In the automotive world, there’s an unspoken expectation that a company’s flagship model should come equipped with the largest, most powerful engine in its lineup. However, Ferrari is bucking that tradition with its new F80. Rather than sporting the usual V-12, the F80 opts for a more modest V-6 engine. While the decision to downsize may raise eyebrows, Ferrari is already defending its choice, insisting that the V-6 is the better performer.
Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, explained to Auto Express that the V-12 was considered but ultimately passed over in favor of the V-6, which they believe offers superior performance. “We asked ourselves whether to go with the most iconic engine, the V-12, or the highest performing one, the V-6. We chose the highest performer. This is consistent with our history of using the best-performing technology available in our supercars,” Galliera stated.
This rationale contrasts with comments from Ferrari’s Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni, who defended the V-12 in the 812 Superfast’s successor last year. “While a turbocharged V-8 could improve performance, emotionally, nothing beats the V-12,” Manzoni remarked. Clearly, Ferrari’s approach for the F80 prioritizes raw performance over tradition and nostalgia.
In addition to forgoing the V-12, Ferrari has also decided against a plug-in hybrid or full electric powertrain for the F80. After extensive evaluation, the company concluded that a hybrid V-6 engine offered the best technical solution for the car. This hints that Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, set to debut in 2025, will be a more practical model—likely not a hypercar, and perhaps with a synthesized V-8 engine sound to maintain the Ferrari “feel.” The car has already been seen testing in a modified Maserati Levante body, further supporting this theory.
Despite the move away from the V-12, Ferrari has not seen any drop-off in demand for the F80. All 799 units were sold out well in advance of the car’s official debut, with a steep price tag of €3.6 million. For those still craving the emotional appeal of a naturally aspirated V-12, Ferrari is offering the 12Cilindri and other exclusive models in its Icona series, following in the footsteps of the Monza SP1/SP2 and Daytona SP3.
With the F80 and McLaren W1 now unveiled, all eyes are on the third member of the “Holy Trinity” reboot. Porsche’s upcoming Mission X concept may very well be an all-electric hypercar, with CEO Oliver Blume recently confirming that a decision on production will be made in 2025. The future of hypercars seems to be shifting, with performance increasingly defined by technology and innovation rather than sheer engine size.
