Ferrari, not one to relinquish the limelight, has just stolen the show in Paris by unveiling the nail-bitingly anticipated (but worst kept secret) LaFerrari Aperta. The new model offers either a soft top or optional carbon fibre hard top, and its performance is just about on par as the standard tin-top LaFerrari, with the same torsional rigidity and top speed, thanks to its intelligent aerodynamics, allowing the drag coefficient to not be affected by the open-top design.

The 6.2-litre hybrid V12 powertrain of the standard LaFerrari is retained in this Aperta version, and its setup, true to Ferrari’s form, has been tweaked in the smallest but most effective details based on the experience of the standard version for increased overall performance and efficiency. The inconel 6 into 1 exhaust system also remains, although this time tuned to sound even better.

Regarding the styling, the carbon fibre tub has kept its strength even with the open-top roof design thanks to Ferrari’s “flying bridge” design, incorporating the roof system into the main body. There is also an aerodynamic wind stop to reduce wind noise. The chassis is reinforced, and the butterfly doors not only open at a slightly different angle as a safety measure, but also feature a carbon fibre insert so that they can rotate – quite a departure from the tin-top car. These modifications will no doubt make the Aperta a little heavier, but the exact numbers have not been confirmed. We can’t wait to see how this performs on the tarmac.