Up for auction on SBX Cars is a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari prototype, a rare find considering that prototypes are typically dismantled after a vehicle’s development phase. This particular prototype, designated as an F150 Protipo Preserie PS1 by the factory, is the third and final phase prototype, boasting cosmetic and mechanical similarities to the production model.
Revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the LaFerrari marked a significant milestone for Ferrari as its first in-house designed supercar and the brand’s maiden production car featuring a hybrid powertrain. Powered by a 6.3-liter V-12 engine combined with a hybrid system inspired by Formula 1’s Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), the LaFerrari delivers a peak 950 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds.
While Ferrari produced 500 LaFerrari coupes and 210 LaFerrari Aperta convertibles, this prototype, although visually identical to the production models, offers a unique opportunity for collectors. Finished in Ferrari’s signature Rosso Corsa and Matte Black with a red leather interior, it features a combination of prototype ancillaries and components alongside Ferrari’s pre-production HY-KERS hybrid powertrain system.
Named after the Italian term for ‘The Ferrari,’ the LaFerrari was lauded by company president Luca Di Montezemolo as an embodiment of Ferrari’s essence. The coupe variant, produced from 2013 to 2016, and the Aperta convertible, built from 2016 to 2018, garnered immense demand, driving fierce competition among prospective buyers.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Ferrari engineers, the LaFerrari prototype represents a blend of race-winning technology and exhilarating performance. Featuring a carbon-fiber tub main structure, it boasts a lower ride height and center of gravity compared to its predecessors.
Pioneering Ferrari’s hybrid technology, the LaFerrari houses a 6.3-liter V-12 engine coupled with a hybrid-electric system, delivering a seamless power output of 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari’s Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), akin to that used in Formula 1, enhances performance while maintaining Ferrari’s hallmark driving experience.
With only a handful of prototypes offered to Ferrari enthusiasts, including this LaFerrari Prototype PS1, this auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history. Providing insight into Ferrari’s design and engineering prowess, the LaFerrari prototype exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance excellence.