By Anthony Henson, October 18, 2024
For the first time in a long while, I read an entire press release. I usually do this once every ten years, specifically for the launch of the next-generation Ferrari hypercar. This time, I took a day off to read about the new Ferrari F80. The debut of a Ferrari hypercar is a rare event, occurring only once every decade. The F80 replaces the LaFerrari and embodies Ferrari’s latest racing expertise, distilled into a road-going version for its elite consumers.
V6 Hybrid
Thankfully Ferrari opted not to go the way of a plug-in hybrid, F80 is a 1,200bhp V6 hybrid monster, utilizing the powertrain from Ferrari’s Le Mans-winning 499P and the hybrid technology from its Formula 1 program. The engineering behind the F80 is meticulously applied. Although the car is styled to look modern, every body panel and mechanical component is designed for pure functionality.
However, the black styling element wrapping around the front is purely for aesthetic purposes. The V6 engine alone produces 900bhp and 7,850Nm of torque, with the remaining power provided by three Ferrari-developed electric motors, boosting the total output to 1,200bhp. Two electric motors are mounted at the front, while one at the rear provides all-wheel drive.
The F80 also features electric turbos to ensure seamless, uninterrupted power delivery at low revs. As a result, performance is blistering—0 to 62 mph is achieved in a claimed 2.15 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 217 mph.
Aerodynamics
The F80 can generate over 1,000 kg of downforce at speeds approaching 155 mph (250 km/h). Independent suspension all around is complemented by an active suspension system that adjusts the car’s ride height to effectively use its flat underbody as a wing.
This enables the F80 to maximize aerodynamic performance during high-speed track pursuits. The active rear wing deploys at speeds above 70mph, adjusts its height to create more or less drag, and can even serve as an air brake.
Electronically controlled active dampers provide road comfort when the car is not in track mode, ensuring optimal driving dynamics on both urban and rural roads.
The Interior
The entire chassis and exterior are made from carbon fiber, with only the front and rear subframes forged from aluminum to enhance crash protection.
Ferrari claims the interior driving position is designed to feel like a single-seater, with the passenger seat positioned slightly further back—what Ferrari refers to as a ‘+1’ configuration.
The F80 offers three drive modes, providing different levels of performance, ranging from moderated power to full, unrestricted capability. This overview of the Ferrari F80 is brief, as the engineering and countless hours that went into its creation could easily fill a novel.
The Price
An F-series Ferrari is a rare event, occurring once every decade. Each F-series model represents a culmination of Ferrari’s latest racing expertise and trends, distilled into a road car of extraordinary power and performance.
This exclusivity extends to the F80, with only 799 units being produced, each priced at $4 million. It’s a staggering sum for a high-performance vehicle that, in many cases, will likely see no more than 40 mph as its owner cruises around the streets of Monaco.
