Ferrari has unveiled its convertible version of the LaFerrari at the Paris motor show, and given it the name Aperta.
The name has been used before, on very limited edition models from the prancing-horse marque.
The Aperta is effectively an open-top version of the exclusive and long sold-out LaFerrari Coupe, and is offered with either a soft top or an optional hard top in carbon-fibre. Ferrari has not revealed how many Apertas it plans to build – 500 coupes were eventually made.
It uses the same hybrid powertrain as the coupe, combining an 800hp 6.3-litre V12 engine with a 120kW electric motor for a total output of 963hp. Ferrari describes the car as the most high-performance and efficient it as ever built.
Power for the hybrid motor comes from 120 cells in eight modules, Ferrari says the output is the equivalent of 40 traditional batteries form a unit weighing only 60kg. The cells are charged from the energy generated under braking and when excessive torque is generated such as under cornering.
Ferrari says that the Aperta offers the same torsional rigidity and stiffness as the coupe, and delivers equally impressive performance. It will accelerate to close to 220mph, passing 62mph from rest in under three seconds and 124mph in seven seconds.
In creating the drop-top Ferrari’s engineers focused on aerodynamics and the chassis. In strengthening the chassis to compensate for the roof removal the butterfly door opening procedure was altered, including the insertion of a carbon-fibre section with an aerodynamic vent that has become one of the styling signatures of the car.
Changes in a bid to match the match the aero performance of the coupe have included altering the angle of the radiators and thus the airflow through them, directing it through the underbody, adding a duct to the bonnet and redesigning the front dam to increase ground effect.
There are also small L-shaped flaps on the upper corners of the windscreen to direct it upwards over the car an avoid creating a drag area behind the cabin.
Prices for the LaFerrari Aperta have not been revealed but they are of little consequence anyway as all available cars have already been sold. Industry rumours suggested one had been on offer for the equivalent of £2.8m – plus tax…
