The Ferrari F80 is the most powerful road-legal Ferrari ever built, with 1,200 horsepower!

Ferrari has unveiled the successor to its iconic LaFerrari supercar, the Ferrari F80. This latest model marks a major leap forward in performance for the brand’s road cars, delivering a staggering 1,200 horsepower via a hybrid V6 powertrain that integrates Ferrari’s Le Mans and its Formula 1 racing know-how. This makes the F80 the most powerful road-legal car Ferrari has ever produced.

The Ferrari F80 is priced from £3 million (approximately Rs. 33 crore) and is limited to 799 units, all of which have been sold. Just weeks after the car’s launch, McLaren launched its latest supercar, the W1, setting up direct competition between two of the automotive world’s most prestigious brands.

Powertrain and performance

At the heart of the F80 is Ferrari’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, revving at a whopping 9200 RPM. The engine was significantly enhanced over the version in the Ferrari 296 GTB, which produced just 900 horsepower, making it the most powerful internal combustion engine ever developed by the Italian manufacturer. Complementing the V6 engine are three electric motors, two on the front axle and one on the rear axle. In total, these motors deliver an additional 300 horsepower, bringing the total output to 1,200 horsepower and powering all four wheels.

Ferrari has incorporated advanced technology, including an energy recovery system similar to that used in Formula 1 cars and new “E-turbos” designed to reduce turbo lag and improve throttle response. The result is a supercar capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 2.15 seconds and 0-200km/h in 5.75 seconds – faster than both the McLaren W1 and Mercedes-AMG One.

Despite its hybrid nature, the F80 does not have an electric-only mode. Instead, its 2.3kWh battery is used to provide a power boost and enable low-speed driving in urban environments. Ferrari has also introduced a “Boost Optimization” feature that allows the driver to record track data during an observation lap and use that information to optimize power delivery on subsequent laps.

Aerodynamics and chassis design

The Ferrari F80’s aerodynamics are heavily influenced by Ferrari’s experience in Formula One and endurance racing. Protruding “S-shaped ducts” direct air from the cabin to the rear wing, which features active aerodynamics that adjust its height and angle as needed to optimize downforce or minimize drag. Combined with the large rear diffuser, these features enable the F80 to generate up to 1000kg of downforce at speeds of 250km/h.

In terms of size, the F80 is 4840 mm long, 2060 mm wide, and 1130 mm high, which is slightly larger than the McLaren W1. Despite being 125kg heavier than its rivals, Ferrari has focused on using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum to keep the car’s total weight at 1525kg. The vehicle’s active suspension system is powered by four 48V actuators, and Ferrari used 3D printing technology to create the parts for the suspension setup.

Interior Design and Design Concepts

Led by Flavio Manzoni, the design of the Ferrari F80 is inspired by past Ferrari models such as the F40 and Enzo, but also incorporates futuristic elements. The car’s overall aesthetic is said to be inspired by spaceships and science fiction, giving it a modern and aggressive look. The front fascia features a large black grille and a small lip at the top that effectively directs air away from the cabin and toward the rear.

The F80’s interior features an asymmetrical cabin layout that prioritizes the driver’s experience. Although there was initially discussion of building the F80 as a single-seater, Ferrari opted for a more traditional setup. The steering wheel and center console mainly contain physical controls, which Ferrari claims are more intuitive and user-friendly during high-performance driving.