Back in 1984, Ferrari released the 288 GTO, which marked the start of a lineage within the stable that became the flagships of the marque. Since then, models such as the F40, F50, Enzo, and most recently, the LaFerrari have shown the world what cars the Ferrari engineers can build if the pure focus of the car is performance. These more recently became to be known as "The Big Five".
On Thursday the 17th, that small and exclusive group of models saw a new member inducted namely, the F80. Although it offers the least amount of cylinders within that exclusive group, with its combination of combustion and electric motors, the F80 is the most powerful production Ferrari to leave the factory gates in Maranello.
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Powertrain
At the core of the beast is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo, 120° V6 petrol motor that is closely derived from the 499P, which won the last two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There is also technology derived from Ferrari's Formula 1 program, such as the MGU-K electric motor and the MGU-Hs unit, which generate power from the excess kinetic energy of the turbos' rotation and the heat from the exhaust gases.
However, these are not standard turbos but rather e-turbos, which, with the assistance of an electric motor installed axially between the turbine and compressor, will spool the turbo quicker to avoid any lag and improve responsiveness. There is also variable-phase valve timing and a knock control unit that allows the F80's engine to operate closer to the knock limit, which allows for more engine compression, resulting in more power per stroke.
As a result, the V6 should produce around 660kW and 850Nm of torque on its own. But this is not enough, as Ferrari incorporated a 60 kW and 45 Nm MGU-K electric motor at the rear of the vehicle. Once again, this was not enough, as Ferrari incorporated an entirely in-house developed and manufactured front axle with two electric motors, an inverter, and a cooling system.
Each of these electric motors on the front can produce 105kW and 121Nm of torque. Powering these motors is a 2.28 kWh high-density battery with a maximum current of 350A and a maximum voltage of 860V. Thus, future owners can expect around 880kW and 1075Nm of torque with the engine and electric motors.
Design
Just one glance at the F80, and you will notice how the marque has embarked on a new and striking design language, drawing inspiration from its racing programmes and the F80's predecessors. What is evident, however, is that this model was an exercise in aerodynamics, as the F80 will generate 1000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.
To achieve this incredible feat, the design team focused on key areas such as the active rear wing, rear diffuser, flat underbody, front triplane wing, and S-Duct. The downforce generation is split 460 kg at the front and 540 kg at the rear. While the triplane wing and S-Duct do well pushing the front of the car down, the active rear wing does well at the rear.
Furthermore, the flat underbody has bargeboards that direct and control the direction of the outwash from underneath the car. This assists in the ground effects the F80 has with the improved rear diffuser and active suspension, which will keep the distance between the underbody and the road surface at an optimal height.
Performance
All of this combines to help the Ferrari F80 achieve legendary performance. The sprint to 100 km/h from a standing start takes only 2.15 seconds, and 200 km/h takes a frightful 5.75 seconds. The F80 will continue accelerating to a top speed of 350 km/h. Braking distances are also impressive, with 100-0 km/h coming up in 28m and 200-0 km/h in 98 metres.
Price
Pricing for the Ferrari F80 is rumoured to be around $3 million (R52 million). However, the amount of customizing that can take place during the specification stage with Ferrari's Tailor Made programme could even be closer to $4 million (R70 million). Ferrari says it will only be making 799 units, and it is rumoured again that all of these have already been spoken for.
