The younger generation of Forresters is making bold moves that are shaking the foundation of the family business. RJ Forrester, after witnessing his grandfather Eric join forces with Katie Logan’s new venture, has decided to follow suit. RJ’s decision to join Katie’s company is a direct act of rebellion against Ridge’s authoritarian leadership at Forrester Creations. He sees in Eric’s move a validation of Katie’s vision and a chance to escape the constant bickering and power struggles that define his father’s management style.
This move creates a massive rift between RJ and Ridge. Ridge sees this as his son choosing the Logans over his own flesh and blood, while RJ views it as a necessary step for his professional growth and creative freedom. The psychological dynamic is fascinating, as RJ finally finds his voice and refuses to be a pawn in his parents’ endless drama. At Katie’s company, RJ finds a supportive environment where his digital skills and modern perspective are actually valued. This “defection” further strengthens Katie’s position in the fashion world, making her a formidable rival to Forrester Creations. Eric’s presence there as a mentor to RJ adds a layer of legitimacy that Ridge cannot ignore. The battle lines are now drawn not just between families, but between generations. RJ’s move signifies the end of an era where the Forrester children blindly followed in their father’s footsteps, ushering in a period of competition that will test everyone’s loyalty.
Maranello’s Pinnacle: A Decade of Driving Ferrari’s Most Exquisite Road Machines
For ten years, my career has been defined by the roar of a V12, the precision of a gated shifter, and the sheer, unadulterated emotion that only a Ferrari can evoke. The Prancing Horse isn’t just a manufacturer; it’s an institution, a purveyor of automotive dreams that has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, design, and driver engagement. Navigating the vast ocean of their illustrious history to pinpoint the absolute best road-going Ferraris is a monumental task, akin to selecting the most radiant stars in a celestial constellation. Yet, armed with a decade of seat time across a dizzying array of Maranello’s masterpieces, from the cutting-edge of the 296 Speciale to the legendary F40, I feel uniquely positioned to offer a discerning perspective on what truly makes a Ferrari endure.
We’re not just talking about numbers on a spec sheet, though Ferrari has always excelled there. We’re talking about the visceral connection, the symphony of an engine note, the intuitive dance between man and machine. In 2025, as the automotive landscape continues its rapid evolution, the enduring appeal of these Maranello icons becomes even more pronounced. They represent a tangible link to a heritage of motorsport dominance and an unwavering dedication to the art of the automobile. This is a curated journey through some of the best Ferraris – not just models that impressed us, but those that have profoundly impacted our understanding of what a sports car, a supercar, or indeed a hypercar, can be.
The Unrivaled Essence: What Defines a “Best Ferrari”?
The term “best Ferrari” is inherently subjective, a reflection of personal taste and the specific driving desires of an individual. However, after a decade immersed in the world of Ferrari road cars, certain immutable qualities consistently emerge. It begins with an engine – a soul-stirring powerplant, be it a naturally aspirated V12, a fire-breathing V8, or the innovative V6 hybrid configurations of today. This engine must not only deliver prodigious power but also communicate its intentions with an unparalleled vocal prowess.
Beyond the engine, the chassis is paramount. A Ferrari’s chassis should be a masterpiece of engineering, providing razor-sharp responses, impeccable balance, and an unshakeable connection to the road. This is where the magic happens, where the driver feels every nuance of the tarmac, every subtle shift in weight, every command translated into immediate, precise action. The integration of advanced electronic aids, while increasingly sophisticated, must always serve to enhance the driving experience, never to mask or dilute it. This delicate balance between raw mechanical feedback and intelligent assistance is a hallmark of the truly great Ferraris.
And then there’s the intangible. The aura, the heritage, the sheer presence that a Ferrari commands. It’s a blend of Pininfarina’s timeless design language, the legacy of Enzo Ferrari himself, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection. This is what separates a mere fast car from a legend. We’ve seen this reflected in the enduring desirability of models like the Ferrari 458 Speciale and the raw, untamed spirit of the Ferrari F40, cars that continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Maranello’s Modern Marvels: Pushing the Envelope
The 2025 automotive scene is a vibrant tapestry, and Ferrari continues to weave its threads with remarkable innovation. The introduction of the Ferrari 296 Speciale represents a bold leap forward, challenging traditional perceptions of what a mid-engined Ferrari should be. Gone is the V8, replaced by a compact yet potent V6 hybrid powertrain that delivers a staggering 868 horsepower. This isn’t merely about raw output; it’s about the nature of its delivery. The seamless augmentation from the electric motor creates an illusion of a larger displacement engine, providing instant torque and a driving experience that feels both ferocious and remarkably precise.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale exemplifies a new era where electrification doesn’t dilute the Ferrari DNA but rather enhances it. Its chassis exhibits a fluidity and lightness of touch that modern Ferraris are celebrated for. The car feels laser-guided, responsive without being nervous, and its sophisticated electronic systems democratize performance, allowing drivers of all skill levels to access its thrilling capabilities. This is the future of the supercar, and if the 296 Speciale is any indication, it’s an incredibly exciting one. It truly feels like a Maranello great in the making, a testament to their relentless drive for innovation.
On the other end of the spectrum, and embodying the continuation of a glorious legacy, is the Ferrari 12 Cilindri. This machine is a bold declaration of intent, a celebration of the naturally aspirated V12 engine in an era where many manufacturers have moved on. Replacing the 812 Superfast, the 12 Cilindri draws inspiration from the iconic Daytona, boasting a design that is as divisive as it is captivating. But beneath the sculpted lines lies a heart that beats with 819 horsepower, revving to a dizzying 9500rpm. While it may have traded some of the aural drama of its predecessor, the sheer ferocity and responsiveness of its V12 are undiminished. It leans more towards the GT end of the spectrum than its predecessors, offering a more predictable and comfortable experience for long journeys, a true super-GT for the discerning driver.
Another V12 titan, the Ferrari 812 Competizione, stands as a testament to Ferrari’s mastery of the front-engined V12 layout. If the 812 Superfast blurred the lines between GT and supercar, the Competizione decisively plants itself in the latter category. With 819 horsepower and that exhilarating 9500rpm redline, it is a car of monumental, almost overwhelming, speed. The aerodynamic enhancements are extreme, giving the car an assertive presence even before it moves. Combined with advanced independent rear-wheel steering and revised chassis electronics, the result is a driving experience that is both scintillating and astonishingly coherent. It’s a primal scream of V12 power, meticulously harnessed. For those seeking the pinnacle of naturally aspirated V12 performance, the Ferrari 812 Competizione price on the used market reflects its exceptional status.
Enduring Legends: Cars That Defined Eras
While modern Ferraris showcase the brand’s innovative spirit, the true legends are those that have stood the test of time, their appeal undiminished by the march of progress. The Ferrari F40 remains an icon, a raw, unadulterated distillation of motorsport spirit for the road. Sitting in its spartan cabin, surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and minimalist controls, you feel like a racing driver. Its twin-turbocharged V8 delivers a relentless surge of power, yet it remains surprisingly tractable, rewarding deliberate inputs and skilled throttle modulation. The F40’s brutalist styling, its analogue approach to turbocharging, and its sheer visceral thrill cement its place as arguably the most distinctive Ferrari of all time. The Ferrari F40 price continues to ascend, a testament to its legendary status.
Following in the F40’s tire tracks, the Ferrari F50 aimed to capture the essence of Formula 1 for the road. Its heart is a glorious, naturally aspirated V12, derived directly from F1 technology, nestled within a carbon-fiber chassis. The F50 is an intensely communicative machine, the V12’s pulsations resonating through the cabin, creating an immersive and exhilarating driving experience. While some contemporaries found it less refined than the F40, I’ve always found its directness and the sheer mechanical symphony of its V12 to be utterly captivating. It’s a hypercar that demands engagement and rewards it with an unparalleled sense of connection.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale is, in my expert opinion, a strong contender for the greatest mid-engined supercar ever made. Its 4.5-liter V8 engine is a masterpiece, producing a phenomenal 597 horsepower with a specific output of 133bhp per liter – figures that still impress today, even with the prevalence of turbocharging. But the numbers only tell part of the story. The sound it makes is spectacular, a high-revving symphony that crescendos towards its 9000rpm redline. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of weight reduction and judicious application of technology mean that even this sensational engine is perfectly complemented by its chassis. It’s fast, focused, and consistently delivers a manic, enthralling experience. For many, the Ferrari 458 Speciale represents the zenith of naturally aspirated V8 supercar engineering.
Looking back at front-engined V12s, the Ferrari 550 Maranello stands out as a sublime grand tourer. It served as a modern, more accessible replacement for the Testarossa-derived 512M, offering a blend of potent V12 power and remarkably tractable handling thanks to its front-engine, transaxle layout. The 5.5-liter V12 produced 478 horsepower, ample for spirited grand touring. Its shark-like styling, while perhaps not universally appreciated at launch, has aged beautifully. The 550 Maranello proved itself not just on the road but also on the track, with numerous privateer entries and a GTS class win at Le Mans in 2003. It’s a fantastic example of a super GT Ferrari.
The Ferrari Roma has managed to capture the spirit of classic Ferraris while embracing modern technology. It’s a departure from the more aggressive styling of recent years, opting for a classically beautiful, understated design. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, producing 612 horsepower, provides ample motivation, and the handling is precise and engaging, without the nervous edge sometimes found in less comfort-oriented models. The Roma represents Ferrari’s ability to execute a grand touring concept with genuine flair and performance, a refined and accomplished machine that proves the front-engined V8 formula can indeed hit the mark.
The Hypercar Hierarchy: Apex Predators of the Road
When we discuss the absolute pinnacle of Ferrari engineering and performance, the conversation inevitably turns to their hypercars. The Ferrari LaFerrari, the successor to the Enzo, was a watershed moment for the brand. It seamlessly integrated a thunderous 6.3-liter V12 with a cutting-edge hybrid system, delivering breathtaking performance with an unprecedented level of refinement and usability. Unlike the often-raw nature of its predecessors, the LaFerrari offered a tractable powertrain, a fast and obedient dual-clutch transmission, and a higher quality interior, making it a more comfortable and accessible hypercar without compromising its extraordinary capabilities. It was a more traditional Ferrari flagship, yet one that embraced the future.
The Ferrari F80 represents the latest evolution in Ferrari’s hypercar lineage, succeeding the LaFerrari. This is a generation-defining machine, boasting a radical shift with its V6 hybrid powertrain and, for the first time in this caliber of Ferrari, all-wheel drive. Despite initial concerns about the V6’s suitability for a flagship, the F80 delivers an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Its complex systems – from the Multimatic dampers to the active aerodynamics – work in concert to create a driving experience that is incredibly sophisticated yet deeply engaging. The V6 hybrid powertrain provides phenomenal performance and response, all delivered with a captivating sound. The F80 truly enthralls as a Ferrari hypercar should, albeit in ways that continue to redefine expectations.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a stunning homage to the golden era of sports car racing, a modern reincarnation of the iconic F50 in many respects. With its evocative lines, removable roof, and a mid-mounted V12, it evokes a powerful connection to the past. However, nearly three decades of development have propelled its performance and character into an entirely new stratosphere. As the first mid-engined, non-hybrid V12 Ferrari since the Enzo, the SP3 offers an organic, visceral driving experience. The V12 shrieks towards its 9500rpm redline, delivering a primal hit of adrenaline. Despite its monumental performance, the SP3 inspires confidence, thanks to advanced electronic aids borrowed from series production cars. All 599 examples were quickly spoken for, a clear indicator of its immense desirability.
The Unsung Heroes and Stalwarts
Beyond the headline-grabbing hypercars and track-focused specials, Ferrari has also produced exceptional models that excel in their specific niches. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a spiritual successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale, represents Ferrari’s mastery of the lightweight, track-focused road car. Powered by a 4.3-liter V8 producing 503 horsepower, it delivered thrilling performance, especially when paired with its rapid single-clutch F1 transmission. Coupled with advanced systems like the E-Diff and F1-Track traction control, the Scuderia was a technically astonishing machine that remained viscerally thrilling, embodying Pininfarina’s design elegance.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was, for many, the epitome of the front-engined V12 Ferrari. It represented a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the 599, featuring a sharper dual-clutch transmission, a larger 6.3-liter V12 producing 730 horsepower, and a lighter, more compact body. The F12 masterfully amalgamated supercar and grand touring capabilities, perhaps achieving a level of roundedness and thrilling performance that was truly unprecedented. Its vocal signature, shared with the LaFerrari, hinted at its hypercar-adjacent capabilities. The F12 Berlinetta remains a benchmark for front-engined V12 performance and desirability.
And finally, the Ferrari 812 GTS brought the V12 convertible experience to a new level. An iteration of the excellent 812 Superfast, the GTS version offered the exhilarating soundtrack of the V12 with the added sensory delight of open-top motoring. The removal of the roof had a negligible impact on structural rigidity, meaning the dynamic compromises were minimal, enhancing the already superb 812 experience. Its relative rarity, due to its arrival late in the 812’s lifecycle, ensures its continued appeal in the pre-owned market.
The Enduring Legacy and Your Next Step
Ten years behind the wheel of these magnificent machines has only deepened my appreciation for Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. Each model, from the most potent hypercar to the most refined GT, carries a piece of Maranello’s soul. They are not just cars; they are rolling sculptures, engineering marvels, and conduits for pure driving exhilaration.
As the automotive landscape continues to transform, the core values that define a Ferrari – passion, performance, and an unparalleled driving experience – remain constant. Whether you are drawn to the visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated V12, the cutting-edge innovation of hybrid powertrains, or the timeless elegance of classic designs, there is a Ferrari out there that will stir your soul.
If you’re captivated by the allure of these Maranello masterpieces and are considering making one of these legendary machines your own, or simply wish to delve deeper into the specifics of a particular model, our team of dedicated Ferrari specialists is here to guide you. Explore our current inventory, connect with us to discuss bespoke configurations, or schedule a private viewing. The next chapter of your Ferrari journey awaits.
