Launched as a successor to the Ferrari Enzo, the Ferrari LaFerrari was designed with a language that, according to the design team led by Flavio Manzoni, is the perfect combination of form and function. It combines F1-inspired aerodynamics and plenty of sharp character lines to bring together one of the wildest production cars from Ferrari. On the inside, the LaFerrari got a newly-designed steering wheel that is more square than it is round, and an overall interior design that screams track-only but offers plenty of comfort two. The biggest news is what makes this red rocket go. The new LaFerrari is the first car from the brand to use a hybrid drive system. Known as the HY-KERS system, it has a 6.3-liter V-12 and two electric motors. Total output is 963 horsepower (800 from the ICE and 163 from the electric motors) and more than 663 pound-feet of torque. To help keep everything kosher on the road, the suspension system has been designed specifically for the car, and Brembo brakes are in place to bring this puppy to a stop.

Ferrari went above and beyond with the LaFerrari, with the exception of the name, but don’t even get me started on that one. Outside of the name, however, Ferrari is bringing a heavy hitter to a supercar market that is now going hybrid. It is slated to compete against models like the wild McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder – both of which have plenty of hybrid DNA in their genes. So, what separates the goofy-named LaFerrari from the pack of hybrid heavy hitters? Check out our full review below and you’ll find out that and more.

Updated 08/22/2016: Ferrari brought a satin black 2014 LaFerrari at the 2016 Mecum Auctions sale during Monterey Car Week, where it was auction for the record price of $4.7 million. Check the picture gallery for a new set of images taken during the auction.

Hit the jump to rear more about the new LaFerrari.

2014 Ferrari LaFerrari

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 963
  • Torque: 663
  • Transmission: Dual-Clutch Seven-Speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Carlos Lago Talks About the LaFerrari's Architecture

Exterior

The LaFerrari was designed by the Ferrari design team led by Flavio Manzoni and, according to its designers, it is the perfect combination of form and function.

The model was designed using F1-inspired aerodynamics and delivers a drag coefficient of nearly 0.3. The new LaFerrari is equipped with front diffusers and guide vane on the underbody, plus rear diffusers and spoiler which generate downforce when needed without adding excessive drag. These elements are automatically deployed on the basis of a number of different performance parameters, which are monitored in real time by the car’s dynamic vehicle controls.

When viewed from the side, the new LaFerrari it is easily recognizable as a Ferrari, as it features a sharp, downward-sloping nose and a very low bonnet which emphasizes its muscular wheel arches.

Dimensions

Length

4702 mm (185.1 inches)

Width

1992 mm (78.4 inches)

Height

1116 mm (43.9 inches)

Wheelbase

2650 mm (104.3 inches)

Weight distribution

41% front, 59% rear


Interior

On the inside, Ferrari installed a newly designed steering wheel that sports all the major commands, plus longer and more ergonomic gear-shift paddles.

Just like with the exterior, the interior is inspired by the company's track cars. The driver's seat is fixed and tailored to the driver, and both the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. The driving position is similar to that of a single-seat racecar and was designed after consultation with the Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

Drivetrain

The new LaFerrari is the first ever Ferrari to feature a hybrid system. The car's HY-KERS system combines a 6,262 cc (6.3-liter) V-12 engine with two electric motors -- one motor powers the driven wheels and the second drives the ancillaries. These electric motors are powered by a battery pack attached to chassis’ floor and they consist of cells assembled in the Scuderia Ferrari department where the KERS for the F138 is also made.

LaFerrari - focus on the HY-KERS

The battery can be recharged in two different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V-12 produces more torque than required.

This system delivers a total of 963 horsepower -- 800 delivered by the V-12 engine and 163 by the electric motors -- and a peak torque in excess of 663 pound-feet. The hybrid system is coupled to an F1 dual-clutch gearbox and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and up to a top speed of more than 217 mph.

The new LaFerrari also scored a lap time at Fiorano of under 1:20 – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta, making it the fastest road car Ferrari has ever developed.

HY-KERS system

Total maximum power

963 horsepower

Total maximum torque

> 663 pound-feet

V-12 maximum power

800 horsepower at 9,000 rpm

Maximum revs

9,250 rpm

V-12 maximum torque

516 pound-feet at 6,750 rpm

Electric motor output

120 Kw (163 horsepower)

CO2 emissions

330 g/km


Performance

Maximum speed

over 350 km/h (217.48 mph)

0-100 km/h (62 mph)

<3 sec

0-200 km/h (124 mph)

<7 sec

0 - 300 km/h (186 mph)

15 sec


Suspension and Brakes

Such a powerful supercar required modifications made to the suspension and brake system. The suspension system combines a double-wishbone configuration on the front with a multi-link suspension on the rear.

The supercar is also equipped with a Brembo braking system integrated with the hybrid system and it offers several new features, like the new lightweight calipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs, featuring a new composition.

Suspension

Front

double wishbones

Rear

multi-link


Tires (Pirelli P-Zero)

Front

265/30R19

Rear

345/30R20


Carbon ceramic brakes (Brembo)

Front

398 x 223 x 36 mm (15.6 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches)

Rear

380 x 253 x 34 mm (14.9 x 9.9 x 1.3 inches)


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)


Prices

Prices for the new LaFerrari were set at $1.4 million before options. Production is limited to only 499 units.

Competitors

The new LaFerrari has met a great competitor on the same floor in Geneva, but we have to admit that, despite its crazy name, the LaFerrari is now on the top list of our preferences.

McLaren P1

The new P1 it is also a hybrid supercar, as it combines a revised 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine with a low-weight, highly efficient electric motor. The V-8 engine will deliver a total of 727 horsepower and the electric motor delivers an additional 176 horsepower for a total output of 903 horsepower.

As you can see, the P1 is a little bit less powerful than the new LaFerrari, but somehow McLaren managed to obtain similar performance figures with its 0-to-60 mph time of just 3 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.

Read our full review on the McLaren P1 here.

Porsche 918 Spyder

Another hybrid supercar to debut later this year is the Porsche 918 Spyder. It will combine a 4.8-liter V-8 engine with a pair of electric motors for a total output of 795 horsepower. It’s true, the 918 is the least powerful of its competitors, but the 0-to-60 mph sprint time will be made in about the same 3 seconds.

Read our full review on the Porsche 918 Spyder here.

Conclusion

If you ignore the name, the new LaFerrari is one of the most amazing supercars we have seen lately. It brings innovative features, like its HY-KERS system and a design language that makes it worthy of its name. We can pretty much admit that this is the Ferrari we were all waiting for!

Updated History

Updated 04/30/2014: Ferrari unveiled a new video showing the new LaFerrari in action at the Fiorano circuit and around the Maranello roads. Enjoy!

Updated 04/08/2013: Ferrari has unveiled a new video featuring Fernando Alonso behind the wheel of the new LaFerrari supercar.

Updated 03/22/2013: Ferrari has unveiled a new behind-the-scenes video revealing how the official video for the new LaFerrari have been filmed.