The Greatest Ferraris To Drive Ever

Why We Picked It:

The F12 Berlinetta, introduced for the 2013 model year, was one of the most anticipated cars of 2012. Ferrari's third iteration of the GT line followed the 599 GTB Fiorano and the 550 Maranello. It was the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever thanks to the incredibly efficient engine—in terms of mechanical, combustion, and fluid-dynamics efficiency—which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components, and electronic controls, guaranteed unsurpassed driving involvement, whatever the road or track.

The F12 outperforms the 599 GTB Fiorano in every measurable way. Improvements were made to the vehicle's engine output, aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, chassis rigidity, safety features, and the rear hatch's ability to accommodate luggage. The car's aluminum alloy space frame chassis and body were designed by Pininfarina and Ferrari's design studio.

The 6.3-liter V12 engine is the car's crowning glory; it generates 750 horsepower without needing turbochargers or superchargers. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission and an active electronic differential.

Why We Picked It:

The 2019 488 Pista is Ferrari's special series vehicle, improving upon the "regular" 488 GTB in every way. The Pista takes advantage of many characteristics and technologies developed for racing competitions. Ferrari's 488 GTE and 488 Challenge race cars have contested and won multiple Manufacturers' titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), from which much of the car's development was drawn.

When the 488 Pista was launched, the updated V8 was Ferrari's most potent ever, continuing the company's tradition of producing some of the world's fastest vehicles. Due to its twin turbos, the 3.9-liter engine can produce 568 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm and 710 hp at 8000 rpm.

Engine components from the 488 Challenge race vehicle boost power and performance above the ordinary 488 GTB model by 49 hp and seven lb-ft, respectively. These components include Inconel exhaust manifolds, reinforced pistons, a larger intercooler, and a new camshaft. In their own words, Ferrari Ferrari proudly remarks that "the engine sound is unique and unmistakably Ferrari, as such a special car warrants".

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari F8 Tributo is one of the most cutting-edge V8-powered Berlinettas in the company's history. Although Ferrari's "entry-level" model, the F8 Tributo is more than the sum of its parts; it is a capable all-arounder that stands out amid the growing number of "everyday supercars."

This unique entry-level supercar is factory-equipped with 710 hp at its wheels and 568 lb-ft of torque. The F8 Tributo's twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 is the norm for the era, but that doesn't make it anything to scoff at.

The Ferrari F8 Tributo can only be had in rear-wheel drive, and its mid-mounted V8 is paired with a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear changes. For the F8 Tributo, Ferrari updated the version of its Side Slip Control (SSC) system and added the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus (FDE+) software to make the car easier to correct when drivers creep past the limit, making for a reinforced experience for both novice and expert drivers alike.

The F8 Tributo's improved chassis and handling set it apart. The car's aerodynamics, reduced weight, and advanced electronics take its performance to the next level for Ferrari sports cars.

Why We Picked It:

To commemorate Ferrari's 50th year in business, they created a new iconic supercar that combined beauty and beast: the F50. Like the 288 GTO and F40 before it, its primary focus was on motorsports engineering, with minimal attention paid to the comfort of its occupants.

The F50's solidity was a major selling point. It featured a solidly attached chassis with less rubber in the suspension system and lacked front, rear, and engine subframes. The engine and transmission were also the rear support structure and housed the rear suspension parts, and they were attached directly to the central tub.

A V12 engine displacing 4.7 liters provided power; its output was 512 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque sent to rear wheels. The six-speed manual transmission and V12 engine were based on Ferrari's 1990 Formula One car. The F50 had a top speed of almost 200 mph and could reach 60 mph from rest in 3.7 seconds.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia joined the road-going V8 line-up alongside the F430 coupe and the F430 Spider. The 430 Scuderia was a genuinely high-performance 2-seater berlinetta, showcasing Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how applied to its production cars.

The track-focused model is a special series based on the F430 and was explicitly aimed at Ferrari’s most passionate and sports-driving-oriented clients. Development focused on lightweight, minimum trimmings, and innovative technology to exalt the car’s extremely high performance and ability to thrill the driver.

The F430's improved handling is thanks in part to its stiffer chassis. It won't bend or twist when subjected to g-force, allowing for more precise suspension regulation. A compact twin-plate clutch replaced the previous huge single-plate clutch to improve cornering stability. Because of this, the V8 engine may be installed lower in the car.

The F1 Superfast software reduced gearchange times to just 60 milliseconds, and traction control combines the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system.

Why We Picked It:

Despite having up to 830 horsepower and 546 lb-f of torque at its disposal, the Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in hybrid is positioned as the brand's newest entry-level vehicle. Ferrari's "Fun to Drive" philosophy, which has always been a key component of every model they've produced, supports the 296 GTB.

Ferrari says you need these three things to get the job done. The first is "sound," or the symphony created by the engine. The second is the car's "perceived acceleration," or how quickly the driver perceives that they are moving at high speeds. The third quality is a "go-kart feeling," or how responsive and connected to the road the vehicle is.

Its most notable feature is the 296 GTB's compact, lightweight aluminum chassis. Exciting still are its cutting-edge vehicle dynamic control systems, which keep tabs on and adjust variables, including tire grip, suspension settings, and driver inputs. Other supplementary features like Side Slip Control, E-Diff, and ABS-evo enable the car to achieve peak acceleration, braking, stability, and cornering speeds even when driven by an amateur.

Why We Picked It:

When Ferrari launched the GTC4 Lusso in 2016, the Prancing Horse marque aimed to cater to drivers looking for a high-end four-seater, as Maserati did with the Quattroporte. Jealous of its rival's success, Ferrari gambled on a new engine design. The Italian manufacturer's offerings were just unrivaled by the competition. Other high-performance saloons were available, but none had the Italian heritage and style of a Maserati.

Under the hood of the GTC4 Lusso lies the mighty 6.3L naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12, generating 680 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending the power to all four wheels. The E-Diff, F1-Trac, SCM, ESC, and 4RM EVO systems has been integrated with the new Ferrari-patented 4RM (four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering system), creating smooth, effortless handling in all weather conditions.

If there is such a thing as a daily driver Ferrari, it would be the Lusso V12. The interior space, all-wheel drive, and bewildering selection of vehicles and customization options suit everyone from a reckless teen to a cautious senior citizen.

Why We Picked It:

Like all special-series Ferraris, the 458 Speciale was intended for a specific type of owner, in this case, individuals looking for an even more focused sports car that gives strong driving emotions.

The 458 Speciale's lightning-fast response to the driver's inputs and intuitive sense of control, even in the most extreme maneuvers, will make the driver feel at one with the car from the first mile. The car's perfectly balanced handling allows it to achieve the highest performance levels of any Ferrari V8. A 5.0-liter V8 engine with 600 hp and a seven-speed sequential transmission that sends power to the rear wheels power the 458.

Ferrari's core engineering tenet is to push the limits with each new model while retaining the natural chassis balance and handling allowing even amateur drivers to get the most out of the car. Drivers can push the new 458 Speciale to its limits on the track and feel the thrill of genuine sportiness at low speeds on challenging roads.

Why We Picked It:

The 2017 Geneva Motor Show served as the formal unveiling of the Ferrari 812 Superfast. The Ferrari 812 Superfast, which replaced the Ferrari F12, is the brand's fastest front-engine, V12-powered GT car.

A brand-new 6.5-liter V12 engine powering the Superfast produced an incredible 789 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. The automobile stands out from other premium GT cars and is even more unique in the already crowded market thanks to the V12 engine's continued placement in the mid-front. At 0 to 60 mph, the car can reach 211 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

A 350 bar direct injection system and a modified geometry intake tract were responsible for the power gains. Both of these are advancements above the F1 engine's naturally aspirated technology. A dual-clutch transmission with revised gear ratios, quicker shift times, and more responsive throttle is fitted to the Ferrari 812 Superfast. The dry weight is 1,525 kg with minor optional accessories, with the front and rear weight distribution being 47–53%.

Why We Picked It:

The Challenge Stradale is similar to the other 360s but with minor tweaks. Increased power and decreased weight contribute significantly to improved performance. With the help of titanium and carbon fiber, the Ferrari 360 shed 243 pounds (110 kg).

Carbon fiber chairs upholstered in leather or fireproof fabric are a visual reminder of the Stradale's weight. Four-point racing harnesses, roll bars, and Lexan sliding windows are all viable alternatives to electric ones for the dedicated fan. One of the few concessions made to increase car sales is the inclusion of air conditioning. The Stradale can stop at the same distance as the Enzo thanks to its carbon brakes and shift gears in only 150 ms.

The Ferrari team fine-tuned the 3.6-liter V8 to increase its output using a high-compression combustion chamber, polished ports, and a larger intake tract. A dual-flow exhaust with a valve can bypass soundproofing and produce a resounding concerto. The transmission of every Stradale is a six-speed semi-automatic, and there are Sort and Race modes to help you find your ideal level of comfort.