Ferrari LaFerrari/Aperta

 

The LaFerrari is the fifth and latest Ferrari halo car. Like the McLaren P1 from the previous post, this is also one of three hybrid hypercars from the early to mid 2010s that set the stage for more hybrid sports cars and supercars to come. It was introduced in 2013, with the open-top Aperta introduced in 2016 following the end of the fixed-roof LaFerrari's production run. This year's rendition of Exotics on Broadway in Monterey showcased one of each form of the road-going LaFerrari, marking my first time ever seeing a LaFerrari Aperta in the flesh, while only one fixed-roof LaFerrari was present at last year's show. Powering the LaFerrari is a 6.3-liter V12 mated to an electric motor producing a combined 950 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 218 mph. The LaFerrari features a Formula 1-derived HY-KERS system that boosts performance more than efficiency. Its tub and chassis are fully made of carbon fiber, and it was designed completely in-house and functionally. The LaFerrari's interior is swathed in carbon fiber, leather, and alcantara trim, with two seats bolstered to the carbon-fiber tub and a large, squared-off steering wheel containing Formula 1-inspired LED shift lights to indicate when to change gear. As for the LaFerrari Aperta, besides the removable canvas top, it adds improved powertrain control electronics, a longer front air dam for increased downforce, re-angled radiators to direct airflow out along the underbody, different door opening angles and wheel arches, and other minor changes over its fixed-roof variant.

Ferrari produced a total of 499 examples of the LaFerrari from 2013 to 2015, along with 210 LaFerrari Aperta roadsters from 2016 to 2018. Pricing for the LaFerrari began at $1.42 million when new and has appreciated up to around $4 million today. I have now seen four LaFerraris in person, specifically three coupes and one Aperta. Out of the three hybrid hypercars from the early to mid 2010s in the LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder, I have seen the least amount of LaFerraris up close, even though there are 335 less P1s in existence than both road-going versions of the LaFerrari combined. On a side note, Ferrari also offered a track-only version of the LaFerrari known as the FXX K. In all, the LaFerrari is one of the coolest and most impressive modern Prancing Horses to date, and seeing one up close has become more of a special occasion than with many other exotic cars. In addition, I have developed a greater fascination and appreciation for the LaFerrari over time since its debut more than ten years ago, and it could still pass as a brand new vehicle today.

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