benefit of very high temperature and stress resistance characteristics .
CHASSIS
To retain the same running gear and performance as the LaFerrari coupé in this new open-top model , Ferrari ’ s engineers worked on two main areas : the chassis and aerodynamics .
With the chassis , the focus was entirely on the lower section which had to be reinforced because it is subject to different stresses caused by force lines which , in the coupé , converge in the upper part .
The elimination of the roof also demanded a review of the door rotation system . The Aperta has the same butterfly doors as the LaFerrari coupé although , when fully open , they are now at slightly different angle as a result of safety-focused re-engineering demanded by its open-top configuration . This in turn led to modifications to the geometry of both the wheelarches and flanks . Specifically , a carbon-fibre insert , which incorporates an aerodynamic vent , was added to allow the doors to rotate . However , the insert itself has also become one of the Aperta ’ s signature styling elements , a flourish that , although absolutely distinctive , does not interfere in any way with the original LaFerrari lines .
A string of targeted modifications which , despite a small increase in weight , allow the LaFerrari Aperta to deliver the same torsional rigidity figure as the LaFerrari , thus putting the Aperta at the top of supercar category in terms of dynamic performance .
AERODYNAMICS
The greatest aerodynamic challenge for the Maranello technicians was to retain the coupé ’ s extreme performance capabilities . Their goal with the LaFerrari Aperta ’ s design was to achieve the same drag figure as the LaFerrari , even when driving without the hard top in place .
To effectively manage the hot air flow from the radiators through the bonnet , the angle of inclination of the radiators was modified . In the coupé , the radiators are angled to ensure that the air flow hugs the bonnet : in the LaFerrari Aperta , the radiating masses are angled backwards to direct the air flows out along the underbody . This solution results in complete separation of the hot air from the flow reaching the cockpit , keeping temperature levels for occupants comfortable .
The aerodynamic package is completed by two small L-shaped flaps on the upper corners of the windscreen which , in the absence of a hard top , generate a coherent vortex that interacts with the flow being deflected towards the rear header rail , diverting it upwards to reduce the compression on the rear section of the cabin , thereby reducing drag . This system ensures that the open-top car ’ s drag is similar to the coupé version .
In terms of open-top aerodynamic comfort , an innovative integrated system was developed . The high-speed air flow that would otherwise enter the cabin from the top of the windscreen is captured by an angled wind-stop fixed to the parcel shelf . The wind-stop is angled to channel the flow through spaces in the car ’ s interior structure before exiting at a slower speed behind the passenger seats . This delivers a level of interior comfort in line with other convertibles in the Ferrari range without increasing drag .
DESIGN
LaFerrari Aperta retains intact the avant-garde styling of the coupé , a model that represents the peak of the synergies between the engineering and development departments and Ferrari ’ s Styling Centre . The body ’ s shape is very sculptural and aerodynamically functional , with an innovative formal language . Its fluid forms lend a sense of huge power , while the F1-inspired nose and the muscular power of the tail section reveal the car ’ s extreme , sporty character .
Seen from the side the LaFerrari Aperta has a sharp , downward-sloping nose and a very low bonnet which emphasises its muscular wheelarches . The result is strongly reminiscent of the gloriously exuberant forms of late-1960s Ferrari sports prototypes , such as the 330 P4 , a model that was also built in open and closed coupé versions . The ratio of the front and wheelarch dimensions are also very much in line with Ferrari tradition .
The styling is underscored by a discrete model-specific livery with just a few graphic accents in a contrasting colour defining the main styling contours . Equally , the cabin features detailing that coordinates with the livery , as well as new seat upholstery in which leather is combined with Starlite Alcantara .
The new layout of the radiating masses made it necessary to create a duct that could channel air from the upper section of the front grille over the bonnet . This solution generates downforce depending on the variations in the flow momentum striking the car .
Furthermore , deflecting the hot air to the underbody also meant that the vortex generators needed to be redesigned . The front dam is now longer while the underbody surface around the longitudinal vortex generators has been lowered to boost the ground effect and thus the car ’ s ability to generate efficient downforce .
24 | The Gentleman Magazine