Enzo's quadrigue

Ferrari has introduced the most powerful road car in its history, and this is no ordinary vehicle—it’s a lightning bolt aimed squarely at anyone who thought they understood speed. The new 1,200-horsepower F80 supercar looks like it was dreamed up by a mad engineer after binge-watching every episode of Star Wars. This aggressive, futuristic rocket on wheels seems ready to launch into space. Yet, as always, some automotive bloggers chose to complain rather than bow down in awe. So what upset them so much? Blasphemy.

For most Ferrari enthusiasts, the red stallions from Maranello are synonymous with one thing only: the V12 engine. It’s more than a power source—it’s a symbol. A Ferrari without twelve cylinders is like Rolls-Royce building tractors (shut up, Lamborghini) or Apple selling computers without macOS. Ferrari’s V12 is the ultimate symphony of power and technology. It’s so smooth it feels like running on butter instead of gasoline, especially with the classic Ferrari 60-degree cylinder block angle. It roars like a lion, purrs like a kitten, and is always ready to remind you who’s boss. Early Ferraris were all equipped with V12s, and customers adored them for their complexity, power, and a sound that could only be compared to an opera. Yes, complexity comes at a price, but when it comes to Ferrari, money just doesn't matter.

Fact: No other brand in the world is more closely associated with the V12 than Ferrari. To be fair, Ferrari didn’t invent it. The V12 first appeared on racing boats in the early 20th century, later finding its way into luxury cars like Rolls-Royce and Cadillac. But it was Ferrari that turned the V12 into a work of art and the epitome of speed. Their first 12-cylinder engine had a displacement of just 1.5 litres—essentially the size of a lawnmower engine in a supercar. Yet, it consistently outperformed cars with engines twice its size on the racetrack. Ferrari’s V12 excelled equally on Formula 1 circuits and public roads. Think of the iconic 1962 250 GTO or the legendary 2002 Enzo with its naturally aspirated engine.

Still, times change. And as painful as it may be, Ferrari isn’t clinging to the past. The new generation of billionaires, many of whom haven’t even hit 30, couldn’t care less about “tradition.” They want the best, and they want it now. Meanwhile, environmental activists are louder than ever. So, the new F80 features a hybrid powertrain. Yes, a hybrid. Yes, from Ferrari.

At the heart of the F80’s powertrain is a 3.0-litre V6 with a 120-degree cylinder bank angle. It produces 900 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque—more than enough for anyone. But Ferrari didn’t stop there. They added three electric motors: one on the rear axle and two on the front. Together, they contribute an additional 300 horsepower. The combined output? A staggering 1,200 horsepower. This powerhouse rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.15 seconds—faster than you can flip off a speed camera. It hits 200 km/h in 5.75 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h. Yes, limited—because Ferrari wants both the car and its owner to live long and happy lives.

So, how do you control this beast? Ferrari’s engineers thought of everything. The aerodynamic package includes a rear diffuser, an active rear wing, and a front spoiler, collectively generating over a tonne of downforce at 250 km/h. This car grips the road as tightly as a woman clutching her first Birkin bag.

But that’s not all. The F80 is equipped with the new SSC 9.0 (Side Slip Control) system, featuring FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator). This technology makes driving almost intuitive. It creates a digital twin of the car, analysing even the slightest shifts in the centre of mass and adjusting all support systems accordingly. The Boost Optimisation feature takes it a step further, gathering data on your driving style to deliver power exactly when and where you need it. Think of it as a personal trainer, always ready to push you to your limits.

The Ferrari F80 will have a limited production of just 799 units. The price? Around €3.6 million. But if you’re already reaching for your chequebook, don’t bother. The whole production is sold out. Yes, all of them. And that’s perhaps the best proof that while bloggers may lament the “end of the V12,” those who can actually afford a Ferrari clearly aren’t stuck in the past.