German Engineering for a Bella Macchina: Novitec and KW Suspension components developed for the Ferrari 812 GTS

Making a super sports car even more dynamic, sporty, and good-looking is something that only few achieve. This makes it even more challenging for the open Ferrari 812 GTS. Exclusively for Novitec, we have developed spring kits with height adjustment for the Ferrari 812 GTS and combined them with a hydraulic lift kit. Why?

For the open 812 GTS with an automatically retractable roof, in “Ferrari nomenclature” Retractable Hardtop, Novitec has developed a front spoiler lip made of carbon fiber. Since it is covered by the central air intake and the lateral flaps, it is not only very nice to have a look at it, but it additionally has a huge impact on the aerodynamics. With the hydraulic lift kit, Novitec Ferraristi no longer need to fear speed bumps or steep garage entrances and exits.

Two hydraulic lift cylinders are mounted to the standard struts equipped with a set of springs made by KW – available exclusively for Ferrari models from Novitec.

Picture of a generic HLS-2 retrofit kit including lines, oil reservoir, pump, springs and lift cylinders.

While the Novitec springs enable a lowering of 35 millimeters, the hydraulic cylinders lift the nose of the Ferrari 812 GTS by 40 – 45 millimeters at the push of a button. The KW HLS system resembles the lift cylinder systems that Ferrari also offers as an optional extra on selected models or as part of the standard equipment.

HLS in action

The major advantage compared to aftermarket air suspensions, OEM air suspensions and so-called “airride” suspensions is the fact that with a hydraulic lift system, the spring rate doesn’t change in the raised mode or in the lowered mode. The entire system is less prone to faults and maintenance, plus it’s more compact. Do we still need to mention the benefit of weight over an air suspension?

By the way, from 80 km/h onwards, the hydraulic lift cylinders lower again automatically; only to lift the front again by up to 45 millimeters within a few seconds at the push of a button.

Additionally, the side skirts are made of carbon fiber and direct the airflow to the rear. The mirrors and air vents not only serve to enhance style, but also have an influence on aerodynamics. As the GTS does not have a bypass channel in the rear air outlets due to its retractable hood, Novitec retrofitted carbon trims.

Novitec aerodynamics development at the FKFS – Forschungsinstitut für Kraftfahrwesen und Fahrzeugmotoren Stuttgart (in English: Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart)

The tuner tests all its aerodynamic components in the air tunnel of the FKFS – Forschungsinstitut für Kraftfahrwesen und Fahrzeugmotoren Stuttgart (in English: Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart). Hence, it’s not surprising that the standard aerodynamics of the Ferrari 812 GTS were also redesigned in the rear. You may remember that the challenge concerning the GTS was that the aerodynamics change depending on whether the top is open or closed.

The rear, for example, disposes of a three-piece carbon Gurney Flap. Gurney Flap? This is basically a tear-off edge that increases the contact pressure on the rear axle, meaning that it provides the tires with better grip. The air resistance increases only minimally, and the advantage of the contact pressure outweighs the disadvantages.

The tuner added a striking carbon extension to the Ferrari standard diffuser with its integrated three-part wing. For the moment, Novitec left the interior of the 6.5-liter V12 engine with its 800 hp at 8500 rpm untouched. Instead, the high-revving twelve-cylinder engine received an elaborate Inconel sports exhaust system combined with sports catalytic converters. It is about eleven kilograms lighter than the standard exhaust system.

The Novitec exhaust system also disposes of an exhaust valve control. If the sports catalytic converters are installed as well, additional electronic modules are also in the scope of supply. If desired, it is even possible to order the exhaust system with a fine gold coating for increased heat dissipation.

The exhaust system makes the twelve-cylinder engine mobilize up to 840 hp at 8750 rpm. The maximum torque of 718 Newton meters also increases to 751 Newton meters due to the improved exhaust system. Novitec was also able to reach a higher cruising speed – excuse me – top speed. The Novitec Ferrari 812 GTS can now drive up to 345 km/h.

While the Novitec NF 10 rims measure 10 x 21 inches on the front axle, they measure 12.5 x 22 inches on the drive axle. The dimensions of the mixed set of tires are 275/30-21 and 335/25-22.

Images Novitec

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