2014 Ferrari LaFerrari

The high torque levels available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs, thus providing a constant supply of exceptional power throughout the rev range. Total torque generated is in excess of 900 Nm. The hybrid system is composed of two electric motors developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli – one powering the driven wheels and the second the ancillaries – and a battery pack attached to the floor of the chassis consisting of cells that are assembled in the Scuderia Ferrari department where the KERS for the F138 is also made. The Scuderia’s expertise allowed considerable savings in weight and size of the individual components and the batteries weigh just 60 kg while providing the highest energy density possible for this kind of application.

The batteries are charged in different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries.

The electric motor is coupled with the F1 dual-clutch gearbox to the benefit of optimal weight distribution, but also to boosting energy efficiency as torque is instantly available to the wheels and, vice versa, from the wheels to the electric motor in recharging.

Aerodynamics

Active aerodynamics play an essential role, as they allow a complete adjustability of the car’s configuration to attain LaFerrari’s exceptional performance.

The engineers’ aim was to deliver the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car, with a coefficient of nearly 3, thanks to technical solutions honed with CFD analysis and fine-tuned in the F1 Wind Tunnel.

To boost efficiency, the LaFerrari sports active aerodynamic devices front (diffusers and guide vane on the underbody) and rear (diffusers and rear spoiler) which generate downforce when needed without compromising the car’s overall drag coefficient. These devices deploy automatically on the basis of a number of different performance parameters which are monitored in real time by the car’s dynamic vehicle controls, thus guaranteeing the ideal configuration on the basis of the driving conditions.

Control systems

One further innovative aspect of the LaFerrari is the integration of its active aerodynamics and hybrid system with the other dynamic control systems aboard. This means the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions.

Proprietary Ferrari algorithms deliver optimal integration of the electric motor and V12 for instantaneous response. In cornering, for instance, the HY-KERS keeps the V12’s revs high to guarantee better acceleration on exit.

The LaFerrari’s Brembo braking system is also integrated with the hybrid system, and incorporates several new features, including new lightweight callipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs featuring a new composition.

The car’s extreme performance potential called for a different tyre set-up, with 265/30 R 19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R 20s on the rear.

All in all the car guarantees maximum driving thrills in every situation and performance levels are top level: 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, a lap time at Fiorano of under 1’20” – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road car in Maranello’s long history.

Styling

The Ferrari design team led by Flavio Manzoni developed the LaFerrari’s styling working in close synergy with the engineers to emphasise the exacting link between form and function. The result is an extreme, innovative design which retains close links to the marque’s tradition. This is most evident in its side profile: the car has a sharp, downward-sloping nose and a very low bonnet which emphasises its muscular wheelarches, a clear nod to the gloriously exuberant forms of late-1960s Ferrari sports prototypes.

The LaFerrari’s body has been given a sculptural treatment heavily influenced by its clearly F1-inspired aerodynamics and a tail section that exudes uncompromising sportiness.

Inside there’s a newly-designed steering wheel sporting all the major commands, and the gear-shift paddles are now longer and more ergonomic. The signature bridge on which the F1 gearbox functions are clustered has taken on a sleek, suspended wing-like shape. The whole interior, in fact, has a fiercely track-inspired, pared-back allure.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• HY-KERS system
  • Total maximum power: 963 CV
  • Total maximum torque: >900 Nm
  • V12 maximum power: 800 CV @9000 rpm
  • Maximum revs: 9250 rpm
  • V12 maximum torque: 700 Nm @6750 rpm
  • Electric motor output: 120 Kw (163 CV)
  • CO2 emissions: 330 g/km
• Performance
  • Maximum speed: over 350 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: <3 sec
  • 0-200 km/h: <7 sec
  • 0 – 300 km/h: 15 sec
• ICE
  • Type: 65-deg. V12
  • Bore and stroke: 94 x 752 mm
  • Total displacement: 6262 cc
  • Compression ratio: 13.5:1
  • Specific power: 128 CV/l
• Dimensions
  • Length: 4702 mm
  • Width: 1992 mm
  • Height: 1116 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2650 mm
  • Weight distribution: 41% fr, 59% r
• Gearbox: 7-speed DCT
• Suspensions
  • Front: double wishbones
  • Rear: multi-link
• Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero
  • Front: 265/30 – 19″
  • Rear: 345/30 – 20″
• Carbon ceramic brakes (Brembo)
  • Front: 398 x 223 x 36 mm
  • Rear: 380 x 253 x 34 mm
• 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)
• Aerodynamics: active