The Ferrari F60 America is a car that combines heritage, exclusivity, and Italian design in one of the rarest packages on the planet. Released in 2014 to celebrate Ferrari’s 60 years in North America, the F60 America is an ultra-exclusive, limited-edition model based on the F12 Berlinetta, with only ten units produced. While it boasts Ferrari's hallmark high performance, intricate engineering, and a gorgeous open-top design, the F60 America, like any high-performance car, has its own set of unique characteristics and occasional issues. In this article, we’ll go into the common problems that owners and potential buyers should be aware of, along with insights on maintenance costs and what to look for when buying one of these rare vehicles.
Book Information
- Car Model: Ferrari F60 America
- Years Produced: 2014-Present
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Vehicle Type: Limited Edition Supercar
- Engine: 6.3L V12 (naturally aspirated, 730 hp)
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Production Quantity: 10 units globally
Common Problems with the Ferrari F60 America
While the Ferrari F60 America is an engineering marvel, with advanced technology derived from Ferrari’s racing heritage, it does share a few common quirks and issues with other Ferrari models, especially the F12 Berlinetta on which it is based. Given its exclusivity, long-term owners and collectors may experience certain recurring problems typical to high-performance Ferrari engines and components. Let’s dive into the main areas of concern.
1. Engine Overheating and Cooling System Management
With its powerful 6.3L V12 engine, the Ferrari F60 America produces a tremendous amount of heat, which can lead to issues with cooling. Owners of the F60 America, as well as other Ferrari models with similar V12 engines, often report issues with overheating during intense driving sessions, especially in hot climates.
- Why it Happens: The F60 America’s high-output engine requires an extremely efficient cooling system. However, the limited airflow design for aerodynamics, paired with the car's open-top configuration, can make it difficult for the cooling system to handle prolonged, aggressive driving without experiencing high temperatures.
- Warning Signs: Look out for warning lights on the dashboard, particularly the temperature gauge rising quickly, or any unusual engine smells that may indicate overheating.
- Repair Costs: Fixing an overheating issue can be expensive if it requires extensive cooling system adjustments, such as replacing radiators, hoses, or thermostats, and could cost $5,000 to $10,000, especially if labor and parts from Ferrari are required.
2. Electronic System Complexities and Malfunctions
As an ultra-exclusive model, the F60 America is equipped with a high-tech infotainment and control system, which includes various sensors, driving aids, and custom electronics. This complexity can sometimes lead to electronic malfunctions, particularly with the sensors and control modules.
- Why it Happens: The advanced technology in the F60 America is prone to software glitches and hardware wear over time, especially with limited use. These cars often spend time in storage, which can lead to software or electronic issues due to lack of use.
- Warning Signs: Flickering dashboard lights, inconsistent sensor readings, or malfunctioning controls are common signs of electronic issues. Problems with the touchscreen or infotainment system may also indicate electronic difficulties.
- Repair Costs: Diagnosing and fixing electronic issues can be expensive, given the specialized technology. Costs can range from $2,000 for minor electronic fixes to upwards of $10,000 if significant module replacements are required.
3. Carbon-Ceramic Brake Wear and Replacement
The F60 America is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, which are renowned for their performance but have a high replacement cost and are sensitive to wear. While these brakes offer exceptional stopping power, they are also prone to wear when used frequently on the road or racetrack.
- Why it Happens: Carbon-ceramic brakes wear out faster with heavy usage and intense driving, especially when exposed to high temperatures during track use or aggressive road driving.
- Warning Signs: Squealing or grinding noises during braking, reduced stopping performance, and visible signs of wear on the brake discs are indications that the brakes may need servicing.
- Repair Costs: Replacing carbon-ceramic brakes on a Ferrari is an expensive undertaking, typically costing between $15,000 and $20,000 for a full brake set. Pads alone may cost $2,000 to $4,000 per set, depending on the quality and brand used.
4. Transmission Clutch Wear
The F60 America’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provides rapid gear changes, but like any performance-focused transmission, it can experience clutch wear over time, especially with frequent high-speed driving or aggressive gear shifting.
- Why it Happens: High-performance dual-clutch transmissions are subject to significant wear under intensive use. In the F60 America, spirited driving or track days can accelerate clutch wear, especially if gear shifts are not smooth or the transmission is not warmed up properly.
- Warning Signs: If you feel a delay or roughness when shifting gears, or if the car has trouble engaging or disengaging from gears, this could indicate clutch wear or transmission issues.
- Repair Costs: Replacing a dual-clutch system or worn-out clutch plates is costly, often ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on the parts and labor involved.
5. Battery Drain and Charging Issues
The F60 America, like many high-performance cars, tends to drain its battery quickly, especially if not driven regularly. Due to its complex electronic systems, even minor drains can lead to issues with starting and electronic malfunctions if the car is left idle for long periods.
- Why it Happens: The F60 America’s electronic systems continue to draw power even when the car is off. Combined with infrequent use, this can lead to battery drainage, which is a common issue for high-end supercars that spend significant time in storage.
- Warning Signs: Slow engine start-up, dimming interior lights, and malfunctioning electronics after a period of non-use are indicators of a drained or failing battery.
- Repair Costs: Replacing a high-performance battery for the F60 America can cost $500 to $1,500. Installing a battery tender or charger is recommended to maintain battery life, especially if the car is not driven frequently.
6. Paint and Bodywork Vulnerabilities
The F60 America features a bespoke paint job, often with custom finishes or two-tone paint schemes, which are vulnerable to scratches, chips, and fading. The delicate paint and high-value body panels require special attention to maintain their original quality.
- Why it Happens: High-performance finishes are typically more sensitive to scratches and environmental factors. The F60 America’s exclusive paint can be more vulnerable to chipping, and the bodywork may require frequent detailing and protection to maintain its appearance.
- Warning Signs: Fading, scratches, and stone chips are common on the lower front bumper, side skirts, and hood. Scratches on areas exposed to high winds or gravel are also typical, especially after long drives.
- Repair Costs: Repairing or repainting custom Ferrari paint can be expensive, with costs ranging from $5,000 for minor touch-ups to $20,000 or more for larger paint restoration projects.
Additional Insights: What to Look for When Buying a Ferrari F60 America
If you’re fortunate enough to consider buying an F60 America, here are key areas to check to ensure the car is in optimal condition:
- Engine Cooling and Temperature Stability: Test the car in a variety of conditions to check the cooling system’s effectiveness and ensure it maintains a stable temperature during operation.
- Electronic Functionality: Verify that all electronics, sensors, and infotainment controls are functioning properly. Given the car’s rarity, any replacements or repairs will likely need to come directly from Ferrari, which can be time-consuming.
- Brake Condition: Inspect the carbon-ceramic brakes carefully, especially if the car has been tracked, as brake replacement is one of the most costly maintenance aspects of the F60.
- Transmission Health: Test the transmission’s smoothness at various speeds, as signs of clutch wear can appear even at lower mileage due to the dual-clutch system’s nature.
- Battery Condition: Check the battery’s health and install a tender if the car will be stored for long periods. A high-performance battery is essential for reliable starts and consistent electronic performance.
How Expensive is it to Own a Ferrari F60 America?
Owning a Ferrari F60 America is, by all measures, an investment. Here are a few important factors to consider when evaluating ownership costs:
- Maintenance Costs: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid replacements, and basic inspections, can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 annually. High-performance repairs like clutch or brake replacements will significantly add to this cost.
- Insurance: Due to its rarity and high value, insurance premiums for the F60 America can be extraordinarily high, with annual costs often exceeding $10,000 depending on coverage, location, and driver profile.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is low for this supercar, averaging about 12-15 mpg, meaning frequent fill-ups if driven regularly.
- Depreciation and Value: The F60 America is a limited-edition model, so it holds value well, with the potential for appreciation over time. Maintaining the car’s condition and mileage are critical for preserving its investment potential.
Conclusion: Is the Ferrari F60 America Worth the Investment?
The Ferrari F60 America is an exquisite, ultra-rare supercar that combines Ferrari's V12 power, exclusivity, and North American heritage. For the fortunate few who can own one, it’s a celebration of Ferrari’s craftsmanship, but it does come with the responsibilities and costs associated with a high-performance, limited-production vehicle. Regular maintenance, understanding the common issues, and ensuring consistent use or battery maintenance will go a long way in preserving the car’s condition.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Ferrari F60 America is likely a dream car. While the initial investment and maintenance costs are high, the vehicle’s rarity and exclusivity can make it a rewarding ownership experience—both in driving pleasure and long-term value.