You have to wait a while for Ferrari to release one of its range-topping halo cars. Since the 1980s, there have only been a few: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, and now the F80. Has the 12-year wait since the introduction of its predecessor been worth it? In the video below, experienced racer and automotive journalist Chris Harris tests the Prancing Horse on a track in Italy and the nearby public roads to find out.
Like the LaFerrari, the F80 is a hybrid, but the latter machine benefits from more than a decade of advancements. Some would argue the F80’s use of a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is a major step down from a naturally aspirated V12, but the 900 horsepower the smaller engine delivers softens the blow. Plus, the electric front axle and electric motor add another 300, giving the F80 a 237-horsepower edge over the LaFerrari. As a result of those numbers and the instant spool of its dual e-turbos, the F80 is faster. Hitting 62 mph only takes 2.15 seconds (versus 2.9); doubling that speed requires a total of 5.75 seconds, which the LaFerrari can’t match.
Stats are great, but what is the F80 like to drive? Harris started out riding shotgun next to a Ferrari factory driver for a few laps around the Misano World Circuit. When he emerged from the cockpit after being thrown into high-speed curves, he described the F80 as “violent.” Once Harris got behind the wheel himself, he praised the instant response of the turbos, the way the steering builds up weight, the outstanding traction—the list goes on and on.
Despite its design, track prowess, and insane output, Ferrari identifies the F80 as a road car. Harris deems it an impressive road car for the surprisingly good ride quality from its Multimatic dampers.
Overall, Harris finds the F80 to be something fundamentally different from its competitors in a major way. What exactly is that? Watch the video below to find out—and see Harris turn some Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires into expensive smoke.