---
title: "This Ferrari Roma Test Mule Is Hiding the V12 for the 812’s Replacement"
description: "This new spy video shows off a Ferrari Roma prototype with a V12 engine, which could be the successor to the 812 Superfast."
date: "2023-02-26"
modified: "2023-02-26"
authors:
  - name: "Nico DeMattia"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-ferrari-roma-test-mule-is-hiding-the-v12-for-the-812s-replacement"
categories:
  - "Ferrari News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
---

# This Ferrari Roma Test Mule Is Hiding the V12 for the 812’s Replacement

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/26/Ferrari-V12-1-of-2.jpg>)

Ferrari, like most automakers, is being forced to slowly electrify its lineup. As emission restrictions tighten and future regulations are set to[ ban internal combustion](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32084/united-kingdom-government-moves-up-ban-on-internal-combustion-engines-to-2035>), all automakers are making the switch toward electrification and Ferrari is no different. However, the glorious sound of a [Ferrari ](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/ferrari-news>)V12 isn't dead just yet, as Maranello is currently readying a replacement for the [812 Superfast ](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/33779/ferrari-812-superfast-review-one-of-the-best-engines-of-all-time>)and it was just caught testing all twelve of its cylinders under the skin of a Roma.

This spy video from Varryx shows off what looks to be a[ Ferrari Roma ](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/ferrari-roma-tumbles-down-elevator-shaft-at-florida-luxury-dealer>)test mule, wrapped in heavy camouflage, stretching its legs in public. While we don't know for sure what sort of engine is under that long hood, its soundtrack alone proves that it isn't the Roma's twin-turbo V8.

The driver of this prototype Ferrari pops the hood at the start of the video and you can see a glimpse of the crackle-red valve covers on what looks to be a rather large engine. It's tough to see, as the video was shot from a distance and zoomed in, but it looks bigger than a V8. Then, as the driver gives it a few quick bursts of acceleration, you can clearly hear the wail of a free-breathing Ferrari V12.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/26/Ferrari-V12-2-of-2.jpg>)

At the moment, any sort of power figures are pure speculation. Of course, it's going to make more power than the car it replaces, the Ferrari 812 Superfast, which makes 789 horsepower. However, [rumors suggest](<https://www.drive.com.au/news/2024-ferrari-812-superfast-hybrid-v12-successor/>) it might use some hybrid assistance to get there. It's absolutely possible that we see a hybridized version of the 812's 6.5-liter V12 make well over 800 horsepower. Although, it might have to be all-wheel drive, as Ferrari is already pushing the boundaries of how much power rear-wheel drive can actually handle.

Ferrari is rumored to be revealing the 812's successor sometime later this year, with a 2024 production date. Considering the continued tightening of emissions regulations, especially in Europe, there's a chance that the V12 you see in this video is the last Ferrari V12 ever made. That makes it special but it also makes us sad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsZWuaOxIEA

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## Author
Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/ndemattia/>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-demattia-90885540/>)