Ferrari uncorked its stunner in Geneva – the limited edition LeFerrari supercar, featuring full F1-style KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) and 6.3-litre V12 power. Only 499 examples of the LaFerrari are slated for assembly in Maranello.
The big news is the hybrid technology (called HY-KERS) which allows the LaFerrari to emit just 330g/km of exhaust C02. While the LaFerrari is not capable of pure electric driving (that would not be appropriate) the technology does exist.
Mounted beneath the floor, the hybrid equipment does not impact the driving dynamics of LaFerrari – in fact it has enable a 35mm lower centre of gravity and Ferrari’s supercar still offers the ideal balance (59 per-cent to the rear). Four different types of carbon fibre are used in construction – all hand-laminated and cured in the F1 team’s autoclave.
Inside, Ferrari F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa collaborated on the driving position – La Ferrari’s driver’s seat is fixed, but just like a race car, the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. And the wheel itself is modeled on those of the F1 racers.
Under the bonnet, the 6.3-litre V12 engine revs to 9250rpm and delivers 590kW, however that’s where Ferrari’s HY-KERS system comes in – the electric motor delivering an extra 120kW taking the total to 710kW. Maximum torque is 900Nm. Two electric motors make-up the system developed by Magnetti Marelli – one powers the driven wheels and the other powers the ancillaries.
Aerodynamics were a big part of development and the LaFerrari team logged plenty of hours in the F1 team’s wind tunnel which is actually located within the main Ferrari facility in downtown Maranello (the race team has for some years been based at the Fiorano test track). LaFerrari runs active aerodynamic devices (front diffusers and an underbody guide vane plus rear diffusers and a spoiler).
All that adds up to zero to 100km/h in less than three seconds and zero to 200km/h in under seven seconds.
But here’s the figure all Ferrari fans want to know - LaFerrari’s best time around the Fiorano test track. That would be under 1min20secs – five seconds faster than the Enzo and three seconds faster than the F12berlinetta – making it comfortably the fastest Ferrari road car so far.
