In 1987 Ferrari launched the F40. A supercar that was created to celebrate 40 years of the iconic Italian automaker. This was followed ten years later by the F50. Launch intro dates meant that the subsequent limited edition supercar was called the Enzo. The brand’s first hypercar was called LaFerrari. And today the company unveils the Ferrari F80, tracing its lineage to a wild machine that was the last signed off by company founder Enzo.

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Motorsport Tech

Previous halo models from Maranello have housed powertrains that were closely aligned with the company’s racing activities.

The GTO and F40 were powered by a turbo V8, because Formula 1 cars used turbocharged engines in the 1980s. Today in both Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), powertrains consist of turbo V6 ICE engines mated with an 800 V hybrid system. It was only natural then that this architecture – the same architecture used by the 499P, which has taken two consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – would be transferred into the new F80.

As a result, the Ferrari F80 is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is aided by three electric motors. The turbocharger technology is borrowed straight from F1. An electric motor sits between the turbine and compressor of each turbo that allows for instantaneous response from low down in the rev range. The 3,0-litre 120-degree V6, which revs to 9 200 r/min, alone produces 662 kW and a massive 850 N.m of torque.

Click here to read about our Ferrari F40 driving experience.

In addition, there are three, in-house developed, electric motors that form part of of the powertrain. Two motors/generators are mounted on the front axle. A third is placed at the rear of the car. The third motor is used as a starter as well as for torque fill when need. Total system power is 883 kW (1 200 hp), which makes it the most powerful Ferrari road car to ever go on sale.

Performance Stats

An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels. The Ferrari F80 can scamper off the line and blitzes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2,15 seconds. It blast from rest to 200 in 5,75 seconds and has a top speed of 350 km/h. These figures a fractionally quicker than the recently launched McLaren W1, which you can read more about at this link. To slow from those big speeds the F80 has massive brakes that measure 402 mm at the front and 390 mm in diameter at the rear.

Click here to view our exclusive video tour of the Pagani Museum in Modena.

Track Attack

To ensure quick times the Ferrari F80 makes use of active aero, created from lessons learned in WEC and F1. The F80 was aero tuned to deliver 1 000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The front end of the F80 develops 460 kg of total downforce at 250 km/h. In part this is achieved through an S-duct on the front end of the car. The high level of front downforce is balanced by a triplane wing and rear diffuser. Downforce generated by the diffuser alone is 285 kg. The aerodynamic balance of the car is ensured by the active suspension. Two tyre choices, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 and Cup2R are offered. These measure 285/30 R20 in front and and 345/30 R21 on the rear.

We chatted with the head of Ferrari SA about a potential drive at the international launch event and he has already confirmed our attendance. We will bring you our drive review the moment we conclude that event.