Ferrari recently unveiled its latest hypercar, the F80, an evolution of the prancing horse’s commitment to electrification and hybrid technology. But while this technological leap impresses on paper, it leaves enthusiasts like me wondering: where’s the spine-tingling sound that made Ferrari famous?
The F80 swaps the iconic V-12 engine from its predecessors for a twin-turbo V-6 hybrid system making 1,184 hp. This move aligns with Ferrari’s Le Mans-winning race car and its Formula 1 powertrain approach. On the performance front, it makes sense. But when it comes to sound, this choice feels underwhelming.
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In an era where hybrid technology is vital for performance and efficiency, Ferrari’s decision seems logical. Yet, the joy of owning a Ferrari isn’t just about speed. It’s about the auditory experience—the shrieking revs that make you want to punch the throttle every chance you get.
Unfortunately, this new twin-turbo V-6 doesn’t quite deliver in that department. When Ferrari showed off the F80 at Imola, the sounds it made while doing flybys and drifts felt disappointingly muted. Some clips even made it sound like it was running on electric power alone.
Ferrari purists, especially those who treasure the brand’s history of roaring V-12 engines, will likely find the F80’s sound lacking. The previous Ferrari hypercars, like the LaFerrari and the Enzo, made waves with their screaming engines. The F80 doesn’t quite hit that same note.
On NM2255’s YouTube channel, where we got a closer listen, the V-6 engine sounded more like Ferrari’s 296 GTB, only a bit muffled. At high revs, you get hints of excitement, but it doesn’t compare to the visceral roar we’re used to hearing from Ferrari’s top-tier models.
Sure, the F80 is a $4 million hypercar designed to push boundaries with cutting-edge tech. It’s sold out—799 units gone before most of us even knew it existed. But despite its impressive performance specs, the sound of the engine can make or break the emotional connection with the car.
For Ferrari fans, this departure from a roaring V-12 to a quieter, hybrid V-6 might feel like losing part of the brand’s soul. Ferrari has always been known for engineering perfection, but also for the heart-racing sounds that define the driving experience.
Ferrari’s shift toward hybrid technology is inevitable. With Formula 1 and Le Mans adopting V-6 hybrid setups, Ferrari’s flagship road cars were bound to follow suit. This direction reflects the automaker’s focus on maintaining competitiveness in both the racing and hypercar markets. But while it makes sense on a technical level, it leaves the purists with little to celebrate in terms of engine noise.
The good news? Ferrari isn’t done with V-12s just yet. For those looking to relive the golden age of Ferrari’s signature sounds, the Daytona SP3 and the 12Cilindri are still on the menu. If given the choice, many enthusiasts might opt for one of those over the F80.
The Ferrari F80 represents a new chapter in hybrid performance, pushing boundaries with its electric motors and V-6 powertrain. For some, this is Ferrari moving forward. For others, it feels like a step away from the emotional, soul-stirring experience the brand has been synonymous with.
Does the F80’s performance justify the sound sacrifice? Maybe. But for those of us who fell in love with Ferrari because of the auditory thrill, it’s hard to embrace this new direction fully.
