Hadag travelled to Maranello to witness a fresh chapter in Ferrari’s supercar history.
At Hadag, we are no strangers to beautiful cars and exotic locations, having travelled the world experiencing the best places the planet has to offer, along with some of the most impressive sports cars ever created.
Recently we were invited to be a part of the unveiling of a new thoroughbred supercar, conceived, designed and built by the masterminds at Ferrari. This new creation comes in the form of the F80, a supercar that will be produced in a limited run of just 799 examples. This means it joins the pantheon of icons such as the GTO, F40 and LaFerrari by showcasing the best the Italian marque has achieved in terms of technology and performance.
MARANELLO, ITALY
Landing in Maranello, we felt we had returned to the centre of the supercar universe.
As we made our way to the site of the momentous unveiling, we felt a sense of pride in being a part of such an auspicious occasion. After all, how often does one experience a historic moment like this in the story of the world’s most famous sports car brand?
On arrival, we were privileged to receive a quick tour of the Ferrari factory, taking in the production line before heading to the main event – the reveal of the car of the decade. We are not exaggerating when we tell you that gasps escaped even the most discerning super car critics and enthusiasts alike.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
In the F80, the Ferrari Styling Centre made radical changes in the visual language of the construction, with an amalgamation of the past and the future of the marque’s design.
When we first laid our eyes on the model, they simply did not know where to settle first, as there was so much to take in, yet it all worked together to create a harmonious mechanical masterpiece. To us, the inspiration taken from Ferrari’s Formulae 1 racing cars was instantly apparent, perhaps steering the direction for the creation of such a modern and innovative visual identity. The decisively futuristic visual impact, its architecture defined by a dihedral cross section with its two bottom corners firmly planted on the wheels, made us feel like little boys again, longing to jump into the ‘Rocketship’ and blast off to outer space.
From head-on we appreciated the fore section of the car, enjoying how the wheel arch ends with a vertical panel that stands proud of the door, a tip of the cap to the iconic F40. The headlamps are concealed in a visor element, with a black screen serving both aerodynamic and lighting functions. All of this ensures a strikingly original demeanour.
Shifting to the flanks of this fine thoroughbred, we took in the sculpted nature of the back end, underscoring the sheer machismo of the entire rear wing.
In truth, one would need to stand in the presence of this mechanised mysticism to fully appreciate what the architects at Ferrari have managed to accomplish in the F80.
Ascending from the immaculate character of the super car’s lower body is the bubble-like cabin, a perfectly balanced example of exquisite framework and symmetry. The contrast between the coloured upper bodywork and the clear-coat finished carbon lower zone accentuates the superior design of the vehicle.
At the short-tail rear, we commented that the vehicle could pass for a classier version of the Batmobile, with a mobile wing that can be stowed or deployed adding to the racing-like presence of the car. We loved the taillights set in a two-layer structure consisting of the fascia and the spoiler, further emphasising its sporty character.
Finally, the louvered engine compartment spine features six slots, one for each internal combustion engine cylinder, creating a symbiotic relationship between the geometric lines and sculptural surfaces.
We could have written this entire preview on the exterior design alone. In truth, one would need to stand in the presence of this mechanised mysticism to fully appreciate what the architects at Ferrari have managed to accomplish with the F80.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Taking in the interior, it was obvious that the compact proportions of the cockpit were inspired by a single-seat racer, creating a visual perception akin to an enclosed Formula 1 car. This enveloping cocoon is centred entirely around the driver, with its form converging towards the controls and instrument panel.
We appreciated how the control panel is ergonomically orientated toward the driver, further highlighting the race car-esque setup.
Impressively, the designers have accommodated a driver and passenger seat despite delivering the uncompromised experience of a single-seater.
It took a double take to recognise the presence of the passenger seat, so well integrated into the trim of the cabin that it almost disappeared. This has been accomplished through the abilities of the most skilled car interior designers in the craft. They have masterfully utilised differentiation between materials and colours used for the driver’s seat and the rest of the interior trim.
The passenger seat has been set farther back than the driver’s seat, again showing that the plus one is merely an observer in this driver-centred setup. We noticed this positioning allows for a narrower internal space, thereby minimising the effect on the interior ergonomics and the exterior aerodynamics of the vehicle.
A must-mention internal feature of the F80 is the new steering wheel, specifically developed for this model. Slightly smaller than previous versions and with flattened top and bottom rims, it allows for improved visibility while accentuating the sense of sportiness. We admired the lateral zones of the rim, optimised to ensure a better grip, even without gloves. The physical buttons on the left- and righthand spokes replace the full-digital layout used by Ferrari in recent years, providing a more classic and hands-on feel.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
Although it would have been the experience of a lifetime to set off around a racetrack, burning rubber as we felt the G-forces tugging at our neck muscles, we have to admit that the F80’s incredible power-producing capabilities, along with its USD3.789 million price tag, were enough for us to feel content admiring it on the showroom floor.
Along with the unequalled aerodynamics, heat management properties and vehicle dynamics of this outworldly supercar, the almost unbelievable powertrain of the F80 took a few minutes to fully absorb.
For starters, Ferrari has fitted the F80 with the ultimate expression of the brand’s six-cylinder engine in the form of a three-litre 120° V6 F163CF internal combustion engine. This unit produces an astonishing peak power of 900hp, making it the Ferrari engine with the highest specific power of all time (300cv/l), to which the electric front axle (e-4WD) and rear motor (MGU-K – Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) of the hybrid system add another 300cv.
Naturally, there is also technology carried over from Formula 1, from which the F80 inherits both the concept of the MGU-K (with the development of an industrially manufacturable electric motor similar to the unit used in Ferrari F1 cars) and the MGU-Hs (which generate power from the excess kinetic energy from the rotation of the turbines created by the heat energy from the exhaust gases) with a bespoke e-turbo application.
We were informed by the Ferrari team that to maximise performance in all possible conditions, every component of the calibration of the engine has been taken to the extreme, with a particular focus on the ignition and injection timing, amongst other areas. Another crucial aspect has been the work dedicated to the dynamic calibration of the torque curve in every gear, an all-time first for a Ferrari road car.
Further adding to the extraordinary nature of the F80’s performance capabilities are the e-turbos, with an electric motor installed axially between the turbine and the compressor housing. This inclusion allows the engineers to optimise the fluid dynamics of the engine for maximum power at mid to high engine speeds without the usual compromise this entails in terms of turbo lag at low engine speeds.
Another five pages wouldn’t be enough to cover what the team at Ferrari has managed to accomplish with this potent powertrain, however, it would be amiss of us not to mention the fan-favourite highlights.
With a total displacement of 2,992cc, a maximum power of 900cv (almost 900hp) at 8750rpm and a maximum torque of 850Nm at 550rpm, the F80 delivers a performance that other sports car manufacturers can only dream of.
This phenomenal supercar can surge from 0-100km/h in as little as 2.15 seconds and brake from 100-0km/h in a mere 28 metres! 0-200km/h can be achieved in 5.75 seconds (a decent 0-100km/h time for any sports car) and braking from 200-0km/h takes less than 100 metres. A maximum speed of 350km/h is possible for any seasoned supercar driver who dares to do so.
OUR VERDICT
Ferrari has again accomplished what many would have deemed impossible with the new F80. In fact, we have never experienced a supercar of this calibre, and we have serious doubts that any other marque will be able to match what this exceptional brand has managed to execute, anytime soon.
SPECIAL THANKS
We thank the Ferrari team in Maranello for inviting us to this historic moment in their history, for their exceptional hospitality and for introducing us to perhaps the finest supercar we will ever have the privilege of inspecting.
For more information, please visit www.ferrari.com
@ferrari