2013 Geneva - LaFerrari, the fastest road car in Ferrari's chequered history, unveiled

Ferrari created a flutter on the floors of the ongoing 2013 Geneva Motor Show when it took the wraps off 'LaFerrari', the Italian brand’s latest, limited-production, V12-engined hybrid sports car. Touted as a successor to the legendary Enzo supercar, the LaFerrari will see a restricted production run of just 499 units, all of which are apparently destined to pre-chosen existing Ferrari owners across the globe.

The name of this all-new Ferrari might not entice you, but it's design most definitely would. Sporting a mix of traditional Ferrari styling cues and modern Formula 1-inspired elements, the LaFerrari is ‘striking’ to say the least. The boomerang headlights with staggered detailing and the circular taillights are a clear nod to the rest of the Ferrari clan while the upward-opening doors are a tribute to the Enzo supercar. The low hood that resembles the nose cone of a F1 race car along with the wings and diffuser in the front and rear bumpers not only bestows the LaFerrari with head-turning looks but also with wind-cheating aerodynamics. That the LaFerrari looks like a proper road-going sports car and not like an alien transporter on wheels makes it all the more appealing.

Look beyond its styling and the LaFerrari has many more interesting things on offer.

Being the company’s first ever hybrid production car, the LaFerrari combines a 6.3-liter V12 Internal Combustion engine with a 120 kW electric motor for a total power output of a colossal 950 bhp. The hybrid system is dubbed 'HY-KERS' and derived out of Ferrari's experience in using the KERS technology in Formula 1. While the electric motor produces high torque at lower revolutions, the I.C.Engine takes care of the torque requirement at higher revs. It comes as no surprise then that the LaFerrari is the fastest road car ever manufactured by the Italian brand with a top speed in excess of 350 km/h. In addition to the performance benefits, the hybrid system ensures lesser emissions as well, making it a double whammy.

The LaFerrari comes across as a technological tour de force. It's unique architecture for improved torsional rigidity and beam stiffness means that seats of each car are 'fixed' as per individual customer's needs. Changes in driving position can still be done though, as both the steering wheel and pedal box are adjustable. The batteries are charged not only during braking but also when additional torque is generated by the V12 engine like, for instance, when cornering. Active aerodynamic devices in the front and rear such as diffusers, guide vane and spoiler deploy automatically based on many parameters that are monitored real time.

Quite rightly then, Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemelo declared "We chose to call this model LaFerrari because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company - excellence." We totally agree.