LaFerrari

THE MOST POWERFUL AND TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SUPERCAR FERRARI HAS EVER MADE

• First hybrid Ferrari ever
• 6.3-litre V12 with 120kW motor makes 950PS and over 900Nm

The Ferrari  Enzo was a spectacular flagship and being the Ferrari flagship, had three things that were beyond spectacular- a sense of style that exceeded all expectations, performance that beggared belief and, because it was made in small numbers, exclusivity that guaranteed that its price would rise as the years passed. An expensive edifice to buy and then absolutely priceless to own. With the F150, Ferrari needed a car that could top that. And the LaFerrari, arguably, is all that and so much more.

Let us begin with what is new. The LaFerrari is Maranello's first hybrid, not unexpected in itself, but the result is incredible. The addition of a hybrid motor is well understood- lower emissions and greater economy- and in the context of a family hatch, there is usually a passing mention of the extra acceleration that comes when the electric motors kick in to help. But in the Ferrari, it isn't just a way to get around the Corporate Average Fuel Economy norms, it's a new weapon. The 6.2-litre V12 isn't a wilting lily, oh no. It makes 789PS, revs to 9250rpm. These are extraordinary  numbers- there was a Lamborghini which made 39PS less, if you think about it, at the show. But wait, then the 120kW electric motor(well, two of them, one drives the rear wheels, the other handles the ancillaries) kicks in which boosts power to 950PS and peak torque to over 900Nm. You can be sure that Ferrari will now allow this hybrid performance bonanza to infiltrate their other cars offering both greater economy and vast performance across the range. The LaFerrari is a high flying aircraft, that is barely a disguised spaceship- 100kmph arrives in under 3 seconds, 200 under 7 seconds and top speed is 330kmph. And they added HY-KERS, stolen off their own Formula One car. Excess torque from the engine as well as from braking causes the batteries to charge. Big engines are falling out of favour today and the supercar manufacturers to be sure cannot afford to have performance fall as result. The hybrid presents a convenient solution to all the problems and we will see more and more high performance cars adopt this route to greater performance, better economy as well as greener emission levels.

The batteries themselves are carefully located between the axles and low to lower the centre of gravity adding to the car's dynamics. The cabin layout itself aids handling. For instance, the seats are part of the structure and therefore not adjustable. Ferrari will build the car to fit you exactly, so why should you need adjustability? The steering and pedal box are adjustable so you can bring the car to you, as it were, once seated. All this shaves weight and makes the dynamics purer. How pure? Fiorano was dispatched in 1 minute 20 seconds, five seconds quicker than the Enzo and three ahead of the F12 Berlinetta.

Now enter Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari's design director since 2010, an architect who was responsible, for example, for the Lancia Fulvia Coupe concept as well as the Golf MkIV. He wrapped this incredible performance package in what has to amongst the most amazing shapes any Ferrari has ever worn. It uses four kinds of carbon fibre, all hand laminated and almost all of the skin has a role in the car's performance. Active diffusers adjust aerodynamics, control surfaces move to give the best possible downforce for going fast in a staight line or going around corners. And yet, unlike a certain other car at the show, the aggression is refined. Its rippling muscle wrapped in a luxurious designer bespoke suit, Rather than a scruffy, high performance hedgehog.

Only 499 of the car will be made and that seals it. This is an instant classic, something the creme de la creme will buy as much to keep the flaunt as for its performance and there will be few who will get one as an investment, to be sold later to a collector for untold gazillions. And they will ask only the one question when they come to Maranello to pick up their cars-"Really? LaFerrari? That's the name you came up with?" 
Thank You for reading. :)
For Lamborghini Veneno, please see my next post. :) 
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