Ferrari has unveiled its latest marvel, the F80 hypercar, which stands as the most powerful road car ever produced by the iconic Italian manufacturer. With an electrified 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 powertrain drawing inspiration from Ferrari’s triumph in both Formula 1 and Le Mans, the F80 is set to redefine performance in the luxury automotive market. Its extraordinary 1184bhp eclipses any of Ferrari’s predecessors, signalling a bold new chapter in the company’s history of innovation.
Priced at £3 million, the F80 will be limited to a mere 799 units—all of which are already spoken for—further enhancing its exclusivity and appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. It continues Ferrari’s tradition of producing high-performance vehicles with cutting-edge technology, following in the footsteps of the legendary F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.
Powertrain and Performance
The core of the F80’s unprecedented power is its newly overhauled V6 engine, derived from Ferrari’s 296 GTB model, but heavily modified to produce an impressive 888bhp. Augmented by three electric motors—two on the front axle and one on the rear—this advanced system adds a further 296bhp. The rear motor, a Formula 1-inspired energy recovery unit (MGU-K), offers 94bhp alone, filling in power gaps and enhancing acceleration. These combined components enable the F80 to achieve a remarkable 0-62mph time of 2.15 seconds and 0-124mph in just 5.75 seconds, outperforming rivals such as McLaren’s W1 and Mercedes-AMG One.
The inclusion of F1-derived ‘E-turbos’ marks a first for Ferrari, with the use of an ‘MGU-H’ heat recovery system that minimises turbo lag and sharpens throttle response. Ferrari has also fitted the F80 with a selection of driving modes, including Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify, which are controlled via the eManettino switch on the steering wheel. Notably, the F80 forgoes a full electric mode, with its battery instead used to support peak performance during moments of high demand, such as when navigating challenging tracks.
Aerodynamic Mastery
Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the F80’s capabilities. Ferrari has drawn from its extensive motorsport expertise to develop a car that is as aerodynamically efficient as it is powerful. The car’s underbody design borrows heavily from Formula 1, while the front of the vehicle features an aggressive ‘S-Duct’ that channels air efficiently over the cabin and towards the rear, enhancing downforce.
At the rear, a striking active wing not only adjusts its height but also its angle to optimise downforce and reduce drag, working in tandem with the expansive rear diffuser. These innovations collectively provide the F80 with a maximum of 1000kg of downforce at 155mph, including 460kg generated solely by the front end. This level of aerodynamic efficiency places the F80 on par with the McLaren W1, further cementing Ferrari’s standing as a leader in high-performance engineering.
Chassis and Construction
Despite its significant power output, the F80 remains agile thanks to its lightweight construction. Its chassis is built from a combination of carbon fibre, titanium, and aluminium, making it 60kg lighter than its predecessor, the LaFerrari. Measuring 4840mm in length, 2060mm in width, and 1130mm in height, the F80 is larger than McLaren’s W1 but remarkably retains a weight of just 1525kg.
Ferrari has also introduced a cutting-edge active suspension system, co-developed with Multimatic, which is crucial in maintaining the vehicle’s stability during high-speed cornering. The suspension, supported by four 48V actuators, keeps the centre of gravity low and the car balanced, ensuring exceptional performance even under the most demanding driving conditions.
Design Philosophy
Ferrari’s design language for the F80 is strikingly modern, eschewing nostalgia in favour of a futuristic aesthetic. Designer Flavio Manzoni described the inspiration behind the car’s bold exterior as rooted in the world of science fiction, with visual cues that evoke spaceships. However, Ferrari aficionados will note familiar touches, such as the pronounced front wheel arches reminiscent of the F40 and Enzo, and a rear that subtly nods to the classic 330 P3.
Inside the cabin, the driver-centric layout reflects Ferrari’s focus on performance. The asymmetrical ‘1+’ seating arrangement prioritises the driver, while the passenger is positioned in a minimalist seat that blends seamlessly into the chassis. The controls, largely physical rather than digital, are designed for ease of use during high-speed driving, a practical touch that underlines the F80’s commitment to functionality as well as luxury.
