Back in July, we heard the first rumors of a possible return to Le Mans competition for Ferrari->ke252. We heard the first semi-official confirmation of this return in December when Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo, decided to comment on those rumors.
The firestorm is now growing, as a very strange Ferrari ->ke252 prototype was caught testing on the Mugello race track, which may be the ultimate confirmation that the Italian company could indeed return to Le Mans->ke1591.
A while ago, we came across a video that revealed a LaFerrari testing something other than its usual hybrid powertrain. Now, new rumors suggest that the engine tested was not a turbocharged V-6 engine, but likely a supercharged V-8 engine or a hybrid powertrain that are more suitable for endurance racing.
Along with the new engine, the Le Mans LaFerrari will also be equipped with lots of aerodynamic modifications and a huge rear wing to produce the downforce needed for racing, according to the above image.
Click past the jump for a full list of Ferrari victories at Le Mans and to read more about the regular LaFerrari.
Ferrari victories at LeMans:
- 1949. Luigi Chinetti - Lord Selsdon / Ferrari 166 MM
- 1954. Froilan Gonzalez - Maurice Trintignant / Ferrari 375 Plus
- 1958. Olivier Gendebien - Phil Hill / Ferrari 250 TR
- 1960. Olivier Gendebien - Paul Frere / Ferrari 250 TR
- 1961. Olivier Gendebien - Phil Hill / Ferrari 250 TR
- 1962. Olivier Gendebien - Phil Hill / Ferrari 330 TR
- 1963. Ludovico Scarfiotti - Lorenzo Bandini / Ferrari 250P
- 1964. Jean Guichet - Nino Vaccarella / Ferrari 275
- 1965. Jochen Rindt - Masten Gregory / Ferrari 250 LM
Ferrari unveiled the LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and all now, all 499 units are sold.
The LaFerrari is powered by a HY-KERS system that combines a V-12 engine with two electric motors — one motor powers the driven wheels and the second drives the ancillaries. This system delivers a total of 963 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque.
It goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and up to a top speed of more than 217 mph.