PREVIEW

Ferrari has officially unveiled their latest F80, a muscular addition to a Ferrari family that also includes the GTO, F40, and LaFerrari.

With a combined maximum power of 1200 hp, the V6-hybrid powertrain of the F80 makes it the most powerful road car ever to come out of the gates of the Ferrari factory.

It showcases Maranello-based manufacturer’s top technology.

With only 799 to be made, the F80 is set to exemplify the ultimate in engineering for internal-combustion vehicles, utilising cutting-edge hybrid technology to deliver exceptional power and torque.

Its design has been meticulously engineered to enhance performance, featuring a carbon-fibre chassis and advanced aerodynamic solutions that, according to the firm, surpass anything seen in road-legal cars.

This includes a new active suspension system has been optimised for track performance, ensuring drivers can extract every ounce of capability from the vehicle.

Despite being designed for the track, it offers a driving experience akin to that of a production model, allowing drivers to immerse themselves in its performance without compromise. This balance influenced every decision made regarding its technology and architecture, culminating in a track-oriented supercar that remains easy to drive.

The cabin of the F80 boasts a narrow, driver-centric layout, affording ample comfort for a passenger while minimising drag and weight. This design imparts a single-seater feel to the cockpit, even though the vehicle can take two occupants.

Historically, models like the GTO and F40 featured turbocharged V8 engines, mirroring the practices of Formula 1 during the 1980s. Today, both Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) utilise turbo V6 engines paired with an 800 V hybrid system.

Thus, it follows that the F80 adopts a similar architecture to the successful 499P, which has secured two consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Notably, the F80 marks the introduction of electric turbo technology (e-turbo) to Ferrari for the first time. This innovation, which includes an electric motor positioned between the turbine and compressor, allows for exceptional power output and instantaneous response at low revs.
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the F80’s design, featuring an active rear wing, a rear diffuser, a flat underbody, a front triplane wing, and an S-Duct, which together generate an impressive 1000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.

This aerodynamic prowess is further enhanced by the active suspension, contributing to ground effect. The addition of an electric front axle provides four-wheel drive capability, optimising the use of the available torque and power, while new brakes incorporate motorsport-derived CCM-R Plus technology.

The F80 also heralds a new design era for Ferrari, showcasing a more aggressive and streamlined aesthetic that emphasises its race-bred heritage. With clear influences from aerospace design, the F80 embodies cutting-edge technology and refined engineering, while also paying homage to its illustrious predecessors and affirming its prestigious lineage.