The power struggle between Victor Newman and Jack Abbott has reached a fever pitch in this “New Update.” Victor is reportedly facing “jail time” as a result of a legal trap meticulously set by Jack, who has formed an unlikely and powerful alliance with Phyllis Summers and Cane Ashby. Together, they have gathered evidence of Victor’s past indiscretions and corporate crimes, putting the “Mustache” in a position of total vulnerability.
The psychological drama focuses on Victor’s reaction to being cornered. He has spent his life as the ultimate predator, but now he is the prey. Jack’s alliance with Phyllis and Cane represents a united front that even Victor’s resources might not be able to dismantle. Phyllis’s insider knowledge of the Newman family, combined with Cane’s strategic support and Jack’s financial power, makes this the most formidable threat Victor has ever faced.
As the legal pressure mounts, the Newman family is in a state of chaos. Nikki is desperate to save her husband, while Nick and Victoria are forced to consider a future for Newman Enterprises without their father at the helm. This storyline explores the themes of revenge, the consequences of power, and the lengths an enemy will go to for total victory. Will Victor find a way to escape the trap, or has Jack Abbott finally won their lifelong war?
Maranello’s Apex Predators: A Decade-Long Exploration of Ferrari’s Most Exceptional Road Cars
For a marque synonymous with automotive artistry and unparalleled performance, selecting a definitive list of “best” Ferrari road cars is akin to choosing a favorite star in a celestial canopy. Over ten years immersed in the roaring symphony of Maranello’s creations, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the soul-stirring engineering and breathtaking aesthetics that define a true Ferrari. This isn’t merely an exercise in listing iconic models; it’s a curated journey through automotive evolution, highlighting machines that have not only pushed boundaries but have also etched themselves into the annals of driving legend. From the raw, unadulterated ferocity of the F40 to the sophisticated hybridization of the 296 Speciale, these are the Ferraris that have consistently captivated, challenged, and ultimately, enthralled us.
The allure of a best Ferrari isn’t solely defined by staggering horsepower figures or blistering acceleration times, though these are undoubtedly critical components. It lies in the intangible essence of the driving experience: the telepathic connection between man and machine, the guttural growl of a naturally aspirated V12 echoing through mountain passes, and the sheer, unbridled joy of taming a finely honed instrument of speed. In 2025, as the automotive landscape shifts dramatically, we find ourselves looking back at these Maranello masterpieces with even greater appreciation, recognizing their enduring legacy and the benchmarks they established.
My tenure in the automotive journalism sphere, particularly focusing on the prancing horse brand, has been a continuous education. We’ve witnessed the transition from analogue purity to digital sophistication, from the raucous simplicity of the F40 to the complex, intelligent performance of the F80 and the upcoming 12 Cilindri. Each era has brought forth its own set of pinnacles, and the challenge – and indeed, the pleasure – lies in discerning those that transcend their time, offering a driving experience that remains profoundly relevant and exhilarating decades later. This deep dive into the top Ferrari models is an attempt to distill that decade of experience into a definitive guide for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Pillars of Performance: Iconic Ferraris That Define Excellence
When compiling a list of the best Ferrari road cars, the focus invariably falls on models that embody the brand’s core philosophy: passion, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. These are cars that don’t just transport; they transport the driver into a different realm of automotive engagement.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale: A Naturally Aspirated Masterpiece
Even as turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains become the norm, the Ferrari 458 Speciale stands as a glorious testament to the sublime beauty of a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8. With an output of 597 horsepower from its 4.5-liter engine, achieving an astonishing 133 horsepower per liter, the figures themselves are impressive. However, they fail to capture the visceral thrill of its 9,000 rpm redline or the intoxicating aural symphony it produces. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of weight reduction – the Speciale being 90 kg lighter than a standard 458 – combined with meticulously chosen technology, ensures that the chassis is as captivating as the engine. It’s a focused, ferociously fast, and utterly enthralling experience, solidifying its place as one of the greatest mid-engined supercars ever conceived. Many might argue it’s simply the best supercar ever made.
The Ferrari F50: V12 Grandeur Reimagined
Following the legendary F40 was no small feat, yet the Ferrari F50 rose to the challenge with a Formula 1-derived, naturally aspirated V12 engine housed within a carbon-fiber chassis and an open-top body. Whispers suggest it might even eclipse its predecessor in terms of road-going sweetness, making it one of Ferrari’s most exceptional road machines. While early road tests might have deemed it softer than the F40, the reality is far more nuanced. The reach and responsiveness of its 4.7-liter V12 are sublime, becoming an integral part of the chassis, pulsating through the cabin from the moment it ignites. This intensity, coupled with wonderfully communicative steering, encourages an even deeper level of driver engagement, even when navigating challenging roads in this V12 hypercar.
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri: A Modern V12 Ode
Stepping into the lineage of the acclaimed 812 Superfast, the Ferrari 12 Cilindri arrives as a bold celebration of the V12 engine itself. While its striking, Daytona-inspired design initially divided opinions, the decision to retain a large-displacement, naturally aspirated V12 in 2024 has cemented its status as an instant hit. Though it may sacrifice some of the aural drama of its predecessor, the V12 remains a marvel, producing an impressive 819 horsepower and reaching nearly 9,500 rpm. The 12 Cilindri leans more towards the grand touring ethos, offering a more predictable and comfortable experience for longer journeys, masterfully fulfilling the “super GT” brief. For those seeking new Ferrari V12 models, this is a definitive choice.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale: Hybrid Innovation Perfected
The introduction of a smaller engine and a plug-in hybrid system in a car bearing the “Speciale” badge might have raised eyebrows, but the Ferrari 296 Speciale proves to be an astonishing achievement. Its acceleration is ferocious, augmented by a wailing V6 note that proves more melodious than many contemporary V8s. The car’s weight seems to vanish upon the first turn of the wheel, exhibiting a fluidity and lightness that defines the modern Ferrari. With a combined output of 868 horsepower, the 296 Speciale impresses not just with its raw power but with the seamless integration of its electric motor, providing instant torque and an impression of a much larger engine. This precision allows for incredibly focused driving, feeling laser-guided without being overly nervous, a testament to its sophisticated chassis electronics. If this is the future of hybrid supercars, the future is exceptionally bright.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione: Unleashing Untamed Power
A common thread in modern Ferraris is their shockingly potent performance. The Ferrari 812 Competizione, however, takes this to an entirely new level. While the 812 Superfast may have straddled the line between GT and supercar, the Competizione unequivocally belongs to the latter. Producing a staggering 819 horsepower and screaming to a 9,500 rpm redline, it delivers a monumentally fast and exhilarating experience. The advanced aerodynamic package, featuring contorted bodywork and intricate splitters, asserts its aggressive character before you even begin to drive. Combined with an independent rear-wheel-steering system and revised chassis electronics, the result is a scintillating and organic driving experience unlike any other. For those seeking the pinnacle of performance Ferrari cars, the Competizione is a compelling choice.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia: The Primal Thrill of a Track-Focused V8
As Ferrari’s second road-racer special after the 360 Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia, introduced in 2007, exemplified the brand’s stride in technical innovation and performance enhancement. Its 4.3-liter F136 V8 delivered 503 horsepower, arriving at a thrilling 8,500 rpm – a characteristic of the pre-turbocharging era. It was also one of the last Ferraris to feature a single-clutch “F1” gearbox, offering rapid shifts that complemented enthusiastic road or track driving. Incorporating Ferrari’s E-Diff, adaptive dampers, and F1-Track traction control, the Scuderia was a technically astonishing, increasingly capable, yet viscerally thrilling machine, all cloaked in Pininfarina’s timeless beauty. It’s a prime example of a track-ready Ferrari.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello: A Classic Front-Engineed V12
Often compared to the iconic Daytona, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was more than just a GT; it was an effective and modernized successor to the Testarossa-derived 512M. Its front-engined V12 layout provided ideal weight distribution via a transaxle arrangement, delivering a formidable 478 horsepower from its 5.5-liter engine. Its shark-like styling, though perhaps not initially appreciated as much as it is today, was sharp and purposeful. The 550 Maranello carved its niche as a fabulous super GT, even making its mark in motorsport with numerous privateer entries and a GTS class win at Le Mans in 2003. It represents a significant chapter in Ferrari V12 GT cars.
The Ferrari Roma: Timeless Design Meets Modern Performance
While Ferrari’s previous front-engined V8 models like the California and Portofino didn’t quite hit the mark, the Ferrari Roma emerges as an attractive and accomplished proposition. It embodies classic good looks with subtle curves, eschewing aggressive aero addenda for an understated elegance. Its grand touring abilities are impressive, with a refined and comfortable cabin and excellent ride quality. Crucially, it rolls genuine Ferrari driving characteristics into the mix more convincingly than its predecessors, thanks to its shared underpinnings with the Portofino. The 612-horsepower variant of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers potent acceleration, while the handling is precise, and Ferrari’s signature quick steering feels assured rather than nervous. The Roma demonstrates that the Ferrari V8 grand tourer formula, when executed with precision, can be exceptionally rewarding.
The Ferrari F40: The Ultimate Race Car for the Road
Few cars truly encapsulate the “race car for the road” ethos as profoundly as the Ferrari F40. Stepping into its spartan cabin, with its fuzzy fabric dashboard and minimalist controls, evokes the feeling of being an IMSA driver. Despite its reputation for raw, unadulterated driving, the F40 is surprisingly approachable unless truly provoked. Its ride is supple, the steering light, and while the gearshift and clutch require deliberate input, it responds beautifully to a thoughtful driving style. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 unleashes a relentless frenzy of power, but can be expertly managed with fine throttle adjustments and quick hands. Its square-jawed, brutal styling, motorsport aura, and analogue approach to turbocharging grant it arguably the most distinctive character of any Ferrari, a status that is likely to endure. This is the epitome of a classic Ferrari sports car.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: V12 Perfection
At its launch, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was widely regarded as the zenith of front-engined V12 Ferrari engineering. The single-clutch transmission woes of its predecessors were replaced with a swift dual-clutch unit, the V12’s displacement increased to 6.3 liters, boosting power to 730 horsepower and intensity to stratospheric levels. More compact yet more refined than the car it replaced, and 70 kg lighter, the F12 coalesced into an astonishingly rounded, capable, and thrilling machine. It masterfully blended the attributes of a supercar and a grand tourer, perhaps for the very first time, even hinting at hypercar capabilities with its shared V12 and vocal signature with the LaFerrari. Its only persistent criticism was steering that could feel a tad too frenetic for its size. This remains a benchmark for performance grand tourers.
The Ferrari F80: A Glimpse into the Future of Hypercars
The Ferrari F80 represents a generational leap, the sixth in a lineage of hypercars dating back over 40 years and the first since the groundbreaking LaFerrari. It marks significant departures: all-wheel drive for the first time in this category and a V6 engine, a move not seen in a flagship Ferrari since the F40. Concerns about a V6’s suitability for a halo Ferrari costing over £3 million were understandable. However, having experienced the F80, it is undeniably special, embodying Ferrari’s technical prowess translated into a driver-centric language. Its complex systems – Multimatic dampers, active aerodynamics, intricate powertrain controls – meld seamlessly to elevate the driving experience without compromise. The V6 hybrid powertrain delivers phenomenal performance, responsiveness, and an engaging cabin sound. It enthralls as only a Ferrari hypercar can, albeit in ways we might not have initially anticipated.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3: Modern Nostalgia Meets Unrivaled V12 Power
In many respects, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a spiritual successor to the iconic F50. Its extravagant lines, removable roof, and mid-mounted V12 draw parallels to the 1995 legend. 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 driving feel. Planting the throttle, managing wheelspin, and pulling through the gears as the V12 shrieks towards its 9,500 rpm redline delivers a primal hit of adrenaline. Thankfully, it possesses that quintessential Ferrari trait of inspiring confidence despite its monumental performance and astronomical value, aided by an E-Diff and electronic aids borrowed from series production cars. All 599 units are already spoken for, a testament to its desirability.
The Ferrari LaFerrari: The Hybrid Revolution’s Vanguard
The car tasked with succeeding the Enzo, the LaFerrari, was a more traditional Ferrari flagship in many respects, yet it ushered in a new era of hybrid innovation. Its bloodcurdling 6.3-liter V12 engine, rear-wheel drive, and sculptural bodywork were hallmarks of classic Ferrari design. Its brilliance lay in its evolution from the Enzo, which, despite its raw intensity, suffered from a capricious single-clutch transmission. The LaFerrari offered a more approachable and usable experience, with a fast and obedient dual-clutch transmission and a tractable powertrain delivering broad performance. Its interior quality was higher, making it more of a luxury item and comfortable for road use. While described by some as a “big V12-engined 458,” it retained an undeniable aura of being profoundly special, representing a pivotal moment for Ferrari hybrid technology.
The Ferrari 812 GTS: Open-Top V12 Exhilaration
The Ferrari 812 GTS can be viewed as an evolution of the F12 Berlinetta, bringing the formidable V12 power of the Superfast coupe into an open-top format. The addition of the convertible roof bestowed an elegance upon the already aggressive 812, allowing drivers to immerse themselves in the symphony of the V12, a sound arguably unmatched in its class. Crucially, the GTS achieved this open-top transformation with barely perceptible compromise in rigidity or dynamics, enhancing the already superb 812 experience. Its rarity, having arrived late in the 812’s production cycle, contributes to its enduring desirability and value in the used market. This is the ultimate expression of a Ferrari V12 convertible.
Beyond the Numbers: The Enduring Legacy of Ferrari
As we traverse the rich history of Ferrari’s road-going creations, it becomes evident that Maranello’s masterpieces transcend mere automotive statistics. They are imbued with a soul, a passion that ignites the senses and fosters an unbreakable bond between driver and machine. This curated selection represents not just the pinnacle of performance and engineering from their respective eras, but also the enduring spirit that has defined Ferrari for generations.
Whether you are a seasoned collector seeking to add a legendary V12 to your garage, an enthusiast dreaming of the ultimate driving experience, or a newcomer captivated by the allure of these Italian icons, understanding these benchmark models is essential. The evolution of the best Ferrari cars is a continuous narrative of innovation, performance, and an unwavering commitment to exhilarating the driver.
The world of exclusive sports cars and luxury performance vehicles is vast, but Ferrari occupies a unique and revered position. From the visceral thrill of a manual gearbox to the seamless integration of cutting-edge hybrid powertrains, each model tells a story of ambition and artistry.
Ready to experience the passion of Maranello firsthand? Explore our curated selection of available Ferrari models or contact our specialists today to begin your journey towards owning a piece of automotive history.
