Meet the LaFerrari succesor - the F80
It is not very often that the most revered carmaker in history comes up with a flagship model. One that embodies the learnings of the past decade and with technology that will continue the following decade. We've seen it with cars like the F40, F50, Enzo, and most recently, La Ferrari. Now, having run out of words from Enzo Ferrari's name, Ferrari has returned to the traditional F naming scheme, marking Ferrari's 80th anniversary in 2027—the Ferrari F80.
FERRARI
As with every flagship from Maranello, the F80 embodies the motorsport technologies of the period. And in our current period, that is twin-turbocharged V6s. From their multiple grand-prix-winning Formula 1 car to their double le-man winning 499ps, the hybrid V6 platform is the current signature Ferrari powertrain.
FERRARI
The F80’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 generates 888 horsepower on its own. This isn’t the kind of V6 you’d find in a typical road car—this engine screams up to 9,200 rpm, a mighty impressive rev range given it is a turbocharged motor. But what makes the F80 particularly special is its hybrid system, with three electric motors adding 296 horsepower to bring the total output to an astonishing 1,184 hp. Two of the motors are positioned on the front axle, giving the F80 all-wheel drive, while the third motor supports the rear-mounted engine.
The F80's powertrain is not just about producing raw horsepower at all times, but about intelligent energy deployment. The car’s Boost Optimization mode uses data from track maps to deliver electrical assistance precisely when needed. Paired with a small, high-voltage 2.3 kWh battery, it delivers optimal performance without the need for an all-electric mode, maintaining Ferrari's purist approach to driving to some extent.
FERRARI
Despite its uncluttered appearance, the F80 is a downforce monster, producing 2,315 pounds of downforce at 155 mph—more than most track-focused cars with oversized wings and spoilers. The car's shape is heavily influenced by active aerodynamics, with a rear wing that automatically deploys at speeds over 37 mph to maximize grip. The real magic, though, lies beneath the surface. The F80’s carbon-fiber underbody is designed to manipulate airflow in ways typically used in Formula 1 cars. The ground-effect design creates massive downforce while reducing drag, ensuring both stability at high speeds and incredible cornering ability.
FERRARI
Ferrari’s 48-volt active suspension system works in tandem with the car’s aerodynamics, adjusting ride height and stiffness dynamically. This system allows the car to balance comfort during daily driving and race-car precision when under extreme downforce loads, a bit like the active suspension system that Williams debuted in their F1 cars in the early 90s.
FERRARI
Special attention has been paid to the F80’s wheels, which are made of carbon fiber. These five-spoke wheels are the first of their kind from Ferrari, balancing aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge performance. The sensible decision to stick with five-lug hubs, instead of more complicated center-lock designs, was driven by practicality. Ferrari’s engineers ensured that the wheels could handle the immense forces generated by the car without sacrificing its sleek design. And they look a tad bit like those of a Porsche Taycan.
FERRARI
The interior design embodies Ferrari’s focus on the driver. The cockpit is slightly asymmetrical, with the driver seated slightly ahead of the passenger, a result of the shape of the chassis needed for the highly effective diffuser.
FERRARI
As the power, the downforce figures and the tech might suggest, the F80’s performance numbers are staggering. It reaches 62 mph in just 2.15 seconds and hits 124 mph in 5.75 seconds. Ferrari has electronically limited its top speed to 217 mph, which should be sufficient at the very least. On Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, the F80 has already set a lap record of 1 minute 15.3 seconds, outpacing even the formidable LaFerrari.
Ferrari recognizes the potential challenges of hybrid technology, particularly the finite lifespan of high-voltage batteries. With a program called "Ferrari Forever," the company is committed to providing replacement batteries for its hybrid models, ensuring that the F80 will remain a technological masterpiece for decades. Ferrari has already developed an updated battery for the LaFerrari, offering buyers peace of mind that their investment will endure the test of time.
Only 799 units of the Ferrari F80 will be created, all of which have already been spoken for. A fact that only becomes more surprising when one discovers that the new Halo Ferrari will start at $3.1 million. With its groundbreaking aerodynamics, hybrid technology, and connection to F1, it almost directly competes with the recently unveiled McLaren W1. Two of the three have arrived, with the whole world eagerly waiting for the completion of the second holy trinity.
FERRARI
