6 Notable Details About Ferrari's New F80 Hypercar
With 1,184 horsepower, innovative Boost Optimization, and a design inspired by Ferrari’s racing legacy, the F80 marks the dawn of a new era in hypercar engineering.
A Hybrid Powerhouse
One of the most striking aspects of the Ferrari F80 is its hybrid powertrain, marking a significant departure from Ferrari's traditional V12 engines. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, closely related to Ferrari's Le Mans-winning 499P engine, this engine produces 900 horsepower by itself. When combined with its three electric motors, the total output surges to 1,184 horsepower. This makes the F80 not only Ferrari’s most powerful car to date but also one of the most potent road cars ever built. Despite the move to a V6, Ferrari fans may find solace in the fact that the hybrid setup brings blistering acceleration, achieving 0 to 62 mph in just 2.15 seconds.
Aerodynamics and Design
Aerodynamics are a key focus in the F80’s design, heavily influenced by Ferrari’s experience in Formula 1. The car generates an astonishing 2,204 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, aided by an active rear wing and a massive rear diffuser. The distinctive design includes retro elements such as the black "visor" headlights inspired by the Daytona, as well as the F40-inspired rear wheel arches. The F80 also boasts Ferrari's signature S-Duct on the nose for improved airflow, helping it achieve aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds.
Advanced Suspension and Braking
To match its immense power, the F80 features an advanced suspension system developed in collaboration with Brembo and Multimatic. The active suspension eliminates the need for traditional anti-roll bars, ensuring a stable aerodynamic platform during high-speed cornering. The F80’s suspension can be tuned to offer both exceptional handling and ride comfort, making it adaptable for different driving scenarios. Meanwhile, the Brembo-sourced CCM-R Plus carbon brakes provide incredible stopping power, with improvements in mechanical strength and thermal conductivity over traditional carbon ceramic systems.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology
The hybrid system is more than just an auxiliary power source. Ferrari's innovative Boost Optimization technology allows the F80 to maximize performance on track. By logging the layout of a circuit during a reconnaissance lap, the system can apply additional power at key points for better lap times. While the F80 doesn’t have a pure electric mode like some competitors, its hybrid system focuses on optimizing energy recovery, ensuring a steady supply of power while preserving battery life for performance when needed.
Driver-Centric Interior
The F80’s interior is designed with the driver in mind, featuring Ferrari’s unique "1+" seating configuration. The driver enjoys an adjustable red sport bucket seat, while the fixed passenger seat is set back slightly, giving the cabin a driver-focused feel. The new steering wheel, which features physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive controls, will also appear in future Ferrari models. A minimalistic dashboard with driver-focused controls emphasizes Ferrari’s commitment to offering an immersive driving experience.
Limited Production and Pricing
Ferrari plans to produce only 799 examples of the F80, making it a highly exclusive car. The base price is set at around $4 million, making it the most expensive Ferrari ever. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and continue through 2027. Despite the high cost, the F80 is expected to be in high demand, continuing Ferrari’s tradition of offering limited-run hypercars that push the envelope of automotive technology.