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.

The post Ferrari’s F80: Why a V-6 Beats a V-12, According to Ferrari first appeared on Gear 5.