Ferrari unveils LaFerrari hybrid supercar

New Delhi, March 6: Ferrari has revealed its new supercar at the 2013 Geneva motor show, and it's called LaFerrari. The engineers at Ferrari smartly used years of expertise in giving the supercar shape and mold to the whims of advanced aerodynamics. The new car gets its power from a 6.3-liter V12 and mounted it amidships for a 41:59 front-to-rear weight distribution. There's a 789HP V12 mated with 160HP of electric power, the 949HP combination of which takes the supercar to 62MPH in less than 3 seconds and makes it the overall fastest Ferrari to date. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 3sec, from 0-124mph in less than 7sec and from 0-186mph in less than 15sec. Top speed is in excess of 217mph.It's a hybrid car, which puts Ferrari into a new crop of elite supercar hybrids like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder. The Italian manufacturer says that LaFerrari represents the pinnacle of its technology, which will filter down to other models in time. The new hypercar, which is the successor to the Enzo, measures 4.7m long and 2m wide, also features active aerodynamics, with the engineers aiming "to deliver the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car". The company says the hybrid technology used in the supercar, known as HY-KERS, represents the perfect combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. LaFerrari in fact emits just 330 g/km of CO2 but without resorting to electric-only drive which would not fit the mission of this model.The LaFerrari produces a whooping 664 pound-feet of torque coming from a 6.3-liter V-12 engine with a righteous 9,250 RPM redline and a 13.5:1 compression ratio. Power is pushed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed, dual clutch gearbox. The chassis of the LaFerrari is built from different composite materials including carbon fiber and Kevlar. The driver and passenger seats are part of this structure and are built right into the composite tub. Ferrari didn't reveal the curb weight of the car, but it's expected to be around 2,800 pounds, which is same as an average compact car.Ferrari's hybrid system employs a pair of electric motors (one to power the wheels and another to power accessories), while a 132-pound lithium-ion battery pack is strapped to the back of the passenger compartment to absorb spare energy. The batteries weigh 60kg and can be charged either under braking or via any excess torque produced by the engine, which is diverted from the rear wheels.Besides the straight-line speed, Ferrari says the LaFerrari lapped its Fiorano testing track in 1 minute, 20 seconds.Ferrari says the supercar has been equipped with dynamic control systems which means that the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions. LaFerrari's Brembo braking system is also integrated with the hybrid system and incorporates several new features, including new lightweight callipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs featuring a new composition."We chose to call this model LaFerrari because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company – excellence. Excellence in terms of technological innovation, performance, styling and the sheer thrill of driving,” said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari's president, while unveiling the model.Pricing isn't being released, but something in the $1.2-1.5M range is expected. Aimed at collectors, the company says it will produce 499 of such models.