The professional relationship between Ridge Forrester and Will Spencer has ended in a spectacular and angry fashion. In a heated confrontation at the office, Ridge reportedly tells Will to “GET BACK TO YOUR MOM’S COMPANY” before officially firing him and kicking him out of the building. This explosion of temper is triggered by Will’s involvement in the recent scandals or a perceived lack of loyalty.
Ridge, who is under immense pressure from Steffy and the ongoing war with the Logans, views Will as a liability and a reminder of his complicated ties to the Logan family. The psychological impact on Will is a mix of humiliation and a renewed sense of purpose; being cast out by Ridge forces him to finally commit to his mother’s side of the business. This firing is a public declaration of the end of the truce between the families.
Will’s departure leaves a vacancy that Steffy is quick to fill with a Forrester loyalist, further consolidating her power. As Will returns to Katie, he is more determined than ever to prove Ridge wrong, setting the stage for a new corporate rivalry where Will is no longer an intern, but a competitor. The locks on the Forrester doors were changed within hours of Will’s departure, emphasizing the finality of the split.
Maranello’s Masterpieces: A Decade of Driving the Ultimate Ferraris (296 Speciale to F40 and Beyond)
For ten years, my world has been a symphony of roaring engines, blistering acceleration, and the inimitable scent of Italian leather. As an automotive industry veteran, I’ve had the distinct privilege of experiencing the pinnacle of automotive engineering – the Maranello marque. Ferrari isn’t just a car manufacturer; it’s an enduring legend, a testament to passion, innovation, and an uncompromising pursuit of performance. With countless iconic models gracing the roads and racetracks, singling out the “best” Ferrari models is a monumental, albeit exhilarating, task. This deep dive into Maranello’s illustrious history, from the cutting-edge 296 Speciale to the legendary F40, offers a personal perspective on the maestros that have defined automotive excellence, updated for 2025’s discerning enthusiast.
The sheer volume of scintillating road cars Ferrari has produced over the decades makes any attempt to curate a definitive “best” list a challenge. We’re not just talking about a few standouts; we’re discussing a lineage of masterful Grand Tourers (GTs), breathtaking supercars, and mind-bending hypercars. Even the recent foray into the SUV market with the Purosangue, while a significant departure, doesn’t detract from the core of Ferrari’s identity – the purebred sports car. For this analysis, we’ll focus on the models that truly embody the spirit of Ferrari, the ones that have left an indelible mark on driving enthusiasts and collectors alike.
In today’s landscape, where raw horsepower figures are increasingly attainable through forced induction, the true essence of a Ferrari lies beyond mere numbers. It’s in the soul of the engine, the communication through the steering wheel, the balletic grace of the chassis, and the visceral thrill that only a true Italian masterpiece can deliver. While the Ferrari 296 Speciale may not boast the V12 lineage many associate with Ferrari’s top tier, its innovative V6 hybrid powertrain and sophisticated engineering represent a compelling vision for the future of supercars. Similarly, the Ferrari F80, a hypercar that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, deserves its place, even as some might debate its engine configuration compared to V12 predecessors. My experience, spanning almost every modern Ferrari road car and many cherished classics, positions me to offer an informed ranking of these Maranello marvels.
The Unrivaled Icons: A Personal Selection of Ferrari’s Finest
Ferrari 458 Speciale: The Mid-Engined Apex Predator
The Ferrari 458 Speciale stands as a benchmark for naturally aspirated V8 performance, a veritable masterpiece that few modern supercars can hope to emulate. While the obsession with sheer output figures can be a distraction in the era of turbocharging, the 458 Speciale’s 4.5-liter V8 engine delivers an astonishing 597 horsepower, translating to an incredible 133 horsepower per liter. This figure alone speaks volumes about the engineering prowess packed into this machine.
However, the numbers only tell half the story. The soundtrack produced by this engine as it screams towards its 9,000 rpm redline is nothing short of operatic. The real magic, though, lies beyond the engine’s raw power. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of weight reduction, evident in the 90kg advantage over the standard 458, coupled with meticulously selected technology and components, ensures that the chassis is the true star. The result is a driving experience that is not just fast, but focused, manic, and utterly enthralling. For many, the Ferrari 458 Speciale represents the zenith of mid-engined supercar design, a machine that redefines the very concept of driving pleasure. Its legacy as potentially the best supercar of all time is well-earned.
Ferrari F50: The V12 Symphony Unleashed
Following the iconic F40 was a formidable challenge, but Ferrari’s answer, the Ferrari F50, was nothing short of sensational. At its heart lies a Formula 1-derived, naturally aspirated V12 engine, a powerplant that defines automotive exhilaration. Encased within a carbon fiber chassis and presented in an open-top configuration, the F50 transcends its predecessor, emerging as an even sweeter road-going experience and a contender for the greatest Ferrari road car ever produced.
While contemporary reviews sometimes suggested a softer, less defined character compared to the F40, my experience reveals a different narrative. The reach and responsiveness of its 4.7-liter V12 are sublime, and its integration as a stressed member of the chassis transmits a visceral pulse through the cabin from the moment you ignite the engine. This intensity and focus permeate the entire vehicle, encouraging bold commitments despite the inherent intimidation of piloting a V12, carbon-bodied hypercar on challenging roads. The F50 devours every nuance of the tarmac, communicating through exquisitely precise steering and a powertrain that remains one of the most captivating ever conceived. Owning a Ferrari F50 is not just about possession; it’s about experiencing a piece of automotive history.
Ferrari 12 Cilindri: A Modern V12 Ode
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri arrives as the successor to the formidable 812 Superfast, tasked with celebrating and preserving the legendary V12 engine in an era of electrification and turbocharging. Its bold, Daytona-inspired design has certainly sparked debate, but the commitment to a large-displacement, naturally aspirated V12 in 2024 has already cemented its appeal among purists.
While initial drives suggest a slight reduction in the aural theatre compared to its predecessor, the V12’s inherent brilliance remains undiminished. Despite a minor dip in peak torque compared to the 812 Superfast, its 819 horsepower output, reaching towards a staggering 9,500 rpm redline, places it firmly in league with the exceptional 812 Competizione. The characteristic hyperactive controls are present, but the 12 Cilindri leans more towards the GT realm than its predecessors. It offers increased predictability at the limit and enhanced comfort for extended journeys, successfully fulfilling the modern super GT brief. For those seeking new Ferrari V12 models, the Ferrari 12 Cilindri price reflects its exclusivity and cutting-edge engineering.
Ferrari 296 Speciale: The Electrified V6 Revolution
The Ferrari 296 Speciale represents a bold leap forward, challenging conventional expectations of the “Speciale” badge with its compact V6 engine and sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. Squeeze the throttle, and the acceleration is ferocious, accompanied by a wailing V6 note that, surprisingly, proves more melodious than the 488 Pista’s twin-turbo V8. The car’s considerable weight seems to dissipate instantly upon turn-in, revealing a fluidity and lightness of touch that defines the best modern Ferraris. If this is the trajectory of supercar evolution, then the future is exceptionally bright.
With a combined output of 868 horsepower, the 296 Speciale eclipses the Pista in sheer grunt, but it’s the nuanced delivery that truly etches itself into memory. The electric motor seamlessly augments the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, creating the illusion of a much larger displacement engine and providing instant response that allows for remarkable driving precision. It feels laser-guided without being nervous, and its fiendishly clever chassis electronics offer rewards to drivers of all skill levels. Ferrari’s emphasis on driver engagement, focusing on the thrill and sensation rather than solely lap times and G-forces, is palpable. The Ferrari 296 Speciale price positions it as a significant investment, but one that delivers an unparalleled experience. This is a Maranello great in the making.
Ferrari 812 Competizione: The V12 Unleashed with a Focus on Driver Engagement
A recurring theme across modern Ferraris is their astonishingly potent performance. It’s not that Ferraris have ever been slow, but rather that with horsepower figures now reaching into the six, seven, and even eight hundred range, immense bravery is required to exploit their full capabilities. The Ferrari 812 Competizione elevates this thrilling experience to unprecedented heights.
If the 812 Superfast straddled the line between GT and supercar, the Competizione unequivocally resides in the latter category. With 819 horsepower and a piercing 9,500 rpm redline, it is monumentally, brain-scramblingly fast. The first time you unleash its full fury in second and third gear, you’ll find yourself uttering expletives that would make a seasoned sailor blush. Taking the 812’s aerodynamic package to extreme new levels with its contorted bodywork, aggressive flicks, and splitters, the Competizione makes its formidable character known before you even turn a wheel. The inclusion of an independent rear-wheel-steering system, combined with revised chassis electronics, allows it to harness its immense power effectively. The result is a scintillating, yet organic, driving experience that is truly unparalleled. For those seeking the ultimate V12 Ferrari performance, the Ferrari 812 Competizione price reflects its extreme rarity and engineering.
Ferrari 430 Scuderia: The Raw and Focused Track Weapon
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia stands as Ferrari’s second iteration of the road-racer special, following in the wake of the 360 Challenge Stradale, a car that arguably pioneered the breed alongside the Porsche 911 GT3 RS of the era. By 2007, the year of the Scuderia’s introduction, Ferrari was at the forefront of technical innovation and performance enhancement. Its 4.3-liter F136 V8 engine delivered 503 horsepower, a figure not far shy of the 575M V12 GT from just a few years prior, though it only reached its peak at 8,500 rpm, a characteristic of the naturally aspirated era before widespread turbocharging.
This era also predated dual-clutch transmissions. The Scuderia’s single-clutch ‘F1’ gearbox, one of the last of its kind, was remarkably swift, making it an excellent companion for enthusiastic road or track driving, a vast improvement over the original F1 gearbox in the F355. The Scuderia also featured Ferrari’s E-Diff, adaptive dampers, and F1-Track traction control system, which worked in concert to enhance performance rather than simply suppressing power at the first sign of slip. Despite the increasing influence of electronic systems, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia remained one of Maranello’s most thrilling creations: technically astonishing, increasingly capable, yet visceral and exhilarating, all wrapped in Pininfarina’s timeless design.
Ferrari 550 Maranello: The Front-Engined V12 Revival
Like the 456 that preceded it, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was often compared to the legendary Daytona. In fact, the comparison felt even more relevant with the later car. Its shark-like styling, perhaps not as appreciated at the time as it is today, possessed the same sharp-nosed presence as the 365 GTB/4. Crucially, like the Daytona, the 550 was a pure two-seater, a contrast to the 456’s accommodating four-seat arrangement.
Rather than serving as a pure GT, the 550 Maranello effectively replaced the Testarossa-derived 512M. It represented a revelation compared to its predecessor, both in terms of its modernity and its accessible handling characteristics, thanks in large part to its front-engined layout. The transaxle arrangement provided ideal weight distribution, and the 478 horsepower, 5.5-liter V12 delivered substantial power. It was a fabulous super GT, even making its mark in motorsport with numerous privateer entries in GT series worldwide and a GTS class victory at Le Mans in 2003 with Prodrive. The Ferrari 550 Maranello price today makes it a compelling entry into classic V12 Ferrari ownership.
Ferrari Roma: Modern Elegance Meets Classic Driving Dynamics
Ferrari’s previous front-engined V8 models, the California and Portofino, never quite hit the bullseye. However, the Ferrari Roma, with its striking aesthetics and accomplished execution, demonstrates that the formula itself was sound; it was the refinement that was lacking. The Roma feels like the car those earlier models should have been – classically beautiful with subtle curves replacing Ferrari’s more recent aggressive design language, free from overt aerodynamic appendages, and possessing impressive grand touring capabilities thanks to a restrained, comfortable cabin and excellent ride quality.
Most importantly, it successfully integrates genuine Ferrari driving characteristics more convincingly than the Portofino, with which it shares much of its mechanical underpinnings. The 612 horsepower variant of the front-mounted, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 delivers robust acceleration. The handling is precise, and Ferrari’s characteristic quick steering doesn’t feel overly nervous. While ride quality can be tire-dependent, the Roma gets far more right than it gets wrong. The Ferrari Roma price places it as an accessible entry into the modern Ferrari GT lineage, offering timeless design and exhilarating performance.
Ferrari F40: The Unadulterated Supercar Legend
Few cars truly embody the term “race car for the road” as effectively as the Ferrari F40. Stepping into its spartan cabin, with its fuzzy fabric dashboard, exposed body sealant, and drawstring door handles, one feels a mere helmet and suit away from being a professional IMSA driver. Despite its reputation as one of the most raw and unadulterated road cars ever produced, the F40’s temper is only unleashed when truly provoked.
The ride quality is surprisingly compliant, and the steering is light. While the gearshift and heavy clutch demand a deliberate approach, the car responds beautifully to a measured driving style. Drop a gear, and the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 erupts with a relentless frenzy of power. However, the F40 can be tamed with fine throttle adjustments and quick hands, making it no more challenging to manage than many other supercars in this regard. The F40’s square-jawed, brutal styling, motorsport-derived feel, and analog approach to turbocharging grant it arguably the most distinctive character of any Ferrari, a status that seems destined to endure. The Ferrari F40 price remains exceptionally high, a testament to its legendary status.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: The Ultimate Front-Engined V12 Grand Tourer
At the time of its launch, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was widely considered the epitome of front-engined V12 Ferrari perfection. The only perceived flaw in such cars – the single-clutch transmission – was replaced by a snappy dual-clutch unit. The V12’s displacement increased to 6.3 liters, power surged to 730 horsepower, and the intensity rocketed into the stratosphere. The F12 was more compact and featured a nicer interior than its predecessor, while also shedding 70kg. None of these improvements would matter if they didn’t coalesce into an astonishingly rounded, capable, yet thrilling car – which they did.
The F12 represented the first truly seamless amalgamation of supercar and grand tourer, perhaps even incorporating elements of hypercar, given its shared engine and distinctive vocal signature with the seven-figure LaFerrari. There are few challenges the F12’s nose can’t conquer, provided you’re traveling with no more than a single passenger. Our only persistent criticism? The steering felt a touch too frenetic for what was, after all, a substantial super GT. Despite this, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta price still commands significant respect in the used market.
Ferrari F80: The Future Hypercar Defined
The Ferrari F80 represents a generational leap, the sixth in a lineage of hypercars that began over four decades ago, and the first of its kind since the 2012 LaFerrari. This hypercar ushers in significant changes, including all-wheel drive for the first time in a Ferrari of this caliber and, remarkably, a V6 engine – a departure from V12 dominance since the F40.
Concerns about whether a V6 could deliver the necessary prestige for a flagship Ferrari, especially at a price point exceeding £3 million, were understandable. However, having experienced the F80, I can confirm it feels exceptionally special, a culmination of Ferrari’s extensive technical acumen translated into a driver-centric language. Its astonishingly complex systems – including Multimatic dampers, active aerodynamics, and advanced powertrain and steering controls – merge into a cohesive whole, elevating the driving experience without compromising its core essence. The V6 hybrid powertrain delivers phenomenal performance and responsiveness, complemented by a captivating cabin sound. In essence, it enthralls as a Ferrari hypercar should, albeit through avenues perhaps less expected. The Ferrari F80 price places it in the ultra-exclusive hypercar segment.
Ferrari Daytona SP3: A Modern Homage with Timeless Soul
In many respects, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a modern reincarnation of the iconic F50. Its extravagant, sweeping lines, removable roof, and mid-mounted V12 engine draw undeniable parallels with the 1995 hypercar. However, the nearly three decades of technological advancement have propelled its performance and character into an entirely new stratosphere, although the level of driver involvement is a different matter.
As the first mid-engined, non-hybrid V12 Ferrari since the Enzo, the SP3 exhibits an organic responsiveness. You plant the throttle, manage wheelspin, and pull through the gears as the V12 shrieks towards its 9,500 rpm redline – few cars can match this primal hit of adrenaline. Thankfully, the SP3 embodies that quintessential Ferrari trait of inspiring confidence despite its monumental performance and eye-watering value, incorporating an E-Diff and electronic aids borrowed from its series production cars. All 599 examples have been accounted for, and it’s easy to understand why. The Ferrari Daytona SP3 price is a reflection of its extreme rarity and bespoke nature.
Ferrari LaFerrari: The Hybrid Hypercar Pioneer
The Ferrari LaFerrari faced the formidable task of succeeding the F80, a mission complicated by the F80’s distinct approach to hypercar design. Looking back, the LaFerrari represented a more traditional Ferrari flagship, albeit with groundbreaking hybrid innovation. It boasted a bloodcurdling 6.3-liter V12 engine, rear-wheel drive, and sculptural, classically beautiful bodywork, rather than an aero-dominated form.
What truly defined the LaFerrari’s brilliance was its improvement upon its predecessor, the Enzo. The Enzo, a quintessential early 2000s hypercar, featured a capricious single-clutch automated manual transmission, was raw and unrefined, and demanded significant driver input. The LaFerrari, in contrast, offered greater approachability and usability. Its dual-clutch transmission was obedient and swift, and its powertrain was tractable, providing a broad spectrum of performance. Interior quality was enhanced, making it more of a luxury item and more comfortable on the road. It wasn’t an edgy car; many described it, in a wholly complimentary way, as feeling like a large V12-engined 458. Yet, it still felt mightily special. The Ferrari LaFerrari price reflects its status as a landmark hybrid hypercar.
Ferrari 812 GTS: The Open-Top V12 Masterpiece
The Ferrari 812 GTS can be uncharitably described as an iteration and development of the F12, lacking the revolutionary leap its predecessor made from the 599. However, iteration on excellence invariably breeds excellence, and this was certainly the case with the 812 Superfast coupe. The GTS variant then introduced a new dimension to this excellence: the convertible-roofed experience.
Beyond bestowing a touch of elegance upon the already aggressive 812, removing the roof brought the driver closer to a V12 concerto that arguably knows no peer – perhaps rivaled only by the SP3, and certainly not by the 12 Cilindri Spider, which tamed the fury. The most significant aspect, particularly for those seeking driving thrills, was that the removal of the fixed roof resulted in barely perceptible compromise in rigidity, and consequently, the car’s dynamics. It only enhanced the 812 experience, which is undeniably a positive. An interesting note for prospective buyers is that the GTS arrived late in the 812’s lifecycle, making it relatively rare. This may explain why they still command prices in the region of £300,000 on the used market.
From the raw, analog ferocity of the F40 to the sophisticated hybrid power of the F80 and the refined elegance of the Roma, Ferrari’s journey has been one of continuous evolution, always rooted in an unwavering commitment to driving exhilaration. Each of these models represents a distinct chapter in Maranello’s storied history, a testament to the passion and engineering genius that defines the Prancing Horse.
If you’re captivated by the allure of these automotive masterpieces and are considering owning a piece of Ferrari’s legacy, whether it’s a modern marvel like the 296 Speciale or a timeless classic, now is the opportune moment to explore your options. Contact a trusted Ferrari dealership today to discuss available models, financing, and the unparalleled ownership experience that comes with a Ferrari. Let us help you find the Maranello masterpiece that speaks to your soul.
