The Birth of a Legend — LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari Aperta is not just an open-top version of Ferrari’s first hybrid hypercar — it’s a celebration of passion, innovation, and pure Italian artistry.
Unveiled in 2016 to commemorate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary, the Aperta embodies the brand’s philosophy: combining extreme performance with timeless beauty.
While the original LaFerrari stunned the world with its hybrid technology and track-focused design, the Aperta pushed the boundaries even further — bringing open-air exhilaration to a car already known for redefining performance standards.
Only 210 units were ever built, making it one of the most exclusive Ferraris in existence.
This is not merely a car — it’s a symbol of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Design: A Masterpiece Sculpted by Air
Every curve, every surface, and every detail of the LaFerrari Aperta has been meticulously crafted for both aerodynamic efficiency and visual emotion.
Despite losing the fixed roof, Ferrari engineers managed to preserve — and even enhance — the car’s aerodynamic balance. The Aperta remains as stable at 350 km/h as its coupe sibling, thanks to wind tunnel refinement and advanced airflow management.
Exterior: The Art of Speed
The Aperta’s design language speaks of aggression and elegance.
The low, arrow-shaped nose channels air efficiently, while the sculpted sides guide it seamlessly toward the active rear diffuser and spoiler.
The iconic butterfly doors, hinged at the roof, now pivot differently to accommodate the removable roof panel — a small but significant design challenge that Ferrari turned into an art form.
Two roof options were available: a lightweight carbon-fiber panel and a soft removable fabric top, allowing the driver to tailor the car’s personality between a refined GT cruiser and an open-air beast.
From every angle, the Aperta’s proportions reflect perfect balance — power wrapped in elegance.
Interior: The Driver’s Sanctuary
Step inside the LaFerrari Aperta, and you’re greeted by an interior that blends minimalist racing spirit with luxurious craftsmanship.
The cabin’s structure is built directly into the carbon-fiber monocoque, keeping weight to a minimum and rigidity at a maximum.
Every component — from the steering wheel to the instrument cluster — is designed for absolute driver focus.
The Formula 1-inspired steering wheel integrates controls for indicators, suspension modes, and traction systems. Behind it, the large digital display delivers real-time telemetry, while Alcantara, carbon fiber, and fine Italian leather create an ambiance of pure sophistication.
There’s no clutter, no distractions — only purposeful precision.
Even with the roof off, the cabin remains serene thanks to Ferrari’s wind management system, which channels air away from the cockpit to ensure comfort at any speed.
Engineering Brilliance: The Hybrid Powertrain
At the heart of the LaFerrari Aperta lies one of the most technologically advanced powertrains ever created.
It combines a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine with an HY-KERS hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 950 horsepower (708 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.
Power Breakdown:
- V12 Engine: 789 hp (800 CV) at 9,000 rpm
- Electric Motor: 161 hp (120 kW)
- Combined Output: 950 hp (708 kW)
This hybrid system isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about performance.
The electric motor fills in torque gaps during acceleration, providing instantaneous throttle response and seamless power delivery.
The result? Brutal, relentless acceleration that pins you to the seat.
Performance Figures:
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 2.8 seconds
- 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph): 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
- Weight: 1,585 kg (3,494 lbs)
Ferrari’s F1-derived hybrid system recovers energy during braking and deceleration, ensuring maximum efficiency without compromising the car’s visceral character.
Aerodynamics: Open-Top Engineering Perfection
Converting a hypercar into a roadster without compromising performance is one of the most challenging feats in automotive design — yet Ferrari achieved it flawlessly.
Engineers modified the Aperta’s aerodynamics to maintain identical drag and downforce figures to the coupe.
Key aerodynamic innovations include:
- Redesigned front splitter and active underbody flaps to channel airflow efficiently.
- Active rear diffuser and spoiler, automatically adjusting based on speed and load.
- Unique wind deflector system, which keeps turbulence in the cabin minimal.
Even with the roof off, you can hold a conversation at 300 km/h — a testament to Ferrari’s aerodynamic mastery.
Chassis and Handling: Precision and Balance
The LaFerrari Aperta uses a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, hand-laminated in Ferrari’s F1 facility in Maranello.
It’s stiffer than ever, thanks to reinforcement points that compensate for the missing roof.
The result? No loss of rigidity, no compromise in cornering stability.
The magnetorheological dampers (SCM-E) adapt in real-time, reading the road and adjusting suspension stiffness in milliseconds.
Ferrari’s E-Diff 3, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS systems work harmoniously to ensure that even at the car’s 950-hp limit, the driver remains in control.
Cornering is razor-sharp, steering feedback is telepathic, and grip is phenomenal.
The Aperta doesn’t just follow your commands — it anticipates them.
Sound: The Symphony of a V12
The LaFerrari Aperta is, in every sense, a symphony.
Its V12 engine, positioned just inches behind your seat, delivers one of the most intoxicating soundtracks ever composed by man and machine.
From idle to redline, it screams with passion — a mechanical opera that crescendos at 9,250 rpm.
The open-top design enhances this experience, surrounding you with the pure, unfiltered roar of a naturally aspirated Ferrari.
The hybrid system adds its own subtle harmony, with instant torque and silent electric assist blending perfectly with the V12’s raw power.
It’s a performance that no speaker system could replicate — only felt, never forgotten.
Exclusivity and Price: Rarity Beyond Wealth
Ferrari produced only 210 units of the LaFerrari Aperta, and every one was pre-sold to Ferrari’s most loyal and distinguished collectors.
The base price started at $2.2 million USD, but with customization through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, many examples exceeded $5 million USD.
Today, due to its extreme rarity and collectible status, the LaFerrari Aperta commands between $6 million and $8.5 million USD at auctions — and continues to appreciate.
This car isn’t just a machine — it’s an investment-grade icon.
Legacy: The Pinnacle of Ferrari’s Hybrid Era
The LaFerrari Aperta stands as a defining moment in Ferrari’s history — a bridge between traditional V12 emotion and future hybrid innovation.
It laid the foundation for Ferrari’s current electrified models, including the SF90 Stradale and 296 GTB.
Yet, no car since has matched the purity, performance, and passion of the Aperta.
It remains a benchmark — the last of its kind to blend a naturally aspirated V12 with hybrid assistance in a truly analog driving experience.
For Ferrari purists, it represents the end of an era — and the beginning of another.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.3L Naturally Aspirated V12 + Electric Motor |
| Power | 950 hp (708 kW) |
| Torque | 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Top Speed | 350 km/h (217 mph) |
| 0–100 km/h | 2.8 seconds |
| Weight | 1,585 kg (3,494 lbs) |
| Chassis | Carbon-fiber monocoque |
| Production Units | 210 |
| Base Price (New) | $2.2 million USD |
| Current Value | $6–8.5 million USD |
Conclusion: The Perfect Fusion of Emotion and Innovation
The LaFerrari Aperta represents everything Ferrari stands for — innovation, passion, performance, and exclusivity.
It’s not just a car, but an emotional experience — one that unites the thrill of open-air driving with the unmatched power of a hybrid V12.
Every drive is a reminder of what happens when human craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology — and when performance meets poetry.
The Aperta isn’t merely a milestone in Ferrari’s legacy; it’s a masterpiece for eternity.