Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta – the joy of extreme open-top driving

Ferrari LaFerrari follows coupé as Aperta convertible

To mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Ferrari company, a car – a very special car – is launching for 2017.  It has core values of technological excellence, performance, style, and exclusivity.  How to go one up on the Ferrari LaFerrari?  Make a convertible version.

The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is the new limited-edition special series open-top version of the acclaimed LaFerrari supercar, designed for Ferrari’s most passionate clients.

Available with both a soft top and optional carbon-fibre hard top, the LaFerrari Aperta boasts the same specification and characteristics as the LaFerrari, combining extraordinary performance with the unique exhilaration of open-top driving.

0-300 km/h in 15 seconds

0-100 km/h in “less than” 3 seconds (converting all that power into traction is the biggest problem), 0-200 km/h in about 7, and 300 km/h in 15 seconds.  Yes, 300 km/h in 15 seconds.  Maximum speed, even for the Aperta, is “over” 350 km/h.  These are the factory figures.

Flying bridge

The dynamic control systems integrated with the active aerodynamics remain unchanged.  The biggest challenge involved in designing the LaFerrari Aperta was to produce a convertible that could be pushed to the same extreme limits as the coupé.  The Styling Centre’s input was concentrated on retaining as much of the original LaFerrari aesthetic as possible – the flowing line that neatly divides the cockpit from the car body is unchanged, with only those elements above the waistline modified.  The resulting impact is of a carbon-fibre “flying bridge” hunkered into the main volume.

The joy of extreme open-top driving

Engineering development focused on the chassis and aerodynamics and produced absolutely astounding results.  It delivers the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness characteristics, as well as dynamic performance levels, between the 2 bodies.

Modifications to the aerodynamic set-up ensure that, with the roof open and the side windows up, the drag figure is unaffected compared to that of the coupé.  A sophisticated wind-stop system, designed to improve aerodynamic and acoustic comfort, means occupants can easily carry on a conversation even at high speeds.

Special attention was focused on the unique experience of open-top driving.  The coupé’s blistering performance feels heightened to superb effect in the LaFerrari Aperta – the absence of the roof delivers a genuinely exhilarating experience as the hybrid power unit provides a heady soundtrack.  The joy of extreme open-top driving.

Not just any hybrid

It is equipped with the same hybrid power unit as the LaFerrari coupé… but not just any hybrid: a 589kW 6262cc V12 engine is coupled with a 120 kW electric motor, for a total power output of 709kW (… cough).

Thanks to the HY-KERS system (from Formula 1, yes) it is the most high-performance and efficient Ferrari ever built.  Making full use of Ferrari’s F1 expertise, the KERS system was further evolved for use on road cars – the Ferrari V12 is perfectly integrated with the electric motor, seamlessly blending the advantages of both:  the high levels of torque available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs, thus providing exceptional, continuous power throughout the rev range and a maximum torque peak of 900 Nm.

Ferrari V12 power and emotional impact soundtrack

The 6.3 V12 is the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever sported by a road-going Ferrari.  It punches out 800 cv (589kW) and spins to 9250 rpm, to deliver absolutely extraordinary performance and driving thrills.  These unprecedented results are the product of meticulous honing of the engine’s volumetric, mechanical and combustion efficiency.

The engine’s soundtrack plays a huge role in its emotional impact: meticulous tuning has resulted in a full, harmonious sound that’s more intoxicating than ever… and an unmistakable Ferrari V12 sound.