Paris show: Open-top LaFerrari uncovered

FERRARI has revealed the first images of its open-top LaFerrari hybrid supercar, but is saving the announcement of the exclusive model’s name and other details for September’s Paris motor show.

Highlighting the ultra-exclusive nature of the car, Ferrari says that every single example of the drop-top has been snapped up following a special client preview event it held recently, adding that the “order book is closed”.

It is unclear how many convertible LaFerraris will be built, but the hardtop version – revealed at the 2013 Geneva motor show – was limited to just 499 examples at a cost of approximately $US1 million ($A1.3m).

Just three images have been released at this stage, showing the ultra-exclusive model with its roof-down in a menacing black body colour with contrasting red highlights on the lower side skirts, bonnet, rear engine cover surrounds and on the leather seats.

The topless LaFerrari will be available with either a removable carbon-fibre hard-top or soft-top. Pricing, as well as the variant’s name, is unclear, but expect it to carry a premium over the regular hard-top.

The Italian sportscar-maker says it has made “significant and extensive” changes to the LaFerrari’s chassis to make sure it has the same torsional rigidity and stiffness as its coupe sibling, while aerodynamics have also been improved to ensure the same drag coefficient.

Nothing has changed under the engine cover, with the open-top LaFerrari still using the 590kW/700Nm 6.3-litre V12 internal combustion engine paired with a 120kW electric motor, for a combined system output of 708kW and 900Nm.

Performance figures also match the coupe, according to Ferrari, which include a sub-three-second 0-100km/h sprint time and a 0-200km/h time of less than seven seconds.

The iconic car-maker says the LaFerrari is “aimed at clients and collectors who refuse to compromise on the joy of al fresco driving even when at the wheel of a supercar”.

More information, including production numbers and the model’s name, will be revealed at the Paris motor show in September. Keep checking to GoAuto.com.au for updates.