The LaFerrari debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as Ferraris successor to the Enzo, but in positioning only. Wedged behind its passenger compartment sits the FXX projects 6.3-liter V-12 engine aided by a Formula 1-derived, 161-horsepower kinetic energy recovery system, or KERS. However, the LaFerraris KERS system was actually more advanced than that allowed at the time by the FIA. As such the LaFerrari is a hybrid rated at a combined 949 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. That explosive power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which helps the hypercar scream toward its 9,250 redline as it races to 100 mph in just 4.8 seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 217 mph.
Wrapped around the mild-hybrid powertrain is an F1-grade carbon fiber monocoque structure that is nearly 30 percent more rigid than that used in the Enzo. Brembo-supplied carbon-ceramic disc brakes that tie into the regenerative system sit behind staggered 19-inch and 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires made from a Ferrari-specific compound to make the most of the massive underhood power. The LaFerraris hyper-modern lines come from Flavio Manzoni within Ferraris in-house design department. The cars silhouette echoes the Enzo, but its lines are more organic and graceful. Just 499 LaFerrari coupes were built.
The LaFerrari is a vehicle that demands respect due to its mind-bending performance, but one that can be driven and enjoyed frequently. It is considered by many a break in Ferrari tradition in that the powerplant is not only extremely powerful, boasting that total output from both its 6.3-liter V-12 engine and electric motor for a combined output of 949 brake horsepower but it also reduces the cars carbon footprint noticeably. Contemporary magazine road tests indicate full acceleration to 62 mph in less than three seconds. The 124-mph mark arrives in less than seven seconds, and the 186-mph mark in 15 seconds! Keep accelerating, and the LaFerrari will accelerate to a top speed of over 217 mph.
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