The Ferrari F80: A new era of hypercars – technological progress meets tradition

Market launch

The introduction of the new Ferrari model is always a special time for car enthusiasts all over the world. Ever since 1947, this Italian powerhouse has been presenting thoroughbred sports cars with gorgeous lines and potent engines, which launched it to the top of its segment and promoted it to one of the most recognizable names in the car industry. However, amongst all those sought-after sports cars, GTs, and a long list of competition machines, Ferrari has also been known to produce a race car-derived hypercar with dramatic styling, immense power, extreme driving dynamics, and an eye-watering price tag. These esoteric machines have a special place in Ferrari’s history and are integral to its philosophy. That is why the car world has been buzzing since the first official photos of the impressive Ferrari F80 leaked. This dramatic machine is the newest addition to Ferrari’s fantastic lineup of cars. But it is far more than just aggressive styling and a powerful engine. It is a giant leap forward in technology with controversial engineering and ballistic performance, which is exactly what makes it so exciting and important.

The Newest Member Of a Very Exclusive Family

Before we explain what makes the new Ferrari F80 so unique, we have to take a step back and provide some context. The F80 is only the sixth such car in Ferrari’s history, with the previous five being Ferrari legends in its own right. This exclusive lineup with Ferrari 288 GTO, a mid-engine homologation special, had a fire-spitting turbocharged V8 engine and race components. Designed to participate in the legendary Group B rally championship, the 288 GTO arrived too late and never had a chance to compete. That is why its production was limited to just 272 examples and offered for just three years (1984 to 1987).

However, the 288 GTO paved the way for the iconic Ferrari F40, introduced in late 1987 as a commemorative model marking the Ferrari’s 40th birthday. The F40 used most of the 288’s underpinnings but had fantastic styling, more power, and better performance. Again, it was a barely disguised racing car with minimal driving amenities; regardless, it turned out to be an enormous hit with wealthy customers and one of the most successful supercars ever made.

The successor to the mighty F40 was named the F50 and introduced in 1995. This time, Ferrari didn’t draw inspiration from turbocharged rally monsters but rather from its stellar Formula One portfolio. The Ferrari F50 had a high-revving and naturally-aspirated V12 engine, a carbon fiber chassis borrowed directly from racing cars, and a roof that enhanced the driving sensation. Even though Ferrari tried to hide it, it was a bit slower than the F40, which is why only 349 were made.

The F50’s successor, called simply Ferrari Enzo, appeared in 2002 with even more power, a screaming naturally-aspirated V12 engine and automatic transmission inspired by Formula One cars. It had the aggressive design and driving dynamics of a proper race car, with a limited production of just under 500 cars.

Ferrari once again shocked the automotive world in 2013 when it presented the Ferrari LaFerrari hypercar. Behind the controversial name was an even more controversial car—a hybrid machine with a V12 engine and KERS motors (similar to Formula One cars) that delivered insane performance and 950 hp. The LaFerrari was a rolling showcase of new technologies and advanced materials, and all 499 cars were sold out in a matter of days.

Picture by Yannis Zaugg onUnsplash

The 2026 Ferrari F80

Ferrari waited 11 years to present the successor to the LaFerrari, but judging by initial information and official photos, it was worth the wait. The company already announced that the F80 will enter production in 2025. The name hasn’t been chosen accidentally, and just like F40 several decades before, the F80 will commemorate the 80th anniversary of this iconic company. Ferrari has also disclosed the asking price of this unique hypercar – $3.6 million euros. However, all 799 planned cars have already been sold out.

The Design

When we talk about hypercars, design is always an essential point. The car must be striking, memorable, aggressive, and looking fast, even when standing still. In the case of the Ferrari F80, all of the boxes are ticked, but there is a twist. Recently, Ferrari has been exploring its past with several designs that its legendary models inspire. Cars like the Daytona SP3 or the new 12 Cilindri are the perfect examples of retro-futuristic style. The F80 continues this theme, drawing inspiration from its predecessor, the legendary F80. If you look at the sharp lines of the front end, exposed headlights, and especially the slots on the sloping roof, you will recognize the characteristic details of the F40. Even the design of the rear spoiler looks similar to the F40. However, the idea wasn’t to copy the recognizable lines but to present a new shape with presence, aggressive stance, and dramatic styling.

The Drive Train

So far, all of Ferrari’s hypercars have had majestic engines, either in V8 or V12 form. However, the Ferrari F80 is quite different. Behind the driver is a 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering precisely 888 hp. In almost exact form, this engine was used in Ferrari 499P, a prototype racing car that won the 24 Hours Of Le Mans race in 2023. But, like its predecessor, LaFerrari, the F80 is also a hybrid with three electric motors, two of which power the front axle, making it an all-wheel-drive machine. The electric motors deliver 296 hp, making the combined F80’s power output 1,184 hp. Even though Ferrari purists might be offended by the lack of a V12 engine and all-wheel-drive, the relentless quest for performance and new trends in the car industry are dictating the way.

The Performance

Nobody doubted the stellar performance of the new Ferrari F80. This hypercar can reach 100 km/h in just 2.15 seconds and 200 km/h in an insane 5.75 seconds. The top speed is 350 km/h. Those figures are significantly better than those of the LaFerrari, which was one of the fastest cars in the world when it was released.

The Active Suspension

Although most enthusiasts will concentrate on power or performance figures, its revolutionary active suspension is an immensely important aspect of the new F80. Ferrari introduced this system on the Purosangue model, but it has been improved for use in the F80. Active suspension is a form of advanced suspension system that can control a car’s behavior independently of external inputs. It is not active suspension, which has been the standard of the industry for years, but a fully active system with enormous possibilities. The primary purpose of active suspension is to make the car more stable and comfortable in any driving conditions, reduce external inputs, and offer next-level driving dynamics. An electronically-controlled active suspension and Multimatic True Active Spool dumpers create a precise system without needing anti-roll bars. In real life, the Ferrari F80 will be impressively comfortable on the road but flat and stable as a race car on the track. Since the vehicle will adapt to driving style, not to surface, it will offer a pretty unique sensation with minimal body roll and movement.

The Interior

Despite its lofty price, the interior of the F80 is spartan and race car-like. It is dominated by a square carbon steering wheel, a cockpit with just a few commands, and a digital instrument cluster. Of course, the steering wheel is multifunctional, with the famous Manettino switch for controlling the driving mods. Interestingly, the driver’s seat is upholstered in red while the passenger is black. Also, the lack of screens shows that the F80 is a serious driving machine and that the driver should concentrate just on driving.

Conclusion

In a world that is moving towards EV cars, the appearance of a Ferrari F80 is an act of rebellion. The insanely expensive hypercar with an extremely powerful engine, modern technology, and revolutionary suspension shows that the pinnacle of motoring is not battery-powered vehicles but a highly sophisticated combination of modern technology, traditional approach, and retro influences. The result is an astonishing machine deeply rooted in the tradition of this famous company but engineered to set new records and establish new standards in this highly exclusive segment. Once again, Ferrari presented the ultimate hypercar and a worthy successor to the legendary breed.