LaFerrari Supercar "Defines Excellence" Says Di Montezemolo

The successor to the Enzo and a car Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says “defines excellence” has finally been unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show.

The first Ferrari road car in history to be powered by a gasoline-electric system, it uses what Ferrari calls HY-KERS. Making 789 hp from its 6.3-liter V12 engine and revving to 9250 rpm, when mated to the electric boost of 161 hp total system output is 950 hp.

As for performance stats, Ferrari claims a 0-62 mph time of under 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph in under 7.0 seconds and finally a speed to 186 mph (300 km/h) of under 15 seconds – a solid two seconds faster than the McLaren P1. Unlike the McLaren, however, the LaFerrari will not be able to propel itself under pure electric power, which the British supercar can do for up to 10 miles.

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As though there were any doubt, the LaFerrari is the fastest road-going car in the iconic brand’s history, and boasts a lap time at the company’s Fiorano track of under 1:20. That, says Ferrrari, is 3 seconds a lap faster than the F12 and an astonishing 5 seconds a lap faster than the Enzo.

With a regenerative braking function, the batteries can be recharged both under braking, as well as when the gasoline V12 generates excessive torque, with the excess torque converted to energy. Of course, all power makes it to the wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

With a 41/59 front-to-rear weight distribution, the entire mass of the engine and hybrid system is between the two axles with the heavy components down low, resulting in a 35 mm center of gravity. The hybrid battery pack itself was assembled by Scuderia Ferrari department where F138 F1 car’s KERS system is also made.

Inside the cabin the seat is fixed, much like in an open wheel race car, while the steering wheel and pedal box are adjustable to each driver.

As for the styling, Ferrari says it is inspired both by its current F1 cars as well as the brand’s late-1960s Ferrari prototype race cars.

Not one to hold back Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo commented that, “We chose to call this model LaFerrari 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.” Commenting that technologies found in the LaFerrari will find their way into the rest of the Ferrari lineup, he went a step further, boasting that the LaFerrari, “represents the benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”