The halls of Forrester Creations are echoing with the sounds of a family at war. Ridge Forrester has launched a scathing attack on his father, Eric, after discovering that Eric has lent his support and expertise to Katie Logan’s new business venture. “YOU CAN’T WORK FOR KATIE!” Ridge reportedly blasts, seeing Eric’s move as a direct act of treason against the family legacy. Ridge’s anger is fueled by his fear that the Logans are encroaching too far into the Forrester territory, and Eric’s involvement gives Katie’s company a level of prestige that could rival Forrester Creations itself.
The psychological tension between father and son is at an all-time high. Eric, feeling stifled by Ridge’s constant demands for loyalty and his erratic personal life, sees his work with Katie as a way to reclaim his independence and mentor a new generation on his own terms. Ridge, however, views this as a betrayal of everything they have built together. He believes Eric is being manipulated by the Logans to weaken the Forrester brand. This confrontation marks a significant shift in their relationship, as the “Grandmaster” of fashion finally stands his ground against his son. The fallout affects the entire company, with staff members being forced to choose sides. Ridge’s explosive temper threatens to alienate his most talented designers, while Eric’s defiance inspires others to question Ridge’s leadership. This corporate and familial battle is more than just about fashion; it’s about the soul of the Forrester legacy and who truly holds the power in the mansion.
The Pinnacle of Maranello: A Decade of Driving Ferrari’s Most Iconic Road Cars
For over seven decades, Ferrari has etched its name into the annals of automotive legend, consistently producing vehicles that transcend mere transportation and ascend into the realm of pure automotive art. As an industry professional with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance automobiles, I’ve had the distinct privilege of experiencing firsthand the evolution of these Italian thoroughbreds. The challenge of distilling Maranello’s illustrious history into a definitive list of “best” Ferrari road cars is, admittedly, a Herculean task. Each Maranello masterpiece, from the roaring V12 titans of yesteryear to the cutting-edge hybrid marvels of today, offers a unique symphony of engineering prowess, visceral emotion, and unparalleled driving dynamics.
This isn’t merely a retrospective; it’s an expert’s curated journey through the machines that have defined automotive excellence, focusing on their impact, innovation, and, most importantly, the sheer joy they provide behind the wheel. We’ve witnessed Ferrari push the boundaries of what’s possible, not just in terms of raw power, but in the finesse, responsiveness, and soul that imbues every car that leaves its hallowed factory. This list, compiled from extensive road testing and a deep appreciation for the marque’s heritage, aims to highlight the best Ferraris, those that have not only met but exceeded expectations, solidifying their status as timeless icons. We’ve explored everything from the focused ferocity of the Ferrari 458 Speciale to the awe-inspiring presence of the latest Ferrari 12 Cilindri, and even the groundbreaking technological leaps embodied by the Ferrari F80.
The landscape of the automotive world is in constant flux, with technological advancements rapidly reshaping performance expectations. Yet, Ferrari has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to not only adapt but to lead, often setting new benchmarks for performance and driver engagement. In 2025, the marque continues this tradition, offering a diverse range of vehicles that cater to various desires, from the ultimate track-focused weapon to the refined grand tourer. What unites them all is an unshakeable commitment to the Ferrari ethos: creating cars that are as thrilling to drive as they are to behold.
The Enduring Allure of Naturally Aspirated Power: The V12 Legends
For enthusiasts who cherish the visceral thrill of a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine, Ferrari’s V12 lineage represents the apex of automotive engineering. These engines are not just powerplants; they are characterful souls that sing a glorious opera as they scale towards their stratospheric redlines.
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri: Replacing the accomplished 812 Superfast, the Ferrari 12 Cilindri arrives as a bold statement of intent, a direct celebration of the iconic V12. Its design, a clear homage to the aggressive yet elegant lines of the Daytona, certainly sparks conversation, but it’s the unwavering commitment to a large-displacement, naturally aspirated V12 in an era increasingly dominated by electrification that truly captures the imagination. While our initial assessments suggest a slight departure from the predecessor’s outright aural theatre, the sheer mechanical symphony produced by this engine remains nothing short of breathtaking. Though it might see a modest reduction in peak torque compared to the 812 Superfast, the 819 horsepower output, pushing towards a dizzying 9500rpm redline, places it firmly in the league of the exceptional 812 Competizione. The steering remains a hallmark of Ferrari’s hyperactive, engaging feel, yet the 12 Cilindri leans more heavily into the grand tourer brief. Its composure at the limit and its suitability for extended journeys underscore its mastery of the super GT segment, offering a more predictable, yet still exhilarating, driving experience. This is the kind of vehicle that reinforces the enduring appeal of a pure V12 Ferrari, a true testament to Italian engineering.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Launched with the promise of V12 Ferrari perfection in a front-engined package, the F12 Berlinetta was a revelation. It addressed the sole perceived weakness of its predecessors – the single-clutch transmission – by adopting a lightning-fast dual-clutch unit. Coupled with an enlarged 6.3-litre V12, pumping out a formidable 730 horsepower, the intensity was dialled up to eleven. Despite being more compact and 70kg lighter than the car it replaced, the F12’s true brilliance lay in its remarkable cohesion. It masterfully blended the attributes of a supercar and a grand tourer, perhaps for the very first time, with hints of hypercar DNA due to its shared engine and sonic signature with the LaFerrari. The F12 could tackle almost any driving scenario with aplomb, provided you weren’t carrying more than a single passenger. The only lingering critique? Its steering could occasionally feel overly frenetic for a car of its size and GT aspirations.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione: If the 812 Superfast straddled the line between GT and supercar, the Ferrari 812 Competizione unequivocally resides in the latter category. With a staggering 819 horsepower and a piercing 9500rpm redline, it delivers a level of speed that is simply monumental and brain-scrambling. The first time you unleash its full potential in second or third gear, you’ll find yourself uttering expletives usually reserved for seasoned sailors. The Competizione takes the 812’s already impressive aerodynamic package to new extremes, with a dramatically sculpted body, aggressive flicks, and splitters that assert its character before you even turn a wheel. The addition of an independent rear-wheel-steering system, working in concert with revised chassis electronics, ensures that all that prodigious power is effectively harnessed. The result is a driving experience that is as scintillating as it is organic, offering a level of engagement unmatched by anything else on the road.
The Ferrari F50: How does one follow the legend that is the F40? Ferrari’s answer was audacious: a Formula 1-derived, naturally aspirated V12 engine housed within a carbon fibre chassis and an open-top body. The Ferrari F50 harnessed this sensational powerplant to create what some might whisper is an even sweeter road car than its predecessor, and undoubtedly one of the greatest Ferrari road cars ever conceived. While contemporary reviews suggested a softer, less defined character compared to the F40, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reach and responsiveness of its 4.7-litre V12 are sublime, acting as a stressed member of the chassis, its vibrations pulsating through the cabin from the moment you ignite it. This intensity permeates the entire car, urging you to commit despite the inherent intimidation of threading a carbon-bodied, V12 hypercar down a challenging back road. The F50 tackles every surfaace with grace, its wonderfully communicative steering and one of the finest powertrains ever fitted to a road car inspiring absolute confidence.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3: In many respects, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a modern reimagining of the iconic F50. Its extravagant, flowing lines, removable roof, and mid-mounted V12 create undeniable parallels with the 1995 hypercar. However, nearly three decades of technological advancement catapult its performance and character into an entirely different stratosphere. As the first mid-engined, non-hybrid V12 Ferrari since the Enzo, the SP3 offers an organic connection to the driving experience. You plant the throttle, manage the wheelspin, and cycle through the gears as the V12 screams towards its 9500rpm redline – few cars can deliver such a primal hit of adrenaline. Crucially, the SP3 retains that quintessential Ferrari trait of inspiring confidence, even with its monumental performance and eye-watering price tag. Borrowing electronic aids from its series production cars, including an advanced E-Diff, it ensures that even the 599 fortunate owners can exploit its capabilities.
The Mid-Engined Marvels: Supercar Supremacy Redefined
Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 and V6 offerings have consistently set benchmarks for supercar performance, blending blistering speed with exceptional agility and driver involvement.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale: The Ferrari 458 Speciale had a formidable legacy to uphold, especially following the groundbreaking 458 Italia. While the pursuit of raw horsepower figures has become less of a differentiator in the age of turbocharging, the 458 Speciale’s 4.5-litre V8 engine, producing 597 horsepower, translates to an astonishing 133 horsepower per litre – a testament to its remarkable engineering. Beyond the numbers, however, lies a spectacular soundtrack and the wild thrill of revving it out to its 9000rpm redline. Ferrari’s relentless focus on weight reduction – the Speciale is 90kg lighter than the standard 458 – and meticulously selected technology ensure that the chassis is the true star. It’s fast, focused, and consistently delivers a manic yet enthralling experience, solidifying its place as one of the greatest mid-engined supercars ever produced. For many, the Ferrari 458 Speciale represents the absolute pinnacle of naturally aspirated V8 performance in a road car.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale: The arrival of a V6 hybrid powertrain in a car bearing the “Speciale” badge might have raised eyebrows, but the Ferrari 296 Speciale is an astonishing piece of engineering. When you squeeze the throttle, the acceleration is ferocious, accompanied by a wailing V6 note that, remarkably, proves more melodious than the twin-turbo V8 of the 488 Pista. The car’s weight seems to melt away with the first turn of the wheel, possessing a fluidity and lightness that defines the very best of modern Ferraris. If this is the future of supercars, then we are in for a treat. The 868 horsepower generated by the 296 undoubtedly eclipses the Pista in raw output, but it’s the nature of its delivery that truly leaves an indelible mark. The electric motor seamlessly augments the 3-litre twin-turbo V6, creating the sensation of a much larger engine, and its instant response allows for astonishingly precise driving. It feels laser-guided without being nervous, and the fiendishly clever chassis electronics reward drivers of all skill levels. Ferrari’s commitment to driver engagement, prioritizing feel and thrills over mere lap times and g-forces, is palpable in the 296 Speciale. This is a Maranello great in the making, whose legendary status is already being cemented.
The Ferrari F40: Few automobiles truly embody the term “race car for the road” as effectively as the Ferrari F40. Sitting in its spartan cabin, adorned with a fuzzy fabric dashboard, exposed body sealant, and drawstring door handles, one feels merely a helmet and racing suit away from being an IMSA competitor. Despite its fearsome reputation as one of the most raw and unadulterated road cars ever built, the F40 is surprisingly forgiving unless deliberately provoked. The ride is remarkably supple, the steering light, and while the gearshift and heavy clutch demand deliberate action, the car responds beautifully to a precise driving style. Drop a gear, and the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 unleashes a relentless torrent of power. However, the F40 can be tamed with fine throttle adjustments and quick hands, proving no more challenging to drive than many other supercars in this regard. Its squared-jawed, brutal aesthetic, motorsport pedigree, and analogue approach to turbocharging grant it arguably the most distinctive character of any Ferrari – a distinction that is likely to endure for generations to come.
The Refined Grand Tourers: Elegance and Power Combined
Ferrari has also excelled in creating grand tourers that offer exquisite comfort and style without compromising on exhilarating performance.
The Ferrari Roma: While Ferrari’s front-engined V8 models like the California and Portofino never quite hit the mark, the Ferrari Roma demonstrates that the issue lay not with the formula but with its execution. This is perhaps the car those earlier models always aspired to be: classically beautiful with subtle curves replacing Ferrari’s more recent aggressive design language, devoid of overt aerodynamic appendages. It offers impressive grand touring capabilities, thanks to a restrained, comfortable cabin and excellent ride quality. Crucially, it integrates genuine Ferrari driving characteristics more convincingly than the Portofino, with which it shares much of its underpinnings. The 612 horsepower variant of the front-mounted, twin-turbo 4-litre V8 delivers potent acceleration, precise handling, and Ferrari’s signature quick steering that, here, feels remarkably composed. While ride quality can be tyre-dependent, the Roma strikes a near-perfect balance, proving to be a truly accomplished machine.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello: Alongside the 456 that preceded it, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was frequently compared to the legendary Daytona. This comparison felt even more apt with the later car; its sharp, shark-like styling, perhaps not fully appreciated at the time, possessed the same keen nose as the 365 GTB4. Like the Daytona, the 550 was a strict two-seater, eschewing the 456’s more accommodating four-seat arrangement. It served not as a mere GT, but as an effective successor to the Testarossa-derived 512M, and in comparison, it was a revelation. Its modernity and accessible handling characteristics, facilitated by its front-engined layout, were groundbreaking. The transaxle arrangement ensured ideal weight distribution, and the 478 horsepower, 5.5-litre V12 provided ample performance. It was a fabulous super GT, even achieving success in motorsport, with numerous privateer entries and a GTS class win at Le Mans in 2003.
The Ferrari 812 GTS: While the 812 Superfast coupe could be perceived as an iterative development of the F12 rather than a leap forward from the 599, iteration upon excellence inevitably breeds excellence. The Ferrari 812 GTS introduced a new dimension to this already outstanding formula: the convertible experience. Removing the roof bestowed an elegant charm upon the already potent 812, bringing the driver even closer to the glorious V12 symphony. While successors like the 12 Cilindri Spider might have toned down the ferocity, the GTS offered an unadulterated V12 concerto, arguably peerless unless one is aboard an SP3 special. The most impressive aspect, particularly for those seeking driving thrills, was the minimal compromise in structural rigidity and, consequently, the car’s dynamic prowess. It merely enhanced the already sublime 812 experience. An interesting note for potential buyers is that the GTS, arriving late in the 812’s lifecycle, is relatively rare, contributing to its sustained value in the used market.
The Hypercar Hierarchy: Pushing the Boundaries of Performance
Ferrari’s hypercars represent the pinnacle of their engineering prowess, showcasing cutting-edge technology and mind-bending performance.
The Ferrari F80: The Ferrari F80 is a once-in-a-generation machine, the sixth in a lineage of hypercars that began over 40 years ago, and the first of its kind since the 2012 LaFerrari. It heralds significant departures: for the first time in a Ferrari hypercar of this caliber, it features four-wheel drive. Furthermore, it adopts a V6 engine, not a V12, a configuration not seen in a flagship Ferrari since the F40. Concerns were understandably raised about whether a V6 could truly deliver the ‘special’ factor required for a halo Ferrari, especially one commanding north of £3 million. However, having now experienced the F80 firsthand, we can unequivocally confirm its extraordinary nature. It represents a culmination of all of Ferrari’s technical acumen, masterfully translated into a driver-centric dialect. Its astonishingly complex systems – the Multimatic dampers, active aerodynamics, intricate powertrain control, and steering – coalesce into a harmonious whole, elevating the driving experience without corrupting its innate feel. The V6 hybrid powertrain delivers phenomenal performance and response, complemented by a captivating sound signature within the cabin. In essence, the Ferrari F80 enthralls as a Ferrari hypercar should, albeit through pathways we might not have anticipated.
The Ferrari LaFerrari: The Ferrari LaFerrari faced the unenviable task of succeeding a car as iconic as the F80. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, and notwithstanding its hybrid innovation, the LaFerrari was, in many ways, a more traditional Ferrari flagship. It boasted a bloodcurdling 6.3-litre V12 engine, was rear-driven, and featured sculptural, classically beautiful bodywork, rather than being an aerodynamic showcase. The true brilliance of the LaFerrari lay in its evolution from its predecessor, the Enzo. The Enzo, a product of the early 2000s, was a capricious machine with a single-clutch automated manual transmission, raw, unrefined, and demanding of its driver. The LaFerrari, by contrast, was more approachable and usable. Its dual-clutch transmission was both obedient and swift, and its powertrain offered a broad spectrum of performance. The interior quality was elevated, lending it a more luxurious feel and enhancing its comfort on the road. It was not an edgy car; many, in a wholly complimentary sense, described it as feeling like a large V12-engined 458. Yet, it never failed to feel mightily special.
The Cult Classics: Embracing Performance and Character
Beyond the headline-grabbing hypercars and contemporary marvels, certain Ferrari models have earned their place in history through their unique character and enduring appeal.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia: The Ferrari 430 Scuderia marked Ferrari’s second foray into creating a road-going racer special, following the 360 Challenge Stradale, which arguably helped define the breed in 2003. By its introduction in 2007, Ferrari was at the zenith of its technical innovation and performance escalation. The 4.3-litre F136 V8 delivered 503 horsepower to the Scuderia’s driver – not significantly less than the 575M V12 GT of just a few years prior – though it arrived no sooner than 8500rpm, a characteristic of the pre-turbocharging era. It also predated dual-clutch transmissions; however, one of the final iterations of Ferrari’s ‘F1’ single-clutch gearbox was among the fastest yet, proving an excellent companion for enthusiastic road or track driving, a world away from the original F1 gearbox found in the old F355. The Scuderia also incorporated Ferrari’s E-Diff, adaptive dampers, and F1-Track traction control system, which worked synergistically to enhance performance rather than simply reducing power at the slightest hint of slip. Despite the increasing encroachment of electronic systems, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia remained one of Maranello’s great thrillers: technically astonishing, increasingly capable, yet visceral and exhilarating, all wrapped in classic Pininfarina beauty.
As we look back at these incredible machines, it becomes clear that Ferrari’s legacy is not just built on power and speed, but on an unwavering dedication to the driving experience. Each model, in its own unique way, offers a portal into a world where engineering artistry meets raw emotion.
Have you experienced the magic of these legendary best Ferraris? We invite you to share your own insights and perhaps begin your journey into owning a piece of automotive history. Contact a specialist dealership today to explore current offerings and find the Maranello masterpiece that speaks to your soul.
