LaFerrari Aperta

Because the car does not have a roof, Ferrari’s technicians had to focus all their ingenuity on the lower section which had to be reinforced because it is subject to different stresses caused by force lines which, in the coupé, converge in the upper part.

Thanks to a series of targeted modifications designed to reinforce that area to cope with the new stresses, allow the LaFerrari Aperta deliver the same torsional rigidity figure as the LaFerrari, thus putting the Aperta at the top of supercar category in terms of dynamic performance.

The LaFerrari Aperta’s powertrain, which is the same as the LaFerrari’s, uses hybrid technology. It couples an 800 CV 6262cc V12 with a 120 kW (163 CV) electric motor for a total output of over 960 CV.

Thanks to the HY-KERS system, it is the most high performance and efficient Ferrari ever built. Making full use of Ferrari’s F1 expertise with KERS systems further evolved for use on road cars, the HY-KERS guarantees perfect integration of the V12 and the electric motor, seamlessly blending the advantages of both. The high levels of torque available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs, thus providing exceptional, continuous power throughout the rev range and a maximum torque peak of 900 Nm.

Coupled with the F1 DCT, the electric motor was designed employing High Specific Power Density technology which enabled the engineers to drastically reduce weight and volume in relation to available torque. The result is performance figures comparable to those of the F1 car with the same torque density and the same efficiency (94%) or, in other words, very limited power dissipation.

The batteries consist of 120 cells assembled into eight modules, with a power output that’s the equivalent of 40 traditional batteries but weighing just 60 kg. The batteries are charged in two different ways: under braking - even hard braking when the ABS intervenes, such as when driving on a track - and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries. The Hybrid Power Unit is essentially the HY-KERS system brain and controls power delivery from both the V12 and the electric motor via two inverters and two DC-DC converters. Variable-frequency control makes torque delivery rapid and precise.

The 6,262 cc V12 is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever sported by a road-going Ferrari. It punches out 800 hp and spins to 9,250 rpm, to deliver absolutely extraordinary performance, fun behind the wheel and an unmistakable Ferrari sound. These unprecedented results are the product of meticulous honing of the engine’s volumetric, mechanical and combustion efficiency. To boost volumetric efficiency, the V12 employs continuously variable-length intakes - a mainstay in F1 engine technology until banned by rule changes – which optimise performance as a function of engine speed. Similarly, the torque and power curves are optimised across the rev range. The hybrid powertrain generates total torque in excess of 900 Nm: the instantaneous torque from the electric motor is employed at lower revs and V12 engine power and torque is optimised at higher revs.

The V12’s peak torque of 700 Nm is, in fact, developed at 6,750 rpm.

Their goal with the LaFerrari Aperta’s design was to achieve the same drag figure as the LaFerrari, even when driving without the hard top in place.

To effectively manage the hot air flow from the radiators through the bonnet, the angle of inclination of the radiators was modified. In the coupé, the radiators are angled to ensure that the air flow hugs the bonnet, but in the LaFerrari Aperta, the radiating masses are angled backwards to direct the air flows out along the underbody. This solution results in complete separation of the hot air from the flow reaching the cockpit, keeping temperature levels for occupants comfortable.

The new layout of the radiating masses made it necessary to create a duct that could channel air from the upper section of the front grille over the bonnet. This solution generates downforce depending on the variations in the flow momentum striking the car.

Furthermore, deflecting the hot air to the underbody also meant that the vortex generators needed to be redesigned. The front dam is now longer while the underbody surface around the longitudinal vortex generators has been lowered to boost the ground effect and thus the car’s ability to generate efficient downforce.

In terms of open-top aerodynamic comfort, an innovative integrated system was developed. The high-speed air flow that would otherwise enter the cabin from top of the windscreen is captured by an angled wind-stop fixed to the parcel shelf. The wind-stop is angled to channel the flow through spaces in the car’s interior structure before exiting at a slower speed behind the passenger seats. This delivers a level of interior comfort in line with other convertibles in the Ferrari range without increasing drag.

Like the coupé version, the LaFerrari Aperta’s active aerodynamics and hybrid system are integrated and constantly interacting with the car’s other dynamic control systems, resulting in unprecedented performance and unparalleled exhilaration.

Proprietary Ferrari algorithms guarantee optimal integration of the electric motor and V12 engine and thereby optimising dynamic behaviour. When the car is cornering, the HY-KERS keeps the V12’s revs up to ensure quicker response times to the accelerator pedal when exiting.

The Brembo brakes, which integrate with the energy recovery system, have lighter callipers with a specific design designed to guarantee perfect heat dissipation from the new carbon-ceramic discs.