2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Review

LaFerrari is the new Italian flagship from Maranello. This is the first hybrid Ferrari road car in the history. 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari is the embodiment of all previous experience in the field of Formula 1 and the current champion of Italian design.

Powered by a hybrid drive, under which most of the burden bears the 6.2-liter V12 engine with an output of 800 PS, further supported by an electric motor with 163 PS. The total power of the red stallion is 963 PS and maximum torque amounts to over 900 Nm.

Below you can find short 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari review with pictures, official launch video, specifications, top speed and price.

This is a Ferrari!

Low placed engine bonnet reminds of companies’ prototypes from the fifties.

Ferrari’s new athlete has probably been the most anticipated world premiere of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. In a battle of giant supersport cars where the stallion from Maranello was faced with McLaren team and their new model McLaren P1, successes are not taken for granted. Therefore, Ferrari’s engineers have made everything they can to create a worthy successor to the legendary Enzo model.

In Geneva, the battle took place between the two serial super sports cars. By attractiveness, capabilities and technological superiority they both belong at the top of this year’s salon offers.

Even though the P1 from Woking is also incredible car, at the time of the discovery of LaFerrari’s high-flying performances all emotions, passion and admiration to the red athlete appeared.

Most of the weight lies between the two axles

Design of LaFerrari remains true to the origin of this brand. With low placed engine bonnet and aggressive front line fenders it reminds me of companies prototypes from the fifties.

Ferrari wanted to make a car with ideal weight distribution where 59% of the total mass would be on the rear axis. Therefore most of the parts are placed between both axles and as low to the bottom of the vehicle as possible.

Its chassis is composed of four types of carbon fiber and manually processed by their racing department. Vehicle development was very similar to the one of Formula 1 car.

Hybrid drive is reducing the carbon footprint

Ferrari LaFerrari engine

Ferrari presented its HY-KERS powertrain study two years ago in Geneva with Ferrari 599. The system was adapted to the use of the center-mounted engine and dual-clutch. LaFerrari’s hybrid drive consists of two electric motors in addition to classic motor.

The first electric motor is located immediately behind the transmission and ensures additional power to the rear wheels. The second electric motor provides the power to various systems within the vehicle, such as air conditioning, power steering brakes and power steering. Both engines are connected with batteries installed behind the driver.

The power of the electric motor which drives the rear wheels is 120 kW. Excessive energy during braking and cornering (where too much torque is produced) is saved in batteries.

LaFerrari doors that swing upwards.

The essence of the hybrid powertrain is primarily in reducing the carbon footprint, which should now be decreased by 40 percent compared to the conventional V12 engine. The carbon footprint of the vehicle is 330 grams per kilometer, which is 30% more than competitive McLaren P1.

Despite the LaFerrari hybrid drive it is not able to drive only by electricity (like P1). With the push of a button the driver can only get extra power from one of the electric motors. Doing this, acceleration time from zero to 200 kilometers per hour is reduced by 10 percent.

Technical specification

Engine type: V12 6.3 litres
Petrol engine power: 800 PS
Electric motor power: 163 PS
Total system power: 963 PS
Top speed: 350 km/h (218 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.0 sec
Acceleration (0-200 km/h): 7.0 sec
Acceleration (0-300 km/h): 15.0 sec
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual

Aerodynamic kit in the style of Formula 1

Ferrari wanted to use the most high-tech aerodynamics of Formula One. The car has adjustable diffusers, airflow directed under the car and the flexible parts of the other elements. Aerodynamic kit automatically adjusts based on a number of parameters, such as speed and driving style.

Racing oriented interior: buttons on the steering wheel in the style of Formula 1, larger shifting gears paddles.

Interior of Ferrari LaFerrari is racing oriented. The driver’s seat is not adjustable and is individually adapted to each customer. A lot of buttons are placed on the steering wheel like in F1 car and the paddles for shifting gears through DCT seven-speed automatic transmission are larger.

Ferrari LaFerrari price

Aerodynamic kit automatically adjusts based on speed and driving style.

The production plant in Maranello, Italy, will make only 499 instances of LaFerrari. Each one is wearing a price tag of around 1,3 million Euros (or 1,7 million USD). Even if you manage to collect so much money, you would not be able to get into the group of potential buyers. One of the conditions for the ownership of LaFerrari is that you already have at least 5 cars of this Italian brand in your garage.

But wait, don’t open your wallet yet because reportedly all of the available vehicles already have their new owners. Yes, that is right, LaFerrari has been sold out long before you read this. I know, I am sorry too.