The LaFerrari unveiled at Geneva

Posted: 05.03.2013
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 5th March 2013 – The wraps are finally off the LaFerrari. The Prancing Horse’s eagerly-anticipated limited-series special, of which just 499 will be built, made its world debut today at the Geneva International Motor Show.

“We chose to call this model LaFerrari,” declared Ferrari’s President, Luca di Montezemolo, “because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company – excellence. Excellence in terms of technological innovation, performance, visionary styling and the sheer thrill of driving. Aimed at our collectors, this is a truly extraordinary car which encompasses advanced solutions that, in the future, will find their way onto the rest of the range, and it represents the benchmark for the entire automotive industry. LaFerrari is the finest expression of our company’s unique, unparalleled engineering and design know-how, including that acquired in Formula 1.”

For Ferrari the development of a limited-series special like the LaFerrari represents an opportunity to experiment with all the technological solutions that will later filter down onto the production cars. Of particular significance in this context is the introduction of the hybrid system which, making full use of the Scuderia Ferrari’s F1 KERS know-how, has resulted in a solution that exalts Ferrari’s fundamental values – performance and driving thrills. The hybrid technology used, known as HY-KERS, represents the perfect combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. LaFerrari in fact emits just 330 g/km of CO2 but without resorting to electric-only drive which would not fit the mission of this model. The HY-KERS system is, however, designed so that in future applications a car can be driven using exclusively electric power for a few kilometres and, during development testing, a full-electric version of LaFerrari achieved just 220 g/km of C02 emissions on the combined cycle.
The LaFerrari is equipped with dynamic controls that are integrated for the first time ever on a Ferrari road car with active aerodynamics and the HY-KERS system. Thanks to Ferrari’s proprietary logic which govern all the systems, the car can achieve absolute levels of performance, aerodynamic efficiency and handling without any form of compromise in any area. A very advanced and uncompromising approach was also taken with the interior design which features an HMI inspired by F1 single-seaters.

Architecture
The LaFerrari’s architecture posed the first challenge for the Prancing Horse team at the planning stage of the design. The aim was to achieve ideal weight distribution (59% at the rear) and a compact wheelbase despite the extra bulk of the hybrid system. The result is that all of the masses are situated between the car’s two axles and as close as possible to the floor to lower its centre of gravity (by 35 millimetres) and thereby guarantee dynamic handling and compact dimensions.
The layout of the cabin made a significant contribution in this regard. The seat is fixed and tailored to the driver while both the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. The driving position is similar to that of a single-seater and was designed after consultation with the Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who played an active role throughout the entire development process.
The LaFerrari’s chassis features no less than four different types of carbon-fibre, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured in the racing department using the same design and production methods as the Formula 1 car. This helped optimise the design: various functions were integrated (e.g. seats and battery compartment) into the chassis to improve torsional rigidity (+27%) and beam stiffness (+22%) whilst cutting weight.

Powertrain
The LaFerrari is the first car in Ferrari history to be powered by the HY-KERS system. The ICE represents the pinnacle of engine development and research, with a 6262 cc V12 that punches out 800 CV and revs to a maximum of 9,250 rpm, a record for an engine of this displacement. It also features a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio and a high specific output equal to 128 CV per litre. The engine is coupled with a 120 Kw (163 CV) electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 963 CV.
The high torque levels available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs, thus providing a constant supply of exceptional power throughout the rev range. Total torque generated is in excess of 900 Nm. The hybrid system is composed of two electric motors developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli – one powering the driven wheels and the second the ancillaries – and a battery pack attached to the floor of the chassis consisting of cells that are assembled in the Scuderia Ferrari department where the KERS for the F138 is also made. The Scuderia’s expertise allowed considerable savings in weight and size of the individual components and the batteries weigh just 60 kg while providing the highest energy density possible for this kind of application.
The batteries are charged in different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries.
The electric motor is coupled with the F1 dual-clutch gearbox to the benefit of optimal weight distribution, but also to boosting energy efficiency as torque is instantly available to the wheels and, vice versa, from the wheels to the electric motor in recharging.

Aerodynamics
Active aerodynamics play an essential role, as they allow a complete adjustability of the car’s configuration to attain LaFerrari’s exceptional performance.
The engineers’ aim was to deliver the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car, with a coefficient of nearly 3, thanks to technical solutions honed with CFD analysis and fine-tuned in the F1 Wind Tunnel.
To boost efficiency, the LaFerrari sports active aerodynamic devices front (diffusers and guide vane on the underbody) and rear (diffusers and rear spoiler) which generate downforce when needed without compromising the car’s overall drag coefficient. These devices deploy automatically on the basis of a number of different performance parameters which are monitored in real time by the car’s dynamic vehicle controls, thus guaranteeing the ideal configuration on the basis of the driving conditions.

Control systems
One further innovative aspect of the LaFerrari is the integration of its active aerodynamics and hybrid system with the other dynamic control systems aboard. This means the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions.
Proprietary Ferrari algorithms deliver optimal integration of the electric motor and V12 for instantaneous response. In cornering, for instance, the HY-KERS keeps the V12’s revs high to guarantee better acceleration on exit.
The LaFerrari’s Brembo braking system is also integrated with the hybrid system, and incorporates several new features, including new lightweight callipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs featuring a new composition.
The car’s extreme performance potential called for a different tyre set-up, with 265/30 R 19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R 20s on the rear.
All in all the car guarantees maximum driving thrills in every situation and performance levels are top level: 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, a lap time at Fiorano of under 1’20” – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road car in Maranello’s long history.

Styling
The Ferrari design team led by Flavio Manzoni developed the LaFerrari’s styling working in close synergy with the engineers to emphasise the exacting link between form and function. The result is an extreme, innovative design which retains close links to the marque’s tradition. This is most evident in its side profile: the car has a sharp, downward-sloping nose and a very low bonnet which emphasises its muscular wheelarches, a clear nod to the gloriously exuberant forms of late-1960s Ferrari sports prototypes.
The LaFerrari’s body has been given a sculptural treatment heavily influenced by its clearly F1-inspired aerodynamics and a tail section that exudes uncompromising sportiness.
Inside there’s a newly-designed steering wheel sporting all the major commands, and the gear-shift paddles are now longer and more ergonomic. The signature bridge on which the F1 gearbox functions are clustered has taken on a sleek, suspended wing-like shape. The whole interior, in fact, has a fiercely track-inspired, pared-back allure.

The Ferrari range
Aside from the new limited-series special, the Ferrari stand also features the complete range which is the most wide-ranging and critically acclaimed in its entire history. The five models all share the same Ferrari DNA in terms of performance, driving pleasure and technology, yet each one has its own strongly unique identity, in line with the company’s philosophy of “different Ferraris for different Ferraristi”.

Ferrari’s 12-cylinder GT sports car prowess is represented at Geneva by the FF, the very first four-seater and four-wheel drive in Prancing Horse history. It will be sporting a Grigio Ingrid livery with an elegant glass roof and Iroko interior. The FF is also now seamlessly integrated with Apple technologies, thanks to direct access to the infotainment system via SIRI voice commands and the adoption of two iPad Minis as the entertainment system of choice for the rear seat passengers.

Blistering performance and sublime driving pleasure even at low speeds are assured behind the wheel of the multi-award-winning F12berlinetta, which is powered by a mid-front V12. Unique handling characteristics, extreme aerodynamics and an innovative yet classic design are its signatures. The car on show at Geneva has a Grigio Silverstone livery and a Sella di Cavallo interior.

Moving on to the 8-cylinders, the California 30, in sophisticated Nero Stellato with a Crema interior, is a convertible GT that uncompromisingly marries sportiness and versatility. The California’s already-massive popularity with both press and public alike grew still further after its V8’s output was upped by 30 hp to 490 hp, and 30 kg was slashed off its overall weight.

The blistering 458 Italia is a sublime, thoroughbred sports car. It and its drop-top sibling, the 458 Spider, are equipped with the same extraordinary mid-rear-mounted V8 engine which was named International Engine of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. These two models continue Ferrari’s glorious tradition with this particular layout. The coupé seen at Geneva sports an aggressive Bianco Avus livery and sleek black interior with carbon-fibre trim, while the Spider, which dominates the Tailor-Made extreme personalisation area, takes its inspiration from the legendary 1957 250 Testa Rossa that sold for a record 16 million dollars at auction at Pebble Beach in 2011. It has the same red and blue livery and a host of competition car details in its cabin, not least of which are suede-upholstered seats and Alutex trim.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

HY-KERS system
Total maximum power 963 CV
Total maximum torque >900 Nm
V12 maximum power* 800 CV @9000 rpm
Maximum revs 9250 rpm
V12 maximum torque 700 Nm @6750 rpm
Electric motor output 120 Kw (163 CV)
CO2 emissions** 330 g/km

Performance
Maximum speed over 350 km/h
0-100 km/h <3 sec
0-200 km/h <7 sec
0 – 300 km/h 15 sec

ICE
Type 65-deg. V12
Bore and stroke 94 x 752 mm
Total displacement 6262 cc
Compression ratio 13.5:1
Specific power 128 CV/l

Dimensions
Length 4702 mm
Width 1992 mm
Height 1116 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Weight distribution 41% fr, 59% r

Gearbox
7-speed DCT

Suspensions
Front double wishbones
Rear multi-link

Tyres(Pirelli P-Zero)
Front 265/30 – 19
Rear 345/30 – 20

Carbon ceramic brakes (Brembo)
Front 398 x 223 x 36 mm
Rear 380 x 253 x 34 mm

Electronic controls
ESC stability control
High performance ABS/EBD Sistema frenata anti bloccaggio prestazionale /electronic brake balance
EF1-Trac F1 electronic traction control integrated with the hybrid system
E-Diff 3 third generation electronic differential
SCM-E Frs magnetorheological damping with twin solenoids (Al-Ni tube)
Aerodynamics active

* with dynamic ram effect
**Undergoing Homologation

 

The LaFerrari, the star of the show at Geneva

Posted: 06.03.2013
Source: Ferrari

Geneva, March 6th. The LaFerrari is still very much the star of the show at Geneva. Twenty-four hours after its unveiling by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the fastest and most innovative road car ever built at Maranello remains the main attraction at 83rd edition of the Swiss event. The Ferrari stand is under constant siege from a barrage of photographers and TV cameras eager to getting their own shots of the first-ever Prancing Horse hybrid road car, while a large queue of admirers waits patiently in the hopes of catching a close-up glimpse. Tomorrow, when the Show opens to the public, the ranks of that throng are sure to swell still further.There is also hardly a report online, in print or on TV about the Geneva Show that fails to mention the LaFerrari. More than three million pages on Google already contain the car’s iconic name, while Maranello’s official Facebook page now features over 80,000 comments made by the almost 11 million “likers” of the various posts. Of course, this kind of reaction was only to be expected given the sense of anticipation that surrounded a car whose name was not even known until yesterday! However, once the wraps were finally off, the LaFerrari became an instant symbol, the very quintessence of all of the qualities that make the Maranello marque so absolutely unique: the signature technological innovation, blistering performance, futuristic styling and exhilarating driving emotions only its cars can deliver.

 

“LaFerrari” – teamwork´s success

Posted: 06.03.2013
Source: Ferrari

The name stands for the essence of the manufacturer from Maranello: working like a team. Creating such an extreme and innovative car like LaFerrari was only possible thanks to the fact that the planning and developement team worked side by side with the designers from Centro Stile and the Scuderia´s engineers and thanks to all the other components in the company, who contributed to reach this exceptional result. Members from the planning team and the Centro Stile were present at the stand in Geneva today to touch the exciting first hybrid from Ferrari.

 

LaFerrari: passion, technology, futuristic design and exclusivity

Posted: 08.03.2013
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 8 March 2013 – LaFerrari, the eagerly awaited new model in the limited edition series from the Prancing Horse – of which only 499 examples will be built and more than twice the number of requests has already been received – is still the undisputed start at the Geneva Car Show on the second day, the show is open to the public.
963 bhp for the first hybrid in the history of the Prancing Horse with an absolute record performance: from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in less than 7. Compared to the Enzo the LaFerrari consumes less while the Co2 emission has been lowered by 50%.
The new car is a synthesis of the brand’s values, just like Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said during the presentation of the LaFerrari. “It is the highest expression of excellence of our cmpany: technological innovation, performance, futuristic style, driving pleasure. It is an extraordinary car, destined to our collectors. A car with technical solutions, which in the future will be integrated in our range and which are the benchmark for the entire sector. LaFerrari represents the best planning and building capacities in our Company, including those acquired in Formula One, knowledge, unique in the world.”

 

LaFerrari receives design award from AutoScout24

Posted: 02.05.2013
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 2 May 2013. Maranello’s special limited series model has received an award from AutoScout24, Europe’s biggest online car buying platform with 17.1 millions users annually. “LaFerrari” was presented with the special Design Award by the editors of AutoScout24 on-line magazine as part of the 11th Internet Auto Awards.  

“LaFerrari” is the special limited-edition model of which only 499 examples will be produced. It is the first Ferrari with the HY-KERS hybrid powertrain that combines a V12 engine with two electric motors for a combined power output of 963 HP with a top speed of over 350 km/h.  “LaFerrari is the finest expression of our company’s unique, unparalleled engineering and design know-how, including that acquired in Formula 1,” summarised Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo Ferrari at the world premiere in Geneva.

The AutoScout24 Internet Auto Award is Europe’s biggest public automotive on-line award with votes being cast between January and March by 223,000 on-line users from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. This year, for the first time, the editors of the Autoscout24 on-line magazine created two new special categories “Design” and “Future”.

LaFerrari voted Best Sports Car in Madrid

Posted: 24.02.2014
Source: Ferrari

Madrid, 24 February 2014 – Ferrari has taken the prize in the Best Sports Car category during the Best Cars 2014 awards celebrated in Madrid. The award ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was organized by the prestigious Spanish motoring magazines, Autopista, Automóvil, Coche Actual and Autovía.

Ferrari’s “LaFerrari”, the limited-edition special of which only 499 units will be produced, was voted Best Sports Car, winning its first award in Spain. Since its launch, “LaFerrari” has earned worldwide critical acclaim from clients and media alike, in part because it is the most powerful Ferrari ever produced and also because it´s the first hybrid vehicle from the brand.

The prize for the “LaFerrari” follows last year’s awards, with the F12Berlinetta taking Best Coupé and the 458 Spider Best Cabrio.

 

LaFerrari wins AutoDesign Awards

Posted: 17.03.2014
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 17 March 2014 – The Czech design magazine, AutoDesign & Styling, has elected “LaFerrari” as the best design in the “Sports Cars and Convertibles” category, as well as the overall winner of the “AutoDesign Awards 2014 – Design of the Year” for production cars.

The award was handed over at the Geneva Motor Show to Flavio Manzoni, Senior Vice President Design, Ferrari S.p.A. who commented, “This award is an important recognition of the work of the whole design team at Ferrari. We are obviously very pleased to see that “LaFerrari” has been judged not just from an aesthetic point of view, but from a wider standpoint that takes into consideration aspects such as the quality and sophistication of the design, its functionality and innovation.”

Since the launch of the “LaFerrari”, Ferrari’s limited-edition special has earned worldwide critical acclaim from clients and media alike. The first ever hybrid from the marque, it is the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever produced and represents a unique concentration of technological innovation, performance and visionary styling.

The AutoDesign award for the “LaFerrari” follows last year’s award for the F12berlinetta in the sports car category, and the for FF in the overall production cars category in 2012.

 

The LaFerrari: pure adrenaline

Posted: 06.05.2014
Source: Ferrari

In recent days, the LaFerrari has been put through its paces by some of the world’s most authoritative magazines and newspapers.

The limited edition special series car exceeded all expectations at the Fiorano circuit and on the roads around Maranello, both of which were also used in its development.

This video gives a blistering 60-second account of the adrenaline rush of being behind its wheel.

 

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