Charged with Electric Vehicle News and Views
Following the official launch of the LaFerrari last week we thought it was an appropriate time to re-run a CGI tour of the LaFerrari 950 hp 900 Nm Electric assisted powertrain.
The LaFerrari is powered by a 950bhp petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. 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 220 mph and production is limited to just 499 models.
The battery compartment is integrated into the chassis (the batteries and engine are mid-mounted) to improve stiffness, while the electric drive itself consists of two motors, one with 161bhp to power the rear wheels and another for the ancillaries. 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.
This is all attached to a 6,262cc V12 with a screaming 9,250rpm rev limit, driving through a seven-speed paddle-shift gearbox. On its own this engine produces 789bhp and 516lb ft of torque. Combined with the electric motor this swells to the 950bhp headline figure, as well as 664lb ft of torque.
Ferrari has taken the prize in the Best Sports Car category during the Best Cars 2014 awards celebrated in Madrid. The award ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was organized by the prestigious Spanish motoring magazines, Autopista, Automóvil, Coche Actual and Autovía.
Ferrari’s "LaFerrari", the limited-edition hybrid special of which only 499 units will be produced, was voted Best Sports Car, winning its first award in Spain. Since its launch, "LaFerrari" has earned worldwide critical acclaim from clients and media alike, in part because it is the most powerful Ferrari ever produced and also because it´s the first hybrid vehicle from the brand.
Despite rumours of faster, more-powerful and even 4 door version of the Bugatti Veyron, company boss Dr Wolfgang Schreiber has exclusively revealed to Top Gear none of the above will become reality.
With McLaren's P1, Porsche 918 and LaFerrari hypercars all sporting battery powered assistance, what's the brief for the next Veyron? Will the Veyron, like it's rivals utilise hybrid power in pursuit of ultimate speed?
"Maybe," smiles Dr Schreiber. "But it's too early to open the door and show you what we have planned".
We'll take that as a "Yes".
