For many, the unveiling of the successor to the decade-old Ferrari Enzo was the whole reason for travelling to Geneva, but it appears that many have been left cold by its name. According to Maranello the 'LaFerrari' name is meant to signify that the new model will be 'the Ferrari', a car that best epitomises the iconic brand. Not that the name will affect the car's success, as only 499 examples will be built and we're told that 700 potential buyers have expressed an interest.
Exterior
Unlike most modern Ferraris the LaFerrari was designed completely in-house with no input from long-time collaborator Pininfarina. The overall shape has clearly been influenced by work in the wind tunnel with an angular look and clear nods to F1 technology in the front splitter and air intakes. It is not quite function over form however with some classic Ferrari design touches including the muscular rear haunches and upswept, 458-like, rear wing.
Sophisticated aerodynamics, which deploy automatically according to speed and attitude, have been fitted with the Ferrari aerodynamics team aiming for 'the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car'. To this end the LaFerrari features moveable diffusers and a guide vane underneath the car, plus more moveable components on the rear wing.
Interior
Like the Enzo, F50 and F40 before it the interior of the LaFerrari is more race- than luxury car. The driving position was signed off by F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa with the seat bases effectively part of the hand-laminated carbon fibre tub. The seat will be fixed and tailored to suit individual owners while the pedals and F1-inspired steering wheel are adjustable.
Mechanicals
The LaFerrari packs a mid-mounted normally aspirated 6.2-litre V12 engine that is a development of that fitted to the F12. New internals have been fitted to the hypercar's engine, however, to deliver 800hp, with a screaming redline of 9,250rpm. The LaFerrari and also packs a 163hp electric motor to deliver a combined output of 963hp backed up by 970Nm of torque. Power from the electric motor can be deployed F1 KERS-style (or HY-KERS in Ferrari speak) to deliver extra punch. Unlike the McLaren P1 though the LaFerrari cannot run on electric power only and so posts a CO2 figure of 330g/km - though that's unlikely to put off potential buyers.
On paper the figures leave the LaFerrari closely matched with its biggest rival, the McLaren P1, with both cars capable of breaking the 100km/h barrier in less than three seconds. Should you find yourself on a long, deserted road however the Ferrari will hit 300km/h a full 1.5 seconds before the McLaren. Top speed is not known yet as Ferrari says 'it doesn't matter', but with the McLaren capable of 218mph we cannot see Maranello allowing any bragging rights for the Woking crew.
Ferrari is yet to take the new car to lap the Nürburgring but on 'simulated' runs (we assume that is more than just Gran Turismo) sub-seven minute laps have been recorded and F1 driver Fernando Alonso has lapped Ferrari's Fiorano test track in 1min 19sec on Pirelli P Zero road tyres. The 599XX is only three second faster around the circuit on slick tyres.
Anything else?
The LaFerrari will cost €1.3 million (plus taxes) with production limited to 499 examples. This will leave at least 201 very disappointed customers who have already written to Maranello expressing an interest in purchasing the latest hypercar to wear the Prancing Horse.