It’s often said that progress marches relentlessly forward, with each new model surpassing its predecessor in performance and technology. Yet, in the realm of supercars, some creations transcend this linear progression, achieving a timeless appeal that defies the relentless march of innovation. The LaFerrari is undoubtedly one such car. While not the newest model to bear the prancing horse badge, and arguably more accessible in price and production numbers than its limited-edition predecessor, the LaFerrari continues to captivate enthusiasts and drivers alike with its raw emotion and unparalleled driving experience. Rumors of a Spider version and even hotter, track-focused variants in the vein of the 488 Pista and F12 tdf only serve to amplify the anticipation surrounding this exceptional machine. Unlike the ultra-exclusive LaFerrari predecessor, this model is poised to become a more mainstream offering, albeit one with a staggering near-1,000 horsepower.
LaFerrari outperforming the Ferrari F40: A driver's perspective on two legendary supercars at Goodwood.
The true measure of a car, however, lies beyond specifications and statistics – it’s in the visceral connection forged between driver and machine. The LaFerrari achieves something remarkable in this regard. It managed to eclipse even the legendary Ferrari F40, a car that for many years held the crown as the greatest road car ever driven. Before experiencing the LaFerrari, nothing had quite matched the F40’s raw, almost untamed thrill. The McLaren F1 came close, undeniably faster and more technologically advanced, but it lacked the sheer visceral excitement that the F40 delivered in spades. Many older mid-engined Ferraris, while capable and confidence-inspiring up to a point, often became treacherous at the limit. The F40 was different. It projected an image of a wild, untamed beast, yet when pushed hard, it revealed itself to be an incredibly rewarding and surprisingly forgiving partner.
Then came the LaFerrari, and the landscape shifted. After driving the trifecta of hybrid hypercars – the LaFerrari, the Porsche 918 Spyder, and the McLaren P1 – their individual characters became clear. The Porsche 918 Spyder emerged as the most versatile, excelling across a broad spectrum of driving conditions. The McLaren P1 proved to be an absolute track weapon, arguably the quickest of the three on equal tires around a circuit. However, when it came to pure driving pleasure and emotional engagement, the LaFerrari stood apart as the most compelling choice.
The Ferrari LaFerrari at Goodwood: Emphasizing its driver-focused experience compared to Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1 hypercars.
What truly set the LaFerrari apart was its surprising “old-school” feel, a paradoxical trait for a car boasting 950 horsepower and cutting-edge hybrid technology. While the Porsche and McLaren overtly showcased their technological prowess, the LaFerrari felt remarkably straightforward and focused on the core driving experience. There were no complex driving modes to navigate, no charging ports to plug into, and no electric-only driving range to consider. It was, at its heart, a brutally fast and incredibly engaging car that produced an utterly intoxicating sound. When pushed hard, the LaFerrari was an absolute revelation, perhaps less overtly grippy than a P1, but so immensely enjoyable that any perceived shortfall in outright grip became utterly irrelevant. The sheer fun factor overshadowed any technical comparisons.
Ferrari LaFerrari review at Goodwood: Showcasing the exhilarating and surprisingly straightforward nature of this V12 hypercar.
The LaFerrari holds a unique position in Ferrari’s lineage as its only mid-engined V12 road car of its era. While historical comparisons to road-legal racing cars like the 250LM, or technical arguments about the flat-12 engines in the Boxer and Testarossa, might arise, they arguably miss the point. The LaFerrari represents a specific and potent formula of mid-engine V12 exhilaration that stands alone in Ferrari’s modern history.
The question now turns to the SF90. Can Ferrari’s new generation hypercar, with its turbo V8 and four-wheel-drive system, deliver the same level of driver engagement and emotional connection as the LaFerrari? While the shift to a turbocharged V8 and all-wheel drive might suggest a departure from the LaFerrari’s raw, naturally aspirated V12 spirit, it’s crucial to remember Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. The years of development since the LaFerrari’s debut are sure to have yielded significant advancements. Expectations are high that the SF90 will be nothing short of incredible, potentially even pushing the boundaries of performance and technology further than ever before. However, the LaFerrari’s legacy as a benchmark for driving thrill and emotional engagement remains firmly intact, a testament to its timeless appeal in the ever-evolving world of hypercars.
