No, this is not a joke, that’s the real name of Ferrari’s new 1.04 million GBP hypercar that was launched at 2013 Geneva Motor Show. La (French for ‘the’) Ferrari is the spiritual successor to the legendary Enzo and is basically a road going Formula 1 car designed using the same technology and developed by the Ferrari Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
LaFerrari is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V12 engine which produces 789bhp. It is assisted by a two-electric motor HY-KERS system produces an additional 110bhp taking the total power to 899bhp and close to 900Nm of torque. It has a 41/59 weight distribution. Power is transmitted to the wheels via an F1-style dual clutch gearbox and a low-mounted transmission to improve handling and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.
In terms of raw numbers, the LaFerrai will 0-100kmph in around three seconds, to two hundred in less than 10 seconds and then to 300kmph in 15 seconds. Ferrari has not specified a top-speed but says it does not matter and really it seems quite true when you consider that its acceleration figures will push on the outer limit of what is currently possible.
The HY-KERS system developed by the Italian supercar maker collaboration with its long time electrical partner, Magneti Marelli, can be recharged during braking or when excess torque is produced by the engine during cornering.
In terms of overall design, it’s very clear that the Scarlett team from Maranello has been highly influential the development of its flagship hypercar and that they have gone for a place between form and function. Everywhere you look on the car it has aerodynamic lines which are made prominent thanks to the F1 front section, rear diffuser and for some strange reason the OVRMs. All the lights on the car are now full LEDs and add quite well to its futuristic look.
The chassis has been created using four different types of carbon-fibre and has undergone the same design process as the F1 cars and this means that Ferrari has given maximum importance to aerodynamics. The car has made full use of active aerodynamic to increase downforce without compromising on the performance of the car.
The interior will be built around each owner and will have an F1-style cockpit where the driver sits low down and slightly reclined. Instead of having movable seats, the pedals are expected to move back and forth to compensate. Like the current crop of Ferrari’s it features an F1 style ‘everything on the wheel’…er wheel. While most reports suggest that the cabin has been inclined to a more functional design, we expect that it will have all the Ferrari luxuries when it is delivered to the owners.
The LaFerrari represents what the company considers ‘maximum expression’ which is basically excellence in every sphere related to the car and its development. They have claimed that such a vehicle is an opportunity for its engineers to experiment and showcase their technological acumen in relation to designing new cars.
Apart from the name, we see nothing wrong with the car. In fact looking at the photos we really don’t care what this one is called! The Prancing Horse had an uphill task in the Swiss lands against the McLaren P1 and the surprise Lamborghini Veneno. It is neither as mental as the Raging Bull nor nerdy as the McLaren. In fact it is not even as exclusive with a bigger production run, but to us it does win this hypercar build-off with easy. Interested in owning one? You are late. Ferrari already has over 700 orders for this car with the production limited to 499.
P.S. Respecting all the thoughts and emotions attached to this name, we still hope Ferrari had come up with something else.
