Supercars are typically designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience for the driver, with little focus on accommodating passengers. However, some automakers have made efforts to incorporate a third seat in their high-performance vehicles. McLaren’s F1 and Speedtail, along with the Gordon Murray T.50, are known for their unique 1+2 cabin layout. On the contrary, Ferrari initially took a different approach with the F80 by designing it as a single-seater.
In an interview with Top Gear magazine, Ferrari’s design chief revealed that the F80 was originally conceived as a strictly single-seater vehicle. The goal was to create a car with “extremely extreme proportions” by adopting an ultra-narrow cabin. Although the LaFerrari successor eventually received a passenger seat, Flavio Manzoni explained that Ferrari managed to create an interior that still felt like a single-seater without compromising the comfort of the passenger.
The press images of the F80 suggest that Ferrari attempted to conceal the passenger seat by blending it with the rest of the cabin in black. Positioned slightly farther back than the driver’s seat, the fixed passenger seat was strategically placed to narrow the cabin without sacrificing ergonomics and comfort. This design choice, along with the extensive use of carbon fiber, helped Ferrari keep the weight of the F80 in check at 3,362 pounds before adding fluids.
Although the F80 is already sold out, it wouldn’t have been the first Ferrari without a passenger seat if the original plan had been implemented. In 2018, the Monza SP1 was introduced as a single-seater, and the 499P Modificata launched last year as a track-only car with only the driver’s seat.
Ferrari has a history of experimenting with unconventional seating layouts, such as the three-seater 365 P Berlinetta Speciale from 1966. Given the brand’s reserved Icona series for exclusive models like the Monza SP1, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ferrari introduces more limited-run models with unique seating configurations in the future.
It’s worth noting that Ferrari enthusiasts have speculated about the possibility of the company building a real-life version of the Vision Gran Turismo, a futuristic single-seater designed for the racing game. While such requests may have been made to Ferrari, the company’s decision remains unknown to the public.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s decision to incorporate a passenger seat in the F80 while maintaining the essence of a single-seater demonstrates the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of supercar design. With a rich history of innovation and exclusivity, Ferrari continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts with its cutting-edge creations.
