Ferrari F80: Redefining the Hypercar Rulebook As the sixth in a legendary variant of innovative, fast and spectacular halo Ferraris, the F80 certainly has much to live up to. Like most predecessors, it brings forth new features never seen on any previous Ferrari road car. Power is derived from a race-derived 2.9L twin-turbo V6 previously used in the 499P LeMans champion and the 296 GTB. This is backed up by a triad of electric motors that when combined produces a monumental 1200 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. This power is harnessed via all-wheel drive and an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The result is 0-62mph in a blistering 2.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 217 mph. In addition, the F80 features several aerodynamic enhancements such as an s-duct, front grill and rear engine bay holes, DRS, energy-recovery dampers, a flat underbody, a massive rear diffuser and F40-inspired active rear wing. All of which are designed to master airflow through its body. On one hand, they assist in this car cutting through the air like a missile down the straight but in the corners, they will the all-wheel drive system ensure maximum grip and exceptional handling. The ultimate result was the F80 setting Fiorano’s fastest-ever lap of 1:15.9 seconds. Getting the Best of the Best into the Best But of course, who better to judge if the F80 is a pure, driving thoroughbred, who better to assess than Ferrari’s dual current stars of F1, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz? In the company of Ferrari’s chief GT vehicle tester, Raffaele De Simone, these talented drives put the F80 to the ultimate test at the iconic Fiorano circuit. Judging by the fact this F80 was in camouflage, we can assume this was a pre-production mule and that this drive was conducted before the F80’s unveiling a month ago. Judging by how the car squatted low to the ground and the wing in maximum attack, with the twin-turbo V6 roaring, the car was clearly in its maximum attack Qualify mode. Leclerc, stepping into the cockpit, immediately dubbed it “the beast.” During his drive, he stated, “It feels like a race car. A race car that’s so predictable. I love how little steering input is needed to make it turn. It’s fast. Really fast. But what I appreciate most is how predictable it is. To truly enjoy so much power, it has to be predictable.” Sainz too had equal praise for the F80 describing it as “close to an F1 car.” He also praised the gearing, “You can use long gears, short gears, whatever you want,” as well as the sheer power, “The power is incredible. It’s amazing, with so much power. It feels spectacular.” What we’ve learned: The W1 stands no chance From this test, one thing is clear the F80 is seriously quick. Lightning bolt quick, hell light probably travels slower than this car. But also from Sainz’s description of the gearing and Leclercs on the steering, it clearly has that Ferrari magic running through. That predictably, delicate, darting handling that all great Ferraris have. And speaking of predictability, it’s clear from Leclerc’s description that despite 1200 horsepower, and going from 0-62mph in 2.1 seconds, this is not a widow-maker. It’s very predictable and very easy to drive fast. All of this proves, that Ferrari have done it again and that the F80 is undoubtedly a masterpiece. All of this is worrying for McLaren, which despite having more horsepower and less weight, will undoubtedly be a trickier car to handle. Hopefully, in the future, McLaren will allow Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to give their impression on the W1. Until then, the F80 currently leads this titanic dual. Source: Ferrari Instagram
