CO K.G., Bayreuth
• Mertel Italo Cars Nürnberg GmbH, Nürnberg
• Scuderia Gran Tourismo GmbH, Irschenberg
• Penske Sportwagen Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg
• Formula Automobile A/S, Vejle
• Formula Automobile, Lyngby
• Ezz Elarab Automotive Company Ltd, Cairo
• Quadis Gallery Valencia, Valencia
• Santogal Automóviles, S.L.U., Madrid
• Quadis Gallery Barcelona, Barcelona
• C. De Salamanca, San Pedro de Alcántara
• Luxury Collection Automobiles OY, Lempaala
• SF Côte d’Azur Provence, Eguilles
• SF Côte d’Azur Cannes, Le Cannet
• Modena Sport Biarritz, Biarritz
• Trident SA, Mouilleron Le Captif
• Palau, Mérignac
• Gauduel Sport Sas, Limonest
• S.A. Trident, Mouilleron Le Captif
• Carrosserie Anneau Du Rhin, Bischheim
• SF Grand Est Mulhouse , Sausheim
• SF Grand Est Strasbourg, Bischheim
• Lecoq Paris, Bezons
• Charles Pozzi Paris, Paris
• Modena Sport, Balma (Toulouse)
• Charles Pozzi Le Mans, Le Mans
• Lecoq Riviera, Mandelieu
• Chartwell, Derby
• H.R. Owen London, London
• Jardine Colchester, Colchester
• Stratstone Manchester, Wilmslow
• JCT600 Leeds, Leeds
• Meridien Modena, Lyndhurst
• Carrs Ferrari, Exeter
• Dick Lovett Swindon, Swindon
• Graypaul Birmingham, Solihull
• Graypaul Nottingham, Nottingham
• Maranello Sales, Egham
• H.R. Owen Hatfield , Hatfield
• Graypaul Glasgow, Renfrew
• JCT600 Newcastle, Newcastle
• Charles Hurst, Belfast
• Bodytechnics, Slough
• Jardine Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks
• Graypaul Edinburgh, Edinburgh
• Individual Specialist Cars Solihull, Solihull (--)
• Genesis S.A., Kato Kifissia
• Ferrari Budapest, Budapest
• Mediterranean Car Agency Ltd, Petach Tikva
• Radicci Ancona, Ancona (AN)
• RADICCI GROUP, Bari (BA)
• Radicci Automobili S.p.A. Bari, Bari (BA)
• Autofficina Sauro, Bologna (BO)
• Autofficina Sauro S.n.c. di Rizzoli Francesco &C., Bologna (BO)
• Rossocorsa Brescia, San Zeno Naviglio (BS)
• Special Car Group, Elmas (CA)
• Pellin Racing, Castelverde (CR)
• Cronos, Catania (CT)
• Rossocorsa S.r.l. - Showroom, Milano (MI)
• ROSSOCORSA GROUP, Milano (MI)
• Rosso Monza, Arcore (MI)
• Rossocorsa Milano, Milano (MI)
• Maranello Service, Bozzolo (MN)
• Zanasi Group, Maranello (MO)
• Ineco Auto Modena, Modena (MO)
• Motor Service, Modena (MO)
• Carrozzeria Franchini, Modena (MO)
• Sa.Mo.Car Napoli, Napoli (NA)
• Ineco Auto Padova, Padova (PD)
• Michelotto, Padova (PD)
• C.D.P., Ellera di Corciano (PG)
• Sa.Mo.Car Prato, Prato (PO)
• Autofficina Bonini Carlo, Cadelbosco di Sopra (RE)
• Autofficina Bonini Carlo S.r.l., Cadelbosco di Sopra (RE)
• Cronos S.C.A.R. S.p.A., Ragusa (RG)
• SA.MO.CAR GROUP, Roma (RM)
• Sa.Mo.Car S.p.A. Roma, Roma (RM)
• Cesarmeccanica Service, Salerno (SA)
• Team Forza, Ceriale (SV)
• Rossocorsa Torino, Torino (TO)
• Forza Service, Torino (TO)
• A-Team, Udine (UD)
• Gto Motors, Gerenzano (VA)
• Ram, Altavilla Vicentina (VI)
• INECO GROUP, Verona (VR)
• Ineco Auto S.p.A. Verona, Verona (VR)
• Carrozzeria Styling, Verona (VR)
• Francorchamps Motors Luxembourg, Windhof
• Cavallino Riga, Riga (LV)
• Univers Motors Premium, Casablanca
• Scuderia Monte-Carlo, Monaco
• Monaco Motors, Monaco
• Aquila Africa Ltd, Johannesburg
• Kroymans Automotive B.V., Hilversum
• Munsterhuis Sportscars, Hengelo (OV)
• Formula Automobile Norge, Billingstad
• Ferrari Warszawa, Warszawa
• Ferrari Katowice, Katowice
• Ferrari Porto, Porto
• FBO Motor Sports, Lisboa
• Forza Rossa, Otopeni, Jud. Ilfov
• Ferrari Avilon, Moscow
• Zao Maranello, Moscow
• Autoropa AB, Stockholm
• Autoropa Service Magasin 1, Stockholm
• Autocenter Lack Och Karosseri AB, Orkelljunga
• Autoropa, Arlov (Malmo)
• Fer Mas Oto Ticaret A.S., Kurucesme
• Scuderia South Africa Cape Town, Cape Town
• Scuderia South Africa Johannesburg, Bryanston
• Scuderia South Africa Durban, Umhlanga Ridge
• Scuderia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg

Asia Pacific

• Ferrari Adelaide, Adelaide
• Ferrari Brisbane, Newstead
• Ferrari Gold Coast, Southport
• Ferrari North Shore, Artarmon
• Exclusive Auto Centre, Newstead
• Luxury Auto Body , Clifton Hill
• Ferrari Sydney, Waterloo
• Ferrari Richmond, Richmond
• Barbagallo Ferrari, Osborne Park
• Lombardi Prestige, Bentley (WA)
• 尊荣亿方集团沈阳汽车销售有限公司全运分公司, Shenyang
• 苏州意骏汽车销售服务有限公司, Suzhou
• 昆明乐骏汽车销售服务有限公司, Kunming
• 福建骏佳行汽车销售服务有限公司, Xiamen
• 意特汽车商业（上海）有限公司, Shanghai
• 重庆骏东汽车服务有限公司, Chongqing China
• 安徽鸿粤鸿超汽车销售服务有限公司, Hefei
• 北京骏东汽车销售服务有限公司, Beijing
• 成都骏意汽车销售服务有限公司, Chengdu
• 重庆骏东汽车销售服务有限公司, Chongqing
• 法拉利汽车国际贸易(上海)有限公司, Shanghai
• 杭州骏意汽车销售服务有限公司, Hangzhou
• 广东骏佳汽车服务有限公司, Guangzhou
• 骏佳行汽车服务（深圳）有限公司, Shenzhen
• 青岛恒骏汽车销售服务有限公司 , Qingdao
• 郑州悦骏汽车销售服务有限公司, Zhengzhou
• 西安丽骏汽车销售服务有限公司, Xi'an
• 宁波骏意汽车服务有限公司, Ningbo
• 长沙市骏马汽车销售服务有限公司, Changsha
• 武汉骏东汽车销售服务有限公司, Wuhan
• 南京瑞骏汽车销售服务有限公司, Nanjing
• 温州骏意汽车服务有限公司, Wenzhou
• Blackbird Concessionaires Limited, Hong Kong
• PT Eurokars Prima Utama, Central Jakarta
• オート・スペチアーレ, Shizuoka-shi
• グランテスタ長野, Nagano
• エムオート　イタリア, Minami-ku Hiroshima-shi
• ボディーショップ・コミネ, Ibaraki-shi
• MID Sapporo, Sapporo-city
• コーンズ名古屋ショールーム, Chikusaku Nagoya-shi
• コーンズ 大阪ショールーム, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
• コーンズ 芝ショールーム　, Minato-ku
• ヨーロピアンバージョン, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi
• Yanase Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., Misato-Shi
• Auto Speciale, Shizuoka-shi
• Cornes Yokohama Bodyshop, Yokohama, K
• オートカヴァリーノ, Higashinada-ku Kobe-shi
• Nicole Competizione , Yokohama
• Rosso Scuderia, Minato-ku
• フェラーリ仙台サービスセンター, Sendai-shi
• Gran Testa, Kanazawa
• Forza Motors Korea, Seoul
• Forza Motors Korea Service Seoul, Seoul
• Forza Motors Korea Service Busan, Busan
• Naza Italia Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya
• ITAL AUTO, Kuala Lumpur
• Continental Cars Ferrari, Epsom
• Velocita Motors Inc, Mandaluyong City
• Motostrada Inc , Taguig City
• Ital Auto Pte Ltd, Singapore
• Cavallino Motors Co. Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand
• Modena Motori Taiwan Co., Ltd. - Taichung, Taichung
• Modena Motori Taiwan Co., Ltd., Taipei City
• Modena Motori Taiwan Co., Ltd. - Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung City
• Supreme Auto, HO CHI MINH CITY

North America

• Ferrari of Alberta, Calgary (AB)
• Ferrari of Vancouver, Vancouver (BC)
• Ferrari of Ontario, Vaughan (ON)
• Ferrari Quebec, Montreal (QC)
• Ferrari Puerto Rico, San Juan (PR)
• Scottsdale Ferrari, Phoenix (AZ)
• Ferrari Westlake, Thousand Oaks (CA)
• Ferrari Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills (CA)
• Ferrari South Bay, Torrance (CA)
• Ferrari Silicon Valley, Redwood City (CA)
• Ferrari of San Francisco, Mill Valley (CA)
• Ferrari of Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage (CA)
• Ferrari of San Diego, San Diego (CA)
• Ferrari of Newport Beach, Newport Beach (CA)
• Ferrari of South Bay, Torrance (CA)
• Ferrari of Denver , Highlands Ranch (CO)
• Ferrari of Denver, Highlands Ranch (CO)
• Miller Motorcars, Greenwich (CT)
• Ferrari of Miami, Miami (FL)
• The Collection, Coral Gables (FL)
• Ferrari Central Florida, Orlando (FL)
• Ferrari of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach (FL)
• Ferrari of Naples, Naples (FL)
• Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale (FL)
• Ferrari of Tampa Bay, Palm Harbor (FL)
• Ferrari of Atlanta, Roswell (GA)
• Ferrari of Hawaii, Honolulu (HI)
• Ferrari Lake Forest, Lake Bluff (IL)
• Continental Autosports, Hinsdale (IL)
• Ferrari of New England, Norwood (MA)
• Cauley Ferrari of Detroit, Detroit (MI)
• Twin Cities Performance, Golden Valley (MN)
• Cavallino Rosso St Louis, St Louis (MO)
• Foreign Cars Italia Charlotte, Charlotte (NC)
• Foreign Cars Italia, Greensboro (NC)
• Ferrari of Central New Jersey, Edison (NJ)
• Classic Coach Repair, Elizabeth (NJ)
• Ferrari of Las Vegas, Las Vegas (NV)
• Ferrari of Long Island, Plainview (NY)
• Ferrari New York, New York (NY)
• Wide World Ferrari, Spring Valley (NY)
• Maranello, Williamsville (NY)
• Midwestern Auto Group, Dublin (OH)
• Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo, Wilsonville (OR)
• Ferrari Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr (PA)
• Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr (PA)
• Karosserie, Wayne (PA)
• Prancing Horse of Nashville, Nashville (TN)
• Ferrari of San Antonio, San Antonio (TX)
• Ferrari of Houston, Houston (TX)
• Boardwalk Ferrari, Plano (TX)
• Ferrari of Austin, Austin (TX)
• Ferrari of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City (UT)
• Ferrari of Washington, Sterling (VA)
• Ferrari of Washington , Sterling (VA)
• Ferrari of Seattle, Bellevue (WA)

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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Dubai floods: Chaos, queues and submerged cars after UAE hit by record rains

Passengers report being stranded in the desert city as the international hub struggles in the wake of unusually heavy rain

Don’t blame cloud seeding for the Dubai floods

Dubai is wrestling with the aftermath of extraordinary torrential rains that flooded the desert city, with people describing harrowing stories of spending the night in their cars, and air passengers enduring chaotic scenes at airports.

Up to 259.5mm (10.2in) of rain fell on the usually arid country of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, the most since records began 75 years ago . The state-run WAM news agency called the rains on Tuesday “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949”.

As the sun returned on Wednesday, along with it came stories of people stuck in cars and offices through an arduous night.

“It was one of the most horrific situations I had ever experienced,” said one Dubai resident in his 30s, who did not want to give his name, after his 15-minute commute turned into a 12-hour ordeal on flooded roads.

At Dubai’s airport, one of the busiest for international travel, with nearly every flight repeatedly delayed, Emirates passengers were told to stay away “unless absolutely necessary”.

Frustration from those already there began to build.

A large crowd formed at a connections desk, clapping and whistling in protest as they waited for information.

“They are completely lost, it’s complete chaos – no information, nothing,” fumed one passenger, who did not want to be named, after a 12-hour wait, Agence France-Presse reported.

Standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. One couple called the situation “absolute carnage”. They spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely in a country with strict laws that criminalise critical speech. “You cannot get a taxi. There’s people sleeping in the Metro station. There’s people sleeping in the airport.”

The BBC reported other passengers were diverted to Dubai World Central Airport – also known as Al Maktoum airport – telling the broadcaster they had been “living on duty free” and that water was in short supply.

One furious British traveller told PA Media that once his flight was diverted to Dubai World Central, he had not been given any food or water either. “It’s just been an absolute disaster. We’re stuck here and seven hours without a single update is inexcusable.”

Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, posted on X on Wednesday night: “Customers should expect delays with departures and arrivals” and that while some passengers had been able to get to their destinations “we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights”.

The airline cancelled all check-ins and announced that it would continue to suspend services until Thursday morning, apologising for the disruptions. Those on FlyDubai, Emirates’ low-cost sister airline, also faced delays.

Dubai airport posted on X early on Thursday that flights had resumed from Terminal 1 but urged people to travel to the airport only if they had a confirmed booking, as flights continued to be “delayed and disrupted”.

Paul Griffiths, the airport’s CEO, acknowledged the issues with flooding on Wednesday. “It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like it,” Griffiths told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye.

Neighbouring countries were also hit by heavy rains earlier this week, including Oman, where 20 people have died, including 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult.

Soldiers were deployed to badly affected areas of the sultanate, which rests on the eastern edge of the Arabian peninsula, to evacuate people trapped by flooding.

Schools will stay closed in Dubai until next week, authorities said, underscoring the difficulty of the clean-up.

In an unusual direct intervention, the UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordered “authorities to quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused”, official media said.

The president also gave orders for affected families to be transferred to safe locations, said a statement carried by the WAM news agency.

Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, wrote on X about “efforts being made by teams of citizens and residents that continue day and night” as the city’s media office posted video overlayed with dramatic music of officials conferring in groups and water pumping appearing to take place in the background.

Photos too were posted of what it said showed water flooding into desert areas.

صور من جريان الأودية في صحراء القدرة في #دبي pic.twitter.com/pyXP8OpBVF — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 17, 2024

Similar scenes were visible around the Gulf state including in Sharjah, in neighbouring Dubai, where people waded through main streets and paddled around on makeshift boats.

At least one person was killed in the flooding. A 70-year-old man who was swept away in his car in Ras al-Khaimah, one of the country’s seven emirates, according to police.

The UAE government announced that remote working for most federal government employees had been extended into another day because of the impact.

Agence France-Presse, PA Media and Associated Press contributed to this report

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