The new Ferrari F80 is the Most Powerful Road Legal Ferrari Ever Made.
Ferrari F80
Ferrari has unveiled the F80 hypercar, marking the successor to the LaFerrari. It stands as the Italian marque’s most powerful road car to date, boasting a 1,200hp hybrid V6 powertrain. This innovative design merges technology from the company’s Le Mans-winning 499P, as well as its Formula 1 cars.
Interestingly, the F80 has been unveiled just weeks after the W1. Priced at GBP 3 million (approximately Rs 33 crore), the F80 is set to be limited to just 799 units and has already sold out.
The Ferrari F80, powered by a 900hp V6 engine and three electric motors, boasts a claimed acceleration from 0 to 100kph and from 0 to 200 in under 8 seconds, making it significantly faster than the McLaren W1. Additionally, the car’s aerodynamics can generate up to 1,000kg of downforce at 250 kph, enhancing its stability and grip on the track.
Ferrari F80 : Aerodynamic Design
The new F80 draws heavily from the brand’s F1 car, incorporating large barge boards to direct airflow beneath. At the front, the sleekly designed nose is highlighted by a prominent ‘S-Duct,’ a nod to the 499P model. This duct not only channels air over the cabin but also directs it towards the rear. The black fascia along the nose, reminiscent of the new 12Cilindri, features a slight lip at the top edge to direct air over the cabin’s top and towards the rear wing.
The active rear wing not only adjusts its height but also its angle to optimize downforce and minimize drag. With the assistance of a large rear diffuser, the car is capable of generating up to 590kg of downforce. At speeds of up to 250kph, the F80 can produce up to 1,000kg of downforce, placing it on par with the McLaren W1. This is just short of an F1 car, which can generate up to 1,200kg of downforce at the same speed.
Ferrari F80 : Chassis Design
The F80, measuring 4,840mm in length, 2,060mm in width, and 1,130mm in height, is slightly larger than the W1. Despite being 125kg heavier, weighing in at 1,525kg (dry), its construction is a clever blend of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum. This combination results in a car that is 60kg lighter than the LaFerrari and boasts a chassis that is 50% stiffer.
The cell and roof are constructed from carbon fiber, while the front and rear subframes are made from aluminum. Ferrari has also repurposed the front subframe for heat management, utilizing its hollow structure as cooling ducts for the brakes. The F80’s active suspension system is driven by four 48V actuators. Parts of the double-wishbone setup are 3D printed.
Ferrari F80 : Interior & Exterior Design
While the influence of Ferraris from the past is evident, with nods to the F40, Enzo, and the classic 330 P3, designer Flavio Manzoni has stated that the design is “absolutely new” and eschews “anything nostalgic.” He cited spaceships and sci-fi as the inspiration for the car’s look.
The cabin features an asymmetrical layout that prioritizes the driver, although there were talks about transforming the F80 into a single-seater model. The majority of controls and functions on the new oval steering wheel and slim center console are physical, according to Ferrari, which they claim simplifies operation while driving.
Ferrari F80 : Performance
The F80 receives a revamped version of Ferrari’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. It boasts a top speed of 9,200 rpm, a significant upgrade from the engine that powers the 296 GTB, which has undergone a complete overhaul. The engine now features parts from the 499P Le Mans car, enhancing its power output to 900 horsepower, making it the most powerful engine produced by Maranello to date. Ferrari has also assured that the engine is lighter than that of the 296 GTB.
Working in collaboration with the V6 engine, the Ferrari F80 features three electric motors: two positioned at the front axle and one at the rear. This marked a groundbreaking development for Ferrari, as these motors were manufactured in-house for the first time. The front axles boast motors each generating 142 horsepower, while the rear end is equipped with an ‘MGU-K’ energy recovery unit. This innovative design, reminiscent of what is seen in Ferrari’s Formula One car, is capable of recovering up to 95 horsepower during braking, seamlessly filling power gaps. Additionally, the F80 is the first Ferrari model to incorporate ‘e-turbos,’ which leverage technology from Formula One to minimize lag and improve throttle response.
The hybrid system delivers a combined power output of 1,200 horsepower to all four wheels. The manufacturer boasts acceleration times of 0-100 km/h in 2.15 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 5.75 seconds, respectively. This performance makes the F80 faster than both the McLaren W1 and the Mercedes-AMG One.
The F80, available in three modes – Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify – can be selected through a switch on the steering wheel, each offering varying levels of power. However, unlike the 296, the F80 does not have a pure-electric mode. It is not a plug-in hybrid, and its 2.3kWh battery is designed to enhance power and enable the car to operate for short periods at low speeds.