A Deep Dive Into Ferrari’s Top 10 Supercars

It’s one of the most names in the automotive world: Ferrari. Since its humble beginnings in 1947, Ferrari has become synonymous with high performance, innovation, and sheer driving pleasure. You’ll know the name if you’re a fan of Formula 1, a cinephile who loves a good car chase, or simply someone who appreciates automotive art.

Think of any legendary race, and there’s a good chance a Ferrari has crossed the finish line first. Take the Ferrari 330 P4, for instance. This beauty was a futuristic marvel of its time. With its sleek, aerodynamic lines and powerhouse engine, the 330 P4 wasn’t just built to race; it was built to win. And win it did. In 1967, Lorenzo Bandini took this magnificent machine to victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, an endurance race that tests man and machine to their absolute limits. The 330 P4’s success on the track and its limited production run have cemented its status as one of the most legendary Ferraris ever created.

But the 330 P4 is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the years, Ferrari has introduced a plethora of supercars, each more groundbreaking and awe-inspiring than the last. Let’s look at the top 10 supercars that have defined Ferrari’s legacy.

From passion project to global icon

Let’s rewind the clock to the late 1920s in Modena, Italy. It all started when a young and ambitious Enzo Ferrari decided to set up Scuderia Ferrari in 1929. Initially, this company wasn’t about creating its own cars but rather about sponsoring amateur racing drivers and preparing Alfa Romeo cars for the racetrack. Scuderia Ferrari quickly became Alfa Romeo’s go-to for racing expertise, essentially acting as Alfa’s racing department until 1933, when Alfa Romeo stopped running its own team. Enzo and his team were the masterminds behind many successful Alfa Romeo race cars until Alfa decided to bring its racing operations back in-house in 1938, forming Alfa Corse and hiring Enzo as their racing manager.

However, things took a dramatic turn. As part of his departure agreement with Alfa Romeo, Enzo Ferrari had to promise not to use the Ferrari name for the next four years. This period coincided with the tumultuous times of World War II, during which Ferrari had to pivot from racing to manufacturing aircraft parts and other technical products. The company moved its factory to Maranello in 1943, but it was bombed in 1944, delaying any plans to return to racing until it was rebuilt in 1946.

Then came 1947. This was when Ferrari introduced its first road car, the Ferrari 125 S, sporting a 1.5-liter V12 engine. Enzo’s idea was simple but ambitious: use the proceeds from road car sales to fund his racing endeavours. Little did he know, this strategy would not only support his racing team but also catapult Ferrari into the automotive stratosphere.

The 125 S marked the beginning of Ferrari’s dual identity: a producer of world-class racing machines and luxurious, high-performance road cars. These cars were masterpieces. The bodywork of early Ferraris was crafted by legendary design firms like Pininfarina, Bertone, Ghia, and Touring. This collaboration resulted in cars that were as stunning to look at as they were thrilling to drive.

Ferrari’s F1 success

Since their debut in 1951, the Scuderia has become synonymous with the sport of F1, racking up countless victories and creating a legacy that’s second to none. The early years saw legends like Alberto Ascari, who clinched back-to-back championships in 1952 and 1953, and Juan Manuel Fangio, who added to Ferrari’s glory with his fourth title in 1956. The 1960s continued this trend with Phil Hill and John Surtees, the latter being the only man to win world championships on both two and four-wheels. Niki Lauda’s heroic comeback and championship win in 1977 further solidified Ferrari’s place in the annals of F1 history.

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked an era of dominance with Michael Schumacher at the helm. His partnership with Ferrari brought an unprecedented streak of five consecutive driver’s championships from 2000 to 2004 and six constructors’ titles in the same period. However, Ferrari’s performance has been a roller-coaster in recent years. Despite flashes of brilliance and race wins by drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia has faced stiff competition from teams like Mercedes and Red Bull. The recent seasons, especially 2020 and 2023, have been a mix of highs and lows, with promising starts often marred by strategic missteps and reliability issues. Nonetheless, Ferrari’s resilience and storied past keep them as a perennial favourite, with fans worldwide eagerly awaiting their return to the podium’s top step.

Ferrari’s Top 10 Supercars

#1: The FXX Evoluzione

The FXX Evoluzione is a beast that might not be road-legal, but it’s a track-ready marvel that showcases Ferrari’s engineering prowess at its finest. With a jaw-dropping top speed of 249 mph, the FXX Evoluzione is one of the fastest cars Ferrari has ever made. Under its sleek hood lies an 860-hp V12 engine, rocketing it from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, making it the second-quickest Ferrari, only behind the SF90 Stradale.

This one goes to the top of our list because of the exclusivity of the car, as only 30 units were ever made. One of these coveted machines went to F1 legend Michael Schumacher, while the others were distributed among a select group of Ferrari’s elite customers.

#2: The SF90 Stradale

In 2019, Ferrari took a bold step into the future with the introduction of its first-ever plug-in hybrid supercar, the SF90 Stradale. Combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors, this powerhouse produces an astonishing 986 horsepower. The SF90 Stradale is a new era of Ferrari hybrid technology, blending performance with efficiency in a way that only Maranello could achieve.

When it comes to speed, the SF90 Stradale is in a league of its own. Mind-bogglingly moving from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.1 seconds, it is the quickest Ferrari ever made. With a top speed of 211 mph, it’s clear that this plug-in hybrid isn’t compromising on performance. The SF90 Stradale seamlessly integrates cutting-edge hybrid technology with Ferrari’s legendary engineering, setting a new benchmark for what a supercar can be.

#3: The Moderna 360 F1

The 360 Modena, unveiled in 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show, marked a bold new chapter for Ferrari. As a significant leap forward, the 360 Modena was an evolution of the F355 and a revolution in design and engineering. The sleek Pininfarina curves were more generous and voluptuous, and the iconic pop-up headlights gave way to more modern perspex-covered lights, complemented by gaping air intakes. The most striking feature was the glass fastback that showcased the powerful V8 engine, a visual treat that hinted at the beast within. This design wasn’t just for show—it reflected major advancements in aerodynamics, with the 360 generating up to four times the downforce of its predecessor.

Beneath its stunning exterior, the 360 was a marvel of engineering. Both the main structure and outer body panels were made entirely of aluminium, resulting in a car that was stiffer and more crash-worthy. The 3.6-litre V8 engine produced 394bhp and 275 lb-ft of torque, making it a more muscular and responsive machine. Innovations like the drive-by-wire throttle and an optional F1 paddle-shift gearbox provided quicker, smoother gear shifts and enhanced driving dynamics. At 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed exceeding 180mph, the 360 Modena was a true performance powerhouse.

#4: The Enzo

Named after the legendary founder, the Ferrari Enzo is the epitome of Ferrari’s engineering prowess and heritage. Introduced in 2002, the Enzo was the last true mechanical supercar, blending cutting-edge technology with a purist’s approach to performance. Its 6.0-litre V12 engine propels it from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 221 mph, making it the second-fastest road-legal Ferrari, only behind the iconic F40.

The Enzo is a blend of Formula One technology and Ferrari’s uncompromising design philosophy. Even two decades later, it stands tall among modern supercars in performance and the sheer thrill it offers. With its aerodynamic design and advanced engineering, the Enzo remains one of the most important Ferraris ever made.

How you can get behind the wheel of a Ferrari supercar

You can experience the thrill of driving one of the greatest performance cars of all time, number three on our list – The Ferrari Modena 360. Get behind the wheel and understand why Ferrari is the epitome of luxury sports cars.

With Fastrack Experiences, you’ll drive a Ferrari on Sydney’s South Circuit, a 1.8km track around the famous Corporate Hill, or Melbourne’s iconic Sandown Raceway. These tracks will challenge drivers of all skill levels, and you’ll have an experienced instructor to guide you. The Ferraris are set to automatic performance transmission mode, making this incredible supercar accessible to everyone. Drive an icon today.

#5: The LaFerrari

In 2013, Ferrari unveiled the LaFerrari, marking a milestone in hybrid supercar technology alongside McLaren and Porsche in what became known as the ‘Holy Trinity’. Combining a 6.3-litre V12 engine with an electric motor, the LaFerrari boasts an impressive 950 horsepower output, making it one of the most powerful Ferraris ever produced.

The LaFerrari runs from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, placing it among the quickest supercars of its time with a top speed of 218 mph. Ferrari’s KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) is at the heart of its performance, which is directly derived from Formula One technology. This system efficiently collects and deploys kinetic energy, enhancing both power delivery and road efficiency.

#6: The Daytona SP3

Unveiled as part of Ferrari’s Icona series, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a homage to the brand’s storied racing past. This masterpiece pays tribute to the triumphant 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, where Ferrari secured a legendary 1-2-3 finish with the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P. Unlike the Monza SP1 and SP2, the Daytona SP3 is road-legal worldwide, making it a practical yet exotic addition to Ferrari’s lineup.

Under its sleek exterior lies a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering an impressive 829 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Daytona SP3 the most powerful Ferrari powered solely by an internal combustion engine. It combines performance with aesthetics with a top speed of 211 mph, hitting 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. The Daytona SP3 is one of the fastest Ferraris and one of the most visually captivating, especially with its eye-catching rear design.

#7: The F40

Unveiled in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the Ferrari F40 is a testament to the brand’s engineering and racing heritage. This iconic supercar was the last vehicle crafted under the direct supervision of Enzo, marking the end of an era. It also made history as the first production car to surpass 200 mph, setting a new benchmark for speed and performance.

Equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the F40 boasts a top speed of 229 mph hitting 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. These figures made it the fastest road-legal Ferrari of its time, cementing its status as a legendary supercar. Revered by car enthusiasts worldwide, the F40’s combination of raw power, innovative design, and historical significance ensures it remains a beloved and enduring symbol of Ferrari’s legacy.

#8: The F8 Tributo

Introduced in 2019, the Ferrari F8 Tributo succeeded the Ferrari 488, bringing even more power and performance to the lineup. Featuring the same engine as the 488 Pista, the F8 Tributo’s twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 engine means 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

With a top speed of 211 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, the F8 Tributo Race Drive mode includes a ‘Dynamic Enhancer’ electronic drift management program, enhancing its track machine capabilities.

#9: The 812 Superfast

The name is a little bit naff, but the successor to the F12 Berlinetta, the Ferrari 812 Superfast, set new standards for performance and speed. Powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine, the 812 Superfast generates an astonishing 789 horsepower and 529 lb-ft of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a 211 mph top speed.

The 812 Superfast is a powerhouse and a visual masterpiece, with its sleek, elongated hood and striking design from every angle. It’s also the fastest Ferrari equipped with a naturally aspirated engine.

#10: The 488 Pista

Last but certainly not least, the Pista, which means “track” in Italian, is suitably engineered for the racetrack. This high-performance supercar boasts a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 711 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the 488 Pista to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, with 211 mph as the top speed.

Designed for track performance, the 488 Pista demonstrated its capabilities by completing the Nürburgring circuit in just 7 minutes. This feat places it among the fastest street-legal cars around the iconic Nordschleife.