Ferrari F80: A Revolutionary Hybrid Hypercar

McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, and Ferrari LaFerrari form the original holy trinity, showcasing the true power of hybrid engines. Now, a new holy trinity is emerging with the launch of the McLaren W1 and Ferrari's upcoming successor. Meet the Ferrari F80.

A Revolutionary Powertrain: Turbocharged Hybrid V6

At the heart of the Ferrari F80 lies a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. This engine may initially seem like a departure from Ferrari's traditional naturally aspirated V12 engines, but it is a heavily modified version of the one that powered the Ferrari 499P to consecutive victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

This V6 engine produces an astounding 888 hp, which is 234 bhp more than the V6 found in the 296 GTB. Paired with three electric motors (two on the front axle and one attached to the engine), the F80's combined power output reaches an earth-shattering 1,183 bhp. This makes it the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever built and sets a new standard for hybrid hypercars.

Performance Numbers That Stun

The performance of the Ferrari F80 is extraordinary. Ferrari claims the car will accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.15 seconds and reach 124 mph in 5.75 seconds. For comparison, it is even faster than the McLaren W1, which boasts rear-wheel drive but cannot match the F80's off-the-line speed.

Top speed? A blistering 217 mph. More impressively, the F80 set a new Fiorano lap record of 1 minute, 15.3 seconds—4.4 seconds faster than the LaFerrari.

Advanced Aerodynamics: Downforce and Design

The F80's design prioritizes function, generating an incredible 1,050 kg of downforce at 155 mph, allowing it to corner at mind-bending speeds through active aerodynamic elements.

The underbody features advanced bargeboards, a deployable front flap to reduce drag when needed, and a large rear diffuser. The rear wing can rise by 200 mm to act as an air brake or tilt for reduced drag during high-speed runs.

While the exterior design is brutal in its aerodynamic intent, it also retains signature Ferrari elements like the S-duct, channeling air from under the car to the top, reducing turbulence and increasing downforce.

Chief designer Flavio Manzoni describes the F80's front end as "mysterious" with its visor-like nose, reminiscent of sci-fi vehicles. It may not be love at first sight, but understanding the tech and engineering beneath makes the design more appealing.

Hot Take: We reckon the F80 looks better than the W1, but none can match the sheer class of the design of their predecessors.

A Technological Marvel

Ferrari focused not just on raw power and aerodynamics. The F80 serves as a technological showcase with an active suspension system designed to maintain a consistent ride height, countering squat, dive, and roll during aggressive driving.

The 800V battery system is race-bred, ensuring rapid charging and discharging, maximizing the hybrid setup without requiring an electric-only mode. This system is enhanced by Ferrari's SSC 9.0 (Side Slip Control) software, providing controlled oversteer and playful handling at the limits.

The F80 incorporates no fewer than 13 electric motors, including two on the e-turbos for instant spool-up, and motors for active suspension and aerodynamics. The result is a car that excels on the track and is well-suited for spirited road driving, as Ferrari insists their cars should not simply be "track toys with number plates."

Lightweight Carbon Tub and Precision Engineering

Ferrari's attention to detail extends to the F80's chassis. The carbon tub is five percent lighter than that of the LaFerrari and offers 50 percent more torsional rigidity. The asymmetric design allows for a narrow cockpit, contributing to better aerodynamics. The driver's seat is adjustable, while the passenger seat is fixed to the tub, indicating the F80's driver-focused nature.

Ferrari has equipped the F80 with a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for optimal grip. The car rides on the first five-spoke carbon rims Ferrari has ever produced, combining lightness and strength.

Inside the F80: The Driver is King

Inside, Ferrari opted for a 1+1 seating arrangement, with the passenger seat set slightly farther back than the driver’s to maximize aerodynamic components.

The driver-centric interior features a “squircle” steering wheel (a two-spoke wheel) with physical buttons and switches for key drive modes. The manettino dial on the right allows for quick toggling between modes like Wet, Sport, and Race, while the left side controls the powertrain with Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify modes available.

A clever feature is the track optimization system, learning the layout of a racetrack after a few laps and providing an automatic power boost in key sections for better lap times. It's a sign that Ferrari is leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of ultimate speed.

The Future Holy Trinity?

The Ferrari F80 is generating buzz, not just for its own merits but for what it represents in the hypercar arms race. Its main competitor, the McLaren W1, already has a formidable reputation, but the F80's four-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain give it a unique edge.

Now only Porsche is left. We wish the German carmaker could mate a petrol engine to its already ballistic electric powertrain found in the Mission X. Pretty please, Porsche!