MARANELLO: The Ferrari F80 represents the pinnacle of cutting-edge automotive engineering, blending Formula 1 and endurance racing technologies into a road-legal supercar. It combines extreme aerodynamics, a hybrid powertrain, and advanced materials, making it the most advanced internal combustion engine Ferrari has ever produced.
This technical summary outlines the key innovations and engineering breakthroughs of the F80.
At the heart of the F80 is a 3.0-litre 120° V6 engine, which generates an astounding 900hp, the highest specific power output ever for a Ferrari engine (300 hp/litre).
The powertrain is based on Ferrari's motorsport expertise, particularly from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Formula 1. The V6 is complemented by a hybrid system, which includes an electric front axle (e-4WD) and a rear motor (MGU-K), adding an additional 300hp, bringing the total output to 1,200hp.
For the first time in a Ferrari road car, the F80 features electric turbo technology (e-turbo), where an electric motor is placed between the turbine and compressor to deliver instantaneous response across the rev range.
This innovation helps eliminate turbo lag, providing near-instant power delivery. The F80's engine is also equipped with advanced fuel injection systems, high compression ratios, and lightweight components such as titanium connecting rods and Inconel exhaust manifolds to maximise both power and efficiency.
Ferrari has developed a bespoke hybrid system for the F80, with electric motors at the front and rear. These motors are derived from the design of the MGU-K units used in Formula 1, allowing for high power density and lightweight construction. The high-voltage battery system is placed low in the engine bay to improve the vehicle's center of gravity and handling.
The F80 achieves an extraordinary 1,000kg of downforce at 250kph, thanks to a suite of innovative aerodynamic solutions. These include an active rear wing, rear diffuser, front triplane wing, and a flat underbody, all working together to optimize airflow and ground effect. The active suspension system plays a crucial role in managing aerodynamics by controlling the ride height in real-time, ensuring optimal downforce and stability.
The car's design draws heavily from Ferrari's motorsport heritage, with inspirations from Formula 1 and WEC aerodynamics. The front end, for instance, uses a triplane wing configuration and an S-Duct system to generate significant downforce, while the rear diffuser maximises the low-pressure zone under the car. The F80 also features an active aero system that adjusts the rear wing's angle and the front triplane flaps to balance downforce and drag in various driving conditions.
The chassis of the F80 is a multi-material structure designed to reduce weight while maintaining strength and rigidity. The central cell and roof are made from carbon fibre composites, while the front and rear subframes are constructed from lightweight aluminum. Titanium screws are used to join critical components, contributing to the overall reduction in mass.
The F80’s chassis design incorporates technology derived from Formula 1, including dual tubular bladders and hollow carbon fiber sills for side-impact protection. The engine is mounted as low as possible to lower the center of gravity, with the engine-transmission unit tilted by 1.3° to maximise underbody aerodynamics.
Hybrid powertrain integration
Ferrari developed its own electric motors for the F80, with two motors on the front axle and one at the rear. The motors use Halbach array magnet technology for higher magnetic flux density and reduced weight, allowing for high-speed operation up to 30,000 rpm. The inverter, integrated into the front axle, converts the battery's direct current into alternating current for motor operation and regenerative braking.
The high-voltage battery system uses lithium-cell technology inspired by Formula 1, with a total energy capacity of 2.3 kWh and a maximum power output of 242 kW. The pack's carbon fibre monocoque casing contributes to its lightweight and compact design, and the system includes wireless sensors for monitoring battery health.
Vehicle dynamics
The F80 features a next-generation active suspension system, which uses 48V electric motors and double-wishbone suspension to optimize ride quality and handling. The system provides superior control over body roll and pitch, maintaining a flat ride during high-speed cornering while ensuring comfort on rough surfaces.
Ferrari's new SSC 9.0 (Side Slip Control) system includes the Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE), a digital twin model that estimates the car's behavior in real time. This system enhances the F80's dynamic control, including traction and torque management, making it highly responsive to driver inputs.
The hybrid powertrain offers three driving modes: Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. Hybrid mode focuses on energy efficiency, while Performance mode ensures sustained track performance with balanced energy recovery. Qualify mode unleashes the full potential of the hybrid system, with a new Boost Optimization function that provides extra power in key sections of a race track based on driver input during a reconnaissance lap.
Advanced braking system
The F80's braking system employs Ferrari's CCM-R Plus technology, developed with Brembo, which features advanced carbon-ceramic discs for superior stopping power and heat resistance. The system is optimized for both road and track use, with a 20% improvement in cooling efficiency compared to previous models. The CCM-R Plus system is designed for maximum performance in extreme driving conditions, providing constant friction and durability.
Design and ergonomics
The F80's exterior design is a blend of futuristic aerospace-inspired elements and Ferrari’s traditional design language. The car's aerodynamic architecture features a dihedral cross section, with the cabin designed as a floating bubble atop the chassis. Butterfly doors and a short-tail rear further emphasize the car's aggressive stance.
Inside, the cabin follows a "1+" layout, prioritising the driver’s experience with a single-seater-inspired cockpit. The design includes a new steering wheel with physical buttons for better control, and the seats are offset to optimise space and ergonomics.
Seven years of maintenance
Ferrari’s quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the F80.
Available across the entire Ferrari range, this is the first time this programme has been offered on a supercar and covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life.
This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme.
The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all dealerships on the official dealership network.
