Ferrari LaFerrari

[SVT666]

Taking inspiration from its own successes, Ferrari has unveiled its new range-topping model: The Ferrari LaFerrari.

The ultra-limited LaFerrari will be the automaker's first production hybrid vehicle and its fastest road going car ever. One of the highest-performance vehicles to make extensive use of electrification, it boasts technology gleaned from the automaker's Formula 1 efforts.

Ferrari calls its system HY-KERS (its name derived from the F1 KERS tech) and, notably, it can't be driven as an EV (Ferrari says that an electric only mode wouldn't "fit the mission" of the LaFerrari). By comparison, the competing McLaren P1 can be driven in EV mode.

At its core, the LaFerrari uses a high-revving (to 9,250 rpm), high compression (13.5:1) 6.3-liter (6,262 cc) V12 engine rated at 789 horsepower. From there, the engine is coupled to a 120 Kw electric motor, which bumps total maximum output to 949 horsepower. Two electric motors are actually on board – one to power the drive wheels and one to run ancillary devices.

Notably, the electrification boosts torque across the range to more than 664 lb-ft. (Ferrari hasn't released an exact specification).

Ferrari says its new flagship should hit 62 mph in fewer than three seconds. On the Fiorano race track, it achieved a 1:20 lap time – five seconds faster than the Ferrari Enzo and three seconds quicker than the F12berlinetta. A 218 mph top speed has been specified.

An F1-grade seven-speed dual clutch gearbox plays a part in both firing off fast shifts and directing power to the battery pack for charging.

The LaFerrari's battery pack weighs about 132 lbs. and it's attached to the supercar's floorboards. The batteries are recharged during braking – even when the ABS is activated – as well when excess torque is being produced, such as during hard cornering. Carbon ceramic brakes are, naturally, part of the LaFerrari's package.

By carefully positioning the battery, Ferrari says it was able to achieve what it considers ideal balance: A 59 percent rear weight distribution. Also, because the battery is mounted so low in the chassis, it helps to lower the car's center of gravity.

Ferrari racing drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa had input in positioning the driver's seat similar to where it would be in a single-seat vehicle.

Underneath, the LaFerrari naturally makes extensive use of Formula 1-grade carbon fiber, which improves rigidity and reduces overall weight.

Stylistically, the LaFerrari was designed primarily with aerodynamics in mind. Lead designer Flavio Manzoni penned a model not terribly far removed from a Formula 1 race car. In the wheel department, the LaFerrari rides on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires wrapped in 265/30 and 345/30-specification tires.

Continuing tradition, Ferrari intends to build just 499 LaFerraris. If you want one, you'd better hope your name is on Ferrari's list. 

[GoCougs]

Good thing that it doesn't look very much like the lowly F458.

[SVT666]

The 458 looks much better than this.  The sculpting on those doors is ridiculous.

[Galaxy]

How do you top "La Ferrari"?

Personally I think it is the best looking Ferrari in year, not that that is saying much. However it certainly looks better the the McLaren P1.

[CALL_911]

The "LaFerrari?" Who's the idiot who thought of that one?

[Catman]

Looks awesome.

[Galaxy]

The "LaFerrari?" Who's the idiot who thought of that one?

The same guy who thought of Ferrari Enzo Ferrari.

[MrH]

Wow, gorgeous.  Hands down the best of the super cars to debut at Geneva.  The P1 looks like an overstyled whale with boomerangs all over it.  The Lambo is so over the top and hideous, I cringe with embarrassment when I see it.  This thing is foxy.

I'll wait until I see it in person, but so far, it's one of my favorite designs to come out in years.

[Cookie Monster]

Looks amazing, though I think the 918 is nicer looking.

[Vinsanity]

Wow, it looks exactly like how I pictured the 21st-century equivalent of the F40 to be, when I was a kid

[SVT666]

I don't get it.  I think it looks terrible.  It's ugly.

[68_427]

Looks stupid

[Eye of the Tiger]

Ain't no fucking Prius.

[Galaxy]

Well it sounds good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iRsV6YpLsKA#!

[SVT666]

One thing I have to give Ferrari is their cars always sound amazing.  Too bad the music was so loud in the video.

[Raza]

A hybrid supercar Ferrari....

At least it looks better than the 458.

[MrH]

A hybrid supercar Ferrari....

At least it looks better than the 458.

I'm guessing you're trying to troll...

If not, then I bid you a 

[AltinD]

The rrof should have been body coloured ... but I guess that would have made the profile looks way too similar to the 458

[2o6]

LaFerrari? I went to school with her, I think.

[NomisR]

Elbow too pointy... but i'd hit it!

[Onslaught]

One: The 458 is beautiful

Two: This thing looks ok. I find most of the top of the line supercars ugly these days. This one looks better then the F60.

[Cookie Monster]

You want to see over the top?

Look at this monstrosity:

[Onslaught]

^^^^^^^

Tell me about it. That is just butt ugly.

[Lebowski]

Terrible name.

[Catman]

You want to see over the top?

Look at this monstrosity:

Ouch!!!

[hotrodalex]

Stupid name, and get that "special edition ## out of 499" crap out of the interior. Just makes it seem like a collector's toy, not a super car. But that's the modern Ferrari brand for ya.

Other than those niggles,

Oh, and the Lambo too. (it's ugly but it's awesome at the same time)

[GoCougs]

You want to see over the top?

Look at this monstrosity:

JESUS.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Aside from the rear panel gaps it looks pretty good to me.

[Galaxy]

Aside from the rear panel gaps it looks pretty good to me.

That is not a panel gap, it is a light bar.

[r0tor]

I thought the name was a joke the first time I read it