THE NEW FERRARI F80 HYPER CAR!

More than a decade has passed since the LaFerrari debuted in 2013, revolutionising the hypercar world with its hybrid V12 engine. Now, with McLaren's W1 freshly launched, Ferrari has revealed the F80—a direct response to Woking’s latest hyper-car and a showcase of Maranello's finest engineering. Limited to just 799 units, each is priced around £3.1 million.

The F80 marks 40 years since the first model in the series, the 288 GTO, and its name honours Ferrari's forthcoming 80th anniversary. Drawing inspiration from Le Mans and Formula 1, it is Ferrari's fastest and most advanced road car to date, with every model already spoken for.

Engine

Although the launch of the 12 Cilindri hinted that Ferrari would preserve its legendary V12 for as long as possible, the flagship model has now moved on without it. The F80 is powered by a V6 engine, sharing the same core block as the Le Mans-winning 499P racer (and the 296 GTB), combined with a self-charging hybrid system. Despite having six fewer cylinders and less than half the displacement of its predecessor, the F80 delivers 234bhp more, reaching a total of 1184bhp.

Most impressive is that the new 9200rpm V6 alone generates 888bhp (at 8750rpm), with its 3-litre capacity achieving an extraordinary 296bhp per litre of specific output. Various internal enhancements, such as titanium bolts and an updated crankcase, allow this engine to maintain the same weight as the unit found in the 296 GTB.

As for the sound, many will wonder whether the V6 can match the exotic allure of the V12 it replaces. A full verdict will have to wait until the first test drives, but from a brief sound clip, the combination of Inconel manifolds and the engine's unique 1-6-3-4-2-5 firing order produces an impressively convincing sound for a Ferrari, despite the absence of the iconic V12.

Unlike the rear-wheel-drive McLaren W1, the F80 channels its power to all four wheels, making it Ferrari's first all-wheel-drive flagship. This setup enables a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.15 seconds—over half a second faster than its British competitor. Its top speed is equally impressive, exceeding 217mph, which is on par with both the LaFerrari and the new McLaren W1.

While many manufacturers claim track-inspired designs, the F80 truly delivers with both MGU-K and MGU-H systems that recover energy from the electric motors, along with larger electrically-assisted turbochargers. At the heart of this system is an 8.8kg, 30,000rpm electric motor for the MGU-K, serving as a starter, generator, and providing an 80bhp boost to the rear wheels. This, combined with a dual-motor electric front axle—now lighter by 36kg compared to the SF90’s system—adds 292bhp to the overall power output, contributing to its remarkable performance.

The hybrid system’s capabilities are further enhanced by an 800V architecture and a new lightweight battery developed in-house, drawing on Formula 1 technology. However, unlike the 296 GTB and SF90 Stradale, the F80 isn’t a plug-in hybrid and can’t run in pure-electric mode. Its electric components are solely designed to enhance performance, which also reduces weight and improves usability.

Interestingly, Ferrari has already applied this new battery technology to the LaFerrari, creating a retrofit battery for improved longevity. Thanks to its higher power density, the new battery is lighter and offers better performance. F80 owners, along with other hybrid Ferrari buyers, will now have the option of an eight-year extended warranty that covers battery replacement, significantly reducing concerns about cell degradation.

Chassis and aerodynamics

The F80 has a quoted dry weight of 1525kg, 270kg heavier than the LaFerrari, with a weight distribution of 43:57 front to rear. Although additional weight is typically undesirable, this remains an impressive achievement considering the car's increased performance and complexity. Ferrari has taken extensive measures to keep the weight as low as possible, incorporating an asymmetrical carbon-fibre tub, aluminium subframes, and titanium screws. Additionally, the car features stunning in-house printed titanium wishbones that support its active Multimatic suspension.

Aerodynamics are clearly a major focus, with the car's lower aero elements and large active rear wing providing visual clues. Ferrari claims that the F80 achieves 1050kg of peak downforce at 155mph—190kg more than the Porsche 992 GT3 RS at its maximum.

This impressive downforce is generated by a variety of aerodynamic features, including advanced underbody aero, a 1.5-metre-deep diffuser, NACA ducts behind the doors (which also add 5bhp via ram air), and a prominent S-duct at the front. Even the chassis was designed with aerodynamics in mind, featuring raised footwells to allow space for underbody vortex-generating bargeboards. The rear wing alone produces 180kg of downforce at 155mph when set to its maximum 11-degree angle of attack. The active suspension also plays a role, enhancing ground effect in the right conditions to further improve performance.

Design

Lower, wider, and longer than the LaFerrari it succeeds, the F80 has an unmistakable presence. Finished in a new "Rosso Supercar" shade, its carbon-fibre bodywork draws inspiration from models like the SP3 Daytona, the 12 Cilindri, and even past icons such as the F40. While its design is less sleek and elegant than its predecessor, the blend of form and function gives it a sense of purpose.

The F80 carries over the distinctive front visor from the 12 Cilindri, designed to conceal the headlights and create a futuristic, ‘space-age’ appearance—complete with a subtle gurney flap for aerodynamic gains. The prominent S-duct sits front and centre ahead of the windscreen, and just below its SP3-inspired nose are a pair of nostril-like openings. These aren’t for driver assistance sensors; they channel air into the hollow tubes of the front crash structure, which then directs it to the front 408mm CCM-R brakes (now made from a more durable carbon ceramic compound) to aid cooling.

Designer Flavio Manzoni, who also crafted the LaFerrari, began the F80's design with a single-seater concept, later incorporating two seats and developing the design from there. The result is a compact, teardrop-shaped cockpit, sitting 50mm lower than that of the LaFerrari, which allows space for the striking rear haunches that contribute to its dramatic presence. While Manzoni emphasised that the F80 is "not nostalgic at all, but very futuristic," it still features nods to past models. The flat panel behind the front wheels recalls the F40, as does the central oval tailpipe. The rear engine cover vents reference classic designs but now feature six vents, reflecting the engine's cylinder count.

The rear three-quarter view reveals clear similarities to the SP3 Daytona, with its short tail, muscular haunches, and expansive rear deck. However, the F80 is much more technical in appearance, with large NACA ducts cut into the bodywork, creating overhangs above the side windows and positioned ahead of the rear arches. This technical emphasis extends to the carbon-fibre wheels, sized 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, featuring a five-spoke design—a departure from Ferrari’s usual ten-spoke approach.

Interior

Open the F80's butterfly doors, and you’re greeted by expanses of tightly woven ‘dry’ carbon fibre, though it’s the seats that really catch the eye. To minimise weight, maximise interior space, and enhance driver comfort, the cabin is asymmetrical. The passenger seat is fixed to the firewall (as in both seats of the LaFerrari), while the driver’s seat is mounted on a conventional sliding rail. In my brief time inside, I found the ergonomics to be excellent for my driving position, though it’s hard to say if this will be true for every driver.

A new, smaller steering wheel with a flat top and bottom—similar to those used in motorsport—has been introduced to further enhance ergonomics and driver focus. For the first time since Ferrari’s HMI overhaul, the steering wheel predominantly uses physical buttons, though the start/stop button remains touch-sensitive. The F80’s interior is entirely driver-focused, with even the digital instrument display mounted on the adjustable steering column for improved visibility. There’s also a cleverly designed space behind the headrests for a single piece of custom Ferrari luggage, which will no doubt please SF90 owners.

With a record-breaking lap time of 1:15.3 around Fiorano—an impressive 19.7 seconds faster than the 288 GTO and 4.4 seconds quicker than the LaFerrari—the F80 has proven itself to be a highly capable machine. While Ferrari hasn’t commented on the possibility of a Nürburgring record attempt, they maintain that the F80 is designed to be versatile and usable in all situations. Customers clearly don’t need further convincing, as all 799 units have already been sold. First deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Ferrari F80 specs

Engine - 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (120 degree, F163CF)

Power - 1184bhp (ICE plus electric) 

Torque - 627lb ft + 178lb ft (ICE, electric motors) 

Redline - 9200rpm 

Weight - 1525kg (dry)

Power-to-weight - 776bhp/ton

0-62mph - 2.15sec

Top speed - 217mph+

Transmission - Eight-speed dual-clutch

Brakes - 408mm six-piston front, 390mm four-piston rear

Tyers - 408mm six-piston front, 390mm four-piston rear

Price - c£3.1m