NEW FERRARI F80

As McLaren introduced the W1 hypercar, Ferrari wasted no time in responding with the F80 - an uncompromising statement about the future of internal combustion and hybrid performance. 

With a colossal 1,200 horsepower, the F80’s V6-hybrid powertrain cements its place as Ferrari’s most powerful road car to date. It’s a precise combination of innovative technology and Ferrari’s legendary engineering, built for drivers who value performance without compromise.

At the heart of the F80 is its 3.0-litre V6-hybrid engine that in itself generates an insurmountable 900 horsepower, while the electric motors contribute another 300, should you need it. This isn’t a hybrid designed to lower emissions or boost efficiency by the way. It’s purely performance-driven, built to push the limits of what a hypercar can do on the road and on the track and Ferrari’s approach here speaks volumes: more power, more control, more speed.

These days, a hybrid system does more than just add horsepower though; it eliminates the traditional weaknesses of turbocharged engines. There’s no waiting for turbo lag, no hesitation when you mash the throttle, just immediate power, all through the rev range and all thanks to Ferrari’s motorsport-inspired electric motors.

The electric turbocharging (introduced for the first time on a Ferrari by the way) ensures you get power across the entire rev range, not just at medium to high revs. The result should be a driving experience that feels direct, controlled and pretty unrelenting.

While the F80 is born from racing technology, Ferrari has ensured it’s not just a track-focused car all the time. This is a vehicle you can confidently drive on real roads if you want to. The F80’s carbon-fibre chassis is both lightweight and incredibly strong, allowing it to manage sharp corners and high speeds while still offering a level of comfort you don’t typically expect from your average hypercar.

Ferrari has engineered this car to be just as at home on a mountain pass as it is on a race circuit.

And that’s because their active aerodynamics play a key role in this versatility. The car adjusts itself constantly to optimise performance, whether that’s maximising downforce on a straight or reducing drag at higher speeds. At just 155mph, the F80 generates a ton of downforce, keeping the car stable and planted, even when pushing it to its limits.

The adjustable rear wing and advanced diffuser aren’t just there for show because they ‘actively’ manage airflow to keep the F80 balanced and predictable, even at extreme speeds.

Despite these advanced systems, Ferrari say that the F80 remains practical enough for everyday driving as their active suspension system will adapt to changing road conditions, smoothing out rough city streets and providing more compliance when necessary.

This adaptability means you’re not stuck with an overly stiff ride all the time, even though the car is capable of blistering lap times. It’s an approach that might set itself apart from many Hypercars, which can regularly be accused of being too extreme for regular use.

Ferrari is known for its flair and the F80 continues this tradition. The design is focused on performance primarily, with every line and curve engineered to serve a function. The low, wide stance isn’t just for aesthetic appeal, it’s designed to optimise airflow and reduce drag. Every vent, curve and detail on the bodywork contributes to the car’s ability to slice through the air with minimal resistance, keeping the focus firmly on speed and stability.

That said, Ferrari has also given a nod to its design heritage. The butterfly doors, reminiscent of previous supercar models, add a sense of drama. The floating cockpit design, inspired by jet fighters, reinforces the F80’s high-tech, high-performance nature. Clearly, Ferrari’s designers have struck a balance between modern innovation and classic Ferrari cues, creating a car that looks as fast as it drives.

The interior of the F80 is focused on the driving experience. Ferrari has avoided the temptation to overload the cabin with digital displays and unnecessary technology. Instead, the “1+” layout places the driver firmly in control, with every essential function within easy reach.

The smaller, race-inspired steering wheel offers precise feedback and the physical buttons provide a more intuitive feel than touchscreens or fully digital interfaces. This simplicity keeps the driver engaged and focused on the task at hand, which is driving.

Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed, though. The cabin is minimalist but has apparently been designed for long-distance driving as much as track performance. The seats are supportive and designed to reduce fatigue, meaning you can push the F80 for hours without feeling uncomfortable. Ferrari’s focus here is clear: keep distractions to a minimum and let the driver enjoy the car without unnecessary frills.

One of the standout features of the F80 is how approachable it feels, despite its immense power. Ferrari has engineered the car to be easy to drive, even for those who aren’t professional racers. The balance, precise handling and driver aids make the F80 an enjoyable car at any speed.

You don’t need a perfect stretch of road to appreciate its capabilities because the F80 should perform just as well on a casual Sunday drive as it does on a high-speed track run.

The sad news is that Ferrari is limiting production of the F80 to just 799 units, making it a very highly sought-after collector’s item indeed.3