Here's what Luca di Montzemelo says about the name: “Because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company – excellence"
OK, Luca, we'll take your word for it. It's still an odd name. The LaFerrari is a hybrid supercar in the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 mould and features active aerodynamics, a carbon fibre chassis and a 59% rearward weight distribution.
The petrol engine is a 6.3 litre V12 with 800hp. The electric motor produces 163hp, giving a combined total of 963hp. Combined torque is 516lb ft.
The 0-62mph run is achieved in under 3 seconds, 0-124mph in under 7 seconds and 0-186mph in under 15 seconds. Pretty astonishing, and slightly quicker than those quoted for the P1 - albeit with an engine almost twice the size.
The driver's seat is fixed in LaFerrari and the pedals and steering wheel adjust to suit. The dash is based on that in the F1 car and is called a Human Machine Interface. The main mass of the car sits between the axles, the engine and semi-automatic gearbox being mid-mounted.
Being a natural successor to the F40, F50 and Enzo and so inspired by it's F1 siblings, the LaFerrari is naturally the fastest road car Ferrari have ever built. It has lapped Fiorano in under 1 minute 20 – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12Berlinetta.
Only 499 examples of the LaFerrari will be built and it's price has yet to be released - but expect it to be between £800,000 and £1million.
You can judge LaFerrari's looks for yourself. It's certainly sharp and well proportioned and a welcome move back towards beauty from Ferrari's recent styling.
