Ferrari Gains Momentum Ahead of its 70th Anniversary

The Ferrari booth at the Paris Motor Show was brimming with news, more so than usual. In addition to the much-anticipated "LaFerrari Aperta," the rumored open-top special, there was another new model. The "GTC4LussoT," equipped with a new V8 turbo engine producing a maximum output of 610 hp, was announced as an addition to the "GTC4Lusso," which debuted in the spring as a four-seater FR model. Two new models were luxuriously premiered simultaneously.

Furthermore, next year, marking Ferrari's 70th anniversary, the company unveiled its commemorative logo for the occasion at the Paris Motor Show, symbolizing its long history.

This served to re-emphasize Ferrari's history, which has continuously influenced sports cars worldwide, to the show's attendees.

The plans announced alongside this logo were also incredibly appealing and intriguing to fans. Ferrari announced that its Tailor Made atelier would create 70 models, each featuring a special color scheme inspired by 70 different cars from its past production history, to commemorate its 70th anniversary.

These models will be developed based on five current catalog models, with each embodying the unique characteristics and personalities of historic racing cars from the past, reinterpreted in a modern way. In essence, a total of 350 special Ferraris, 70 units for each of the five models, will be individually crafted.

For example, one model showcased by the Tailor Made atelier at the Paris Motor Show was the "488 Spider" named "The Green Jewel." It was painted in the same British Racing Green as a tribute to the 365 P2 raced by the legendary British racing team, David Piper Racing.

Ferrari 488 The Green Jewel

David Piper was known as a private Ferrari racer who drove the 365 P2 to victory in the 9 Hours of Kyalami in 1965 and 1966, as well as winning the Coupes de l'Avenir in Clermont-Ferrand in 1966. The 70th-anniversary models feature a unique initiative where these historically significant racing cars inspire one-off color schemes applied to current models.

As Ferrari's 70th anniversary approaches, amidst numerous announcements, the most anticipated reveal remains the world premiere of the "LaFerrari Aperta," the open-top version of the hybrid supercar LaFerrari.

The Fastest Open-Top Speciale

The Paris Motor Show opened on September 29th. As anticipated, Ferrari unveiled the open-top version of the LaFerrari. Earlier this year, in early May, Ferrari Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne had stated, "We will add an open-top model to the LaFerrari in the future," and he has now made good on that promise.

The word "Aperta," added to the LaFerrari's name, means "open" or "opening" in Italian, derived from Latin. This special designation was also used for the "599" based limited open-top model, the "SA Aperta", which was announced at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. The "SA" in SA Aperta stands for the initials of Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, father and son, and it also commemorated the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina's founding. Consequently, the production of the SA Aperta was limited to 80 units.

Aside from being a topless version without a roof, the "LaFerrari Aperta" shares the same powertrain and chassis mechanisms as the standard "LaFerrari". The notable top is a two-way system, featuring a removable carbon fiber panel and a fabric soft top. Both are designed to maintain the car's styling, though images of the car with these tops attached have not yet been released. While the chassis has been reinforced compared to the base model to accommodate the open-top design, its weight remains undisclosed. Only that the increase in weight is minimal has been announced.

The powertrain mounted in the rear mid-section consists of a naturally aspirated 6,262cc V12 engine, producing a maximum output of 800 hp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 700 Nm (71.4 kgm) at 6,750 rpm. This is combined with an F1-derived hybrid system featuring a KERS (electric motor and a battery composed of 120 cells) with a maximum output of 163 hp (120 kW). The combined system output is stated to be a maximum of 963 hp and 900 Nm (91.8 kgm) of torque. The 963 hp maximum output is, without a doubt, the highest ever for a Ferrari, making the Aperta, the open-top version of the LaFerrari, the most powerful Ferrari open-top model in history.

Emphasis on Open-Air Driving Feel

Despite this class-leading performance, the drivetrain is a conventional mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. All of the over 900 hp is delivered to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch "F1 DCT." This chassis system is a stark contrast to other supercar manufacturers who are increasingly adopting all-wheel drive to handle outputs exceeding 700 hp.

The design goal for the open-top body was to achieve aerodynamic performance comparable to the coupe, even with the hardtop removed. For instance, the inclination angle of the radiator is different from the coupe to ensure hot air efficiently exits through the hood, and it's angled backward to guide airflow under the car. This modification completely separates the airflow entering the cockpit from the exhaust heat from the radiator, contributing to maintaining a comfortable cockpit environment.

Alongside the design and specifications, particular emphasis was placed on the open-air motoring experience – the driving feel with the top down. Ferrari explains that the car's greatest feature is the "thrill derived from the hybrid powertrain's sound and the pure exhilaration it provides" precisely because it is open-top. Indeed, the captivating exhaust note is sure to deeply stimulate the occupants within the topless cabin.

The advanced aerodynamics contribute to maintaining a comfortable cabin environment even when open. The latest wind-stop system developed for this car ensures the cabin is protected from the stress of wind pressure, allowing for enjoyable conversations with passengers even at high speeds. Recalling the F50, which came standard with a headset and enclosed headphones to facilitate conversation between passengers, the difference is remarkable.

Global Events to Celebrate 70th Anniversary

In addition to the open-top body, there is one other difference from the LaFerrari coupe. Due to the absence of the roof, the butterfly doors open at a slightly different angle compared to the coupe. Other distinctions include the shape of the wheel arches and side panels, and the addition of carbon fiber aerodynamic vents. These are trivia that enthusiasts will want to share.

Ferrari claims that with these dedicated design changes for the open-top conversion, the body's rigidity and drag coefficient are virtually unchanged from the coupe. Consequently, the performance figures are equally impressive: 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 15 seconds flat, and a top speed exceeding 350 km/h, all matching the coupe's specifications.

While there have been no official announcements regarding production numbers or pricing, it is reported that the production volume will be about half that of the coupe version. Regardless, the "LaFerrari Aperta," this open-top special, will undoubtedly leave its mark in history as a valuable collector's item celebrating Ferrari's 70-year legacy. Naturally, it has already been sold exclusively to select customers, with the entire planned production run already accounted for. It is certain that the price will be higher than the rumored 1 million Euros (approximately 115.5 million yen) for the coupe version.

Ferrari, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017, is planning a world tour in addition to releasing these new models packed with highlights. This tour will involve commemorative events held throughout the year in 60 countries worldwide, centered in Italy, bringing together classic Ferraris that have shaped the company's 70-year history with its latest models.

This year-long, once-in-a-century celebration is set to conclude with a grand finale event at Ferrari's spiritual home, Maranello. For any Ferrarista eagerly anticipating this moment, we urge you to keep a close eye on future news from Ferrari.

LaFerrari Aperta | Ferrari LaFerrari
Body Dimensions | Length 4,702 x Width 1,992 x Height 1,116 mm
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,210 kg
Engine | 6,262cc 65-degree V12
Bore x Stroke | 94 x 75.2 mm
Compression Ratio | 13.5
Engine Max Output | 800 ps / 9,000 rpm
Engine Max Torque | 700 Nm / 6,750 rpm
Motor Max Output | 120 kW (163 ps)
System Integrated Max Output | 963 ps
System Integrated Max Torque | 900 Nm
Transmission | 7-speed DCT
Front Brakes | 398 x 223 x 36 mm Carbon-ceramic ventilated discs
Rear Brakes | 380 x 253 x 34 mm Carbon-ceramic ventilated discs
Front Suspension | Double wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front/Rear Weight Distribution | 41:59
0-100 km/h Acceleration | Under 3 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration | Under 7 seconds
0-300 km/h Acceleration | 15 seconds
Top Speed | Over 350 km/h
Tires Front/Rear | 265/30R19 / 345/30R20
CO2 Emissions | 340 g/km