The design of a new Ferrari is always a special moment, but some moments are more special than others. These typically come once every decade, representing the pinnacle of Ferrari’s design and technological synthesis. After a decade of anticipation, the successor to the LaFerrari has arrived: the Ferrari F80.
As the direct heir to Ferrari’s supercar lineage, beginning with the GTO and continuing with the F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari, the new Ferrari F80 is the ultimate showcase of the company’s technology and performance. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, led by Flavio Manzoni, the F80 boasts a hybrid V6 engine producing 1,200 horsepower, making it the most powerful road car Ferrari has ever produced.
Ferrari F80: design—beauty is performance
Like every Ferrari supercar, the F80 introduces a new design path. The project is the result of a collaborative approach, with the Styling Centre working closely with the aerodynamics and engineering departments to harmonize form and function, drawing from experience in Formula 1 and WEC. “Beauty is performance,” said Flavio Manzoni during the presentation, emphasizing how every shape on the F80 serves a purpose. The first concept considered was whether to create a single-seater or a two-seater. The compromise was a “1+,” essentially a single-seater with an additional passenger seat placed behind and to the side of the driver, nearly invisible from the driver’s perspective. This configuration, combined with a 103 mm lower seating position compared to the LaFerrari and an 8° reclined seatback, prompted Charles Leclerc, who contributed to the development, to exclaim: “Finally, a normal driving position!”
The unique cabin layout influenced the rest of the car’s design. The tapered canopy allowed for the creation of two ducts, known as “impluvium,” which channel air to the engine intake and radiators. The rear end breaks from Ferrari’s recent supercars, like the Enzo and LaFerrari, with an adjustable rear wing. In its neutral position, it integrates smoothly into the car’s bodywork, reminiscent of the F40 and F50, but can rise and tilt to simulate a DRS or air brake, adjusting aerodynamic load as needed. The front of the car avoids an anthropomorphic look, with the headlights hidden within a dark visor that serves both aerodynamic and optical functions. Central to the design is the S-Duct, which houses a triple-wing profile inspired by the Le Mans-winning 499P, channeling air over the front to increase downforce. The front fender also nods to the F40’s design.
Aerodynamic figures of the F80
The S-duct, impluvium, adjustable wing, and diffuser are visible design elements, but the unseen components are equally critical. Drawing from Ferrari’s recent ground-effect F1 cars, the F80’s underbody features Venturi channels that enhance the rear diffuser’s efficiency. The result is 1,050 kg of aerodynamic downforce at 250 km/h, distributed with 460 kg at the front and 590 kg at the rear, mirroring the car’s 42.2% front and 57.8% rear weight distribution.
Engine: why the F80 has a V6
The heart, soul, and sound of the F80 is a hybrid V6 turbo engine. The choice of a V6 over a more traditional Ferrari V12 stems from the brand’s pursuit of performance. When the project began four years ago, Ferrari’s top engine was the V6, as it was used in both Formula 1 and WEC. The F80’s 120° 3.0-liter V6, designated F163CF, is derived from the 296 but has been completely redesigned, incorporating titanium connecting rods, and components from the 499P, such as the engine block and titanium screws. F1 technology is also present, with an MGU-K similar to the one used in Ferrari’s single-seaters and an MGU-H system that generates power from excess turbine energy. This setup eliminates turbo lag, allowing the engine to produce 900 hp at 8,750 rpm, with a record-specific output of 300 hp/l for a Ferrari engine. The remaining 300 hp come from the hybrid system, which includes two front electric motors powered by a 2.28 kWh battery developed in-house by Ferrari. The total output of 1,200 hp is delivered to all four wheels via an e-4WD system, though the rear wheels remain dominant. The F1-derived 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox ensures breathtaking performance, with 0-100 km/h achieved in 2.15 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 5.75 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h. Thanks to carbon-ceramic brakes from the Ferrari Challenge series, the F80 can decelerate from 100-0 km/h in 28 meters and from 200-0 km/h in 98 meters.
Chassis, brakes, and suspension of the F80
The F80’s chassis and other structural elements have been designed using a multi-material approach, with each material selected for its specific area. The cockpit and roof are made from carbon fiber and composite materials, while the front and rear subframes are aluminum, bolted to the cockpit with titanium screws. An additional rear subframe is dedicated to housing the battery. The F80’s entirely new chassis is constructed from pre-impregnated carbon fiber using motorsport-derived autoclave technology. To manage the car’s extreme power and maintain aerodynamic balance, the F80 also features active suspension, continuously adjusting the ride height in real-time based on driving conditions.
How much does the Ferrari F80 cost?
The price is an eye-watering €3,600,000, with production limited to 799 units—all of which have already been sold, despite Maranello receiving three times as many requests.
Curiosity
The Ferrari F80 is named in honor of Ferrari’s 80th anniversary, which will coincide with the end of its production run in 2027.
