Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta: What Makes It Different?
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is a special car that shows off the best of Ferrari’s car-making skills. It’s like the LaFerrari, but with a roof that can be opened for an exciting drive in the open air. Not many of these cars were made, which makes it very special and something car lovers really want. In this review, we’ll look at how fast and powerful the Aperta is, what cool things it has, and how fun it is to drive.
A Complete Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Review
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is the open-top variant of the LaFerrari, a hybrid hypercar that marked a monumental achievement for Ferrari. Here’s a comprehensive review of this open-air masterpiece:
1. History of Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari Aperta is a limited edition (210 unit) convertible unveiled in 2016 for Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. Based on the LaFerrari hypercar, it offered open-air thrills with minimal performance sacrifice. Engineering focused on keeping aerodynamics sharp even without a roof. This rare masterpiece is a collector’s dream and a testament to Ferrari’s innovative spirit.
2. Design Features of Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is a masterpiece of automotive design, merging form, function, and the thrill of open-air driving without compromising the performance characteristics that define the LaFerrari lineage. Here are some of the key design features that make the Aperta truly remarkable:
Aerodynamic Efficiency
- Seamless Integration: The Aperta maintains the core aerodynamic principles of the LaFerrari, ensuring that the addition of a removable roof does not compromise performance. Careful design tweaks minimize turbulence and maintain downforce.
- Active Aerodynamics: Similar to the LaFerrari, the Aperta features active aerodynamic elements, such as diffusers and spoilers, which dynamically adjust to optimize downforce and reduce drag depending on the car’s speed and driving conditions.
Lightweight Construction
- Carbon Fiber Structure: The use of carbon fiber in the chassis and bodywork not only reduces the overall weight but also ensures rigidity and strength, crucial for a convertible supercar.
- Innovative Materials: Every component, from the seats to the interior trim, utilizes high-strength, lightweight materials to maintain the car’s low weight and high performance.
Convertible Design
- Removable Roof: The Aperta comes with a choice of a soft top or a hard top, allowing drivers to enjoy the open road without sacrificing comfort or performance.
- Cohesive Aesthetics: The design of the removable roof complements the car’s lines and curves, ensuring that the Aperta remains visually striking with the top either on or off.
Interior Luxury and Comfort
- Driver-Centric Layout: The cockpit is designed around the driver, with all controls within easy reach, emphasizing the car’s racing heritage while ensuring comfort and usability.
- Premium Materials: The interior is adorned with high-quality materials such as leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber, blending luxury with sportiness.
Unique Styling Elements
- Distinctive Front and Rear: The Aperta features a front and rear design that not only aids aerodynamics but also gives the car a unique, aggressive appearance.
- Exclusive Badging: Special badging and potentially customizable options highlight the car’s exclusivity and the owner’s personal taste.
3. Performance of Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta boasts some truly impressive performance statistics:
- Acceleration:
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): Less than 3 seconds (reported times vary slightly)
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 2.8 seconds (official Ferrari figure)
- Top Speed: 217 mph (350 km/h)
- Quarter Mile: Approximately 9.8 seconds (reported figures)
These figures are achieved thanks to the LaFerrari Aperta’s hybrid powertrain, the same as the coupe version. It combines:
- A powerful 6.3-liter V12 engine generating 800 horsepower (hp)
- A 163-hp electric motor
This combination delivers a staggering total output of over 960 horsepower. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures lightning-fast gear changes, further optimizing acceleration.
| Acceleration and Speed | Time/Max Speed |
|---|---|
| 0-100 km/h | 2.6 Sec |
| 0-200 km/h | 6.9 Sec |
| 0-300 km/h | 15 Sec |
| Top Speed | >350 km/h |
4. LaFerrari Aperta Specification
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, a marvel of automotive engineering and design, boasts specifications that highlight its status as a pinnacle of performance and exclusivity. Here are the key specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 6.3-liter V12 with HY-KERS hybrid system |
| Total Power Output | 950 hp (708 kW) |
| Total Torque | 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | Less than 3 seconds |
| Top Speed | Over 217 mph (350 km/h) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body Type | Convertible (with removable roof, soft top or hardtop option) |
5. Unique Features of LaFerrari Aperta
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta stands out even among high-performance exotics with a few unique features:
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Removable Hardtop and Soft Top: Unlike most convertibles that have a single folding roof, the LaFerrari Aperta offers both a removable carbon-fiber hardtop and a canvas soft top. This gives owners the flexibility of a traditional solid roof for security and weather protection or the open-air experience of a soft top.
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Maintained Aerodynamics with Removable Roof: Ferrari engineers put a lot of effort into ensuring the LaFerrari Aperta maintains its exceptional aerodynamics regardless of whether the hardtop is on or off. This is crucial for maintaining performance and handling at high speeds. Many convertibles experience turbulence or compromised downforce with the roof down, but the LaFerrari Aperta achieves a remarkable feat of keeping its aerodynamic efficiency intact.
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Limited Edition Status: Even compared to the already exclusive LaFerrari coupe (limited to 499 units), the Aperta is even rarer. With only 210 units produced, it’s a true collector’s item and a symbol of extreme automotive prestige. Owning a LaFerrari Aperta signifies being part of a very select group of Ferrari enthusiasts.
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Open-Air Hybrid Hypercar Experience: The combination of a powerful hybrid powertrain and a removable roof creates a truly unique driving experience. Feel the surge of acceleration from the V12 and electric motor while enjoying the open-air thrill, a sensation unmatched by any other hybrid car.
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Marriage of Cutting-Edge Tech and Classic Design: The LaFerrari Aperta represents the pinnacle of modern automotive technology, boasting a hybrid system derived from Formula 1. Yet, it retains the timeless elegance and design language that Ferrari is known for. It’s a car that pushes boundaries while staying true to its heritage.
How Much Is A Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta?
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is even more expensive than the LaFerrari due to its rarity. Here’s a breakdown of its pricing:
- Original MSRP: There wasn’t a publicly available MSRP for the LaFerrari Aperta invitations were extended to select clients, so an official price wasn’t announced. Estimates suggest it was around $2 million.
- Used Market: Due to its limited production (only 210 units) and exclusivity, LaFerrari Aperta’s value has soared in the used car market.
- Price Range: Expect to pay significantly more than $2 million. Reported figures show a LaFerrari Aperta sold for $7 million in 2016, and the final unit fetched a whopping $10 million at a charity auction in 2017.
Therefore, a Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta would likely cost several million dollars on the used market, depending on the specific car’s condition and history.
LaFerrari Aperta Trunk and Cargo Space
The LaFerrari Aperta isn’t known for its cargo space, prioritizing performance over practicality. Here’s what you can expect:
- Limited Trunk Space: The LaFerrari Aperta has a small trunk, often referred to as a frunk (front trunk) in mid-engine cars like this. Estimates suggest it offers around 1.4 cubic feet (39.6 liters) of space.
- Storage for Essentials: This space is mainly suitable for storing essentials like a small backpack, a tire repair kit, or the removable soft top when not in use.
- Focus on Performance: Due to the placement of the engine and the retractable hardtop mechanism, sacrificing cargo space was necessary to achieve the LaFerrari Aperta’s exceptional performance.
LaFerrari Aperta Problems and Reliability
While there haven’t been any specific reported problems for the LaFerrari Aperta itself, here’s what we can consider:
- Limited Production and Short History: Since only 210 LaFerrari Apertas were made and production ended in 2016, there isn’t a lot of long-term data on potential issues.
- Similarities to LaFerrari Coupe: The Aperta shares its powertrain and most components with the LaFerrari coupe. The coupe did have some minor recalls in 2014-2015 for issues like tire pressure monitoring and airbags. These might be potential areas to watch for on the Aperta as well, although there haven’t been any official reports so far.
- High-Performance Machine: Being a hypercar focused on extreme performance, the LaFerrari Aperta will likely require specialized maintenance and use expensive parts. General maintenance costs for Ferraris tend to be on the high side.
Verdict: Is the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta A Good Car?
The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is an exceptional car, but whether it’s “good” depends on your priorities and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Good for:
- Gearheads and Performance Enthusiasts: If you prioritize exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and an exclusive ownership experience, the LaFerrari Aperta is in a league of its own. The combination of a powerful hybrid powertrain, open-air driving, and exceptional handling makes it a dream car for many.
- Collectors: With only 210 units produced, the LaFerrari Aperta is a true collector’s item. Its value is likely to appreciate over time, making it an investment for some.
Not Ideal for:
- Daily Driving: The LaFerrari Aperta isn’t designed for everyday commuting. Its limited cargo space, low ground clearance, and focus on performance make it impractical for most daily driving situations.
- Fuel Efficiency Seekers: While it has a hybrid powertrain, fuel efficiency isn’t a highlight of the LaFerrari Aperta. The focus here is on power and performance.
- Budget-Minded Drivers: The LaFerrari Aperta costs millions of dollars, even on the used market. Additionally, factor in the high cost of maintenance and parts.
Overall:
The LaFerrari Aperta is an incredible feat of engineering and design, offering a truly unique driving experience. However, its extreme price tag, exclusivity, and impracticality for daily use make it a car for a very select group of buyers.
If you can afford it and prioritize owning a piece of automotive history with unparalleled performance, the LaFerrari Aperta might be the ultimate dream car for you. But for most drivers, there are more practical and affordable options that would still deliver a thrilling driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a known celebrity owner of a LaFerrari?
Well-known celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is reported to have added the LaFerrari Aperta to his impressive collection of Ferraris, purchasing the car for an impressive $2.2 million.
Is a LaFerrari faster than a Bugatti?
While the LaFerrari is a highly performance-driven car, it is not faster than a Bugatti Veyron. The Bugatti ranks as the fifth fastest car in the world whereas the LaFerrari holds the eleventh position.
Is a LaFerrari legal to drive on the street?
Yes, the LaFerrari is a completely street-legal hypercar. The LaFerrari FXX K Evo, however, is a track-only model and therefore, is not approved for street use.
What is the rarest car in the world?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé holds the title for the rarest car in the world. There are only two such models in existence, one of which was auctioned off in 2022 for a staggering $142.9 million.
Can just anyone buy a LaFerrari?
In order to have the privilege of buying the exclusive LaFerrari, one must prove their loyalty and commitment to the Ferrari brand. Businessman and reality television star Robert Herjavec is an example of a loyal customer who was given the opportunity to buy one of the 499 LaFerraris produced.
Hi! I’m Larry Gibbs, studying mechanical engineering with a focus on cars. I really love Ferraris and write blog posts about the latest car stuff. When not studying or blogging, I’m usually on a road trip exploring new places. I also enjoy playing football and watching movies. Life’s an adventure, and I’m all about enjoying the ride!
