Hot Wheels LaFerrari with it's ancestory

If it's one thing Ferrari has made a name for itself when it comes to cars specifically built for the track and to smitten boys and men across the globe.  The uppermost point in the Ferrari line is the super exotics like F40, F50, Enzo, and now the LaFerrari.  All of these cars exhibit the latest technology out there and then some area's that are still new and for the time being expensive to mass produce, yet if it goes well and costs come down the technology seen on these vehicles trickle down into future Ferrari models and, eventually, other automotive brands as well.  Here I gathered five examples of the super Ferrari models from each decade, two of them are variations of the same model.  Let's take a look:

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F40:  The beginning

In 1988 the F40 became what was known as the start of the high-priced exotic cars at Ferrari that showcased the latest technology that also hinted at the future of Ferrari models.  The story was that it was time for Ferrari to celebrate 40 years producing limited edition cars for the public, and Ferrari needed a car to succeed the 288 GTO and compete with the Porsche 959 in the FIA Group B race.  What essentially ended up was a car that would have the wedge-shaped look of current Ferrari's in the 1980's with wings and scoops of a race car.  Once approved by Enzo Ferrari himself (and the last car he would see before his death on August 14, 1988), the F40 was built with a body styled by Pininfarina made of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and aluminum.  The interior was strictly a race car with supportive seats, large 3-spoke steering wheel, and gated shifter. Almost the whole rear of the car opens up to showcase the 2.9L twin-turbocharged V8 producing 471 hp. with claims that the engine can muster almost 500 hp. if tuned properly.  Transmission is the 5-speed manual transaxle, and the suspension is the same control arms in the 288 GTO, but with advanced suspension tuning to allow the low-to-the-ground body to lift up slightly to clear speed bumps.  0-60 in 3.8 sec, 0-100 in 7.6 sec., top speed of 201 mph., and has a price tag of $400,000 US ($850,000 today).

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The Hot Wheels version was released in 1988, along with other models made by countless diecast brands.  The Hot Wheels version has a metal base which protrudes upward to fill in the turn signal/foglight housing, deeply-carved side NACA ducts, vented rear window, large rear wing, and the famous Ferrari quad taillights.  The neatest feature is the rear hatch that opens up to show the V8 motor with the intake housing, twin turbo boxes, and tri-exhaust system (the center one is the wastegate from the turbo's) nicely detailed.  The interior is average but at least has the right setup.  Many countless variations of the F40 has been made, sadly most with graphics covering the body, but a few gems do appear:  this one was released in 2001 in the regular line and I must say it looks good in the light blue with the 5-spoke wheels that almost closely resemble the wheels on the actual car.  The next best is the red/black two-tone version from the 2012 Boulevard line.

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F50:  Only targa Ferrari supercar

In 1995, with a resurgence going on at Ferrari to revive the quality and excitement of the Ferrari brand, the F50 arrived premature of the actual 50th anniversary date (which is 1998).  While it may look the same as the F40 with the large winged-rear and bodywork of a race car, it was totally a different car.  The engine is now a 4.7L V-12 from the 1992 F92A race car, producing 750 hp. through a six-speed transaxle.  The suspension was redesigned to now offer horizontal pushrod suspension commonly used in F1 cars, giving the F50 stronger g-forces on the skidpad.  0-60 in 3.7 sec., 0-100 in 6 sec., top speed of 194 mph., and price between $480-550 thousands of dollars.  So, yeah it seems like not much has advanced over the F40, yet the difference is a non-turbo engine and a new Targa model that uses a removable roof panel to let more air into the fast exhilarating experience of a super exotic.  The outside features smoother bodywork than the F40, a revised front end featuring exposed headlights and twin hood vents for the front radiator.  The rear engine cover is now flat, with roll hoops integrated behind the front seats for Targa models.  The interior is, yes again, race car-only with just the gauges, steering wheel, and shifter to keep you occupied.

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Hot Wheels released two different versions: The first one was released in 1996 and is the best version yet.  Also it's the only one in this scale to have the open-top look.  The shape of the body and the dimensions are spot-on, the wheels look nice if inaccurate to the actual model, the interior nicely done, and the engine details under the glass are nice except you really can't see it well with the numerous vents on the glass in the way.  The hardtop released in 1999 was a backwards-step:  smaller, taller ground-clearance than the actual car or the 1996 Targa.  It does offer a metal base and 5-spoke wheels that look more accurate than the lace wheels of the Targa.  But when you consider the size is identical to an F355 that Hot Wheels also has, it seems discerning that the largest Ferrari in the lineup is so tiny in comparison.

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Enzo: Taking Ferrari to the next level

Almost ten years later, it was time for Ferrari to take in the next step of its super car program.  The result is the 2003 Enzo Ferrari.  Unlike the F50, the Enzo takes a bigger leap in evolution with edgier bodywork that features a longer, F1-inspired nose, integrated scoops in the fenders, smooth rear spoiler (that pops up after 60 mph.), taillights that bulge out from the top of the rear, and a new rear bumper diffuser for the under body pan.  The body is carbon-fiber, the doors open up like a butterfly, and the interior features more content in carbon fiber, but still non-luxurious.  The 6.0L V8 features DOHC and technology from the Maserati V8 family, producing 651 hp. and 485 Ib-Ft of torque through a new six-speed semi-automatic F1-style gearbox (the first non-manual Ferrari super car).  0-60 in 3.1 sec., 0-100 in 6.6 sec., top speed of 221 mph., and a price tag of $659,000 US.  The Enzo was also the first Ferrari supercar to donate its platform to other models including the racing version of the Enzo called FXX, Maserati's version of the Enzo called MC-12, P4/5 one-off designed by Pinifarina, and the Chrysler ME-412 concept.

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This Hot Wheels version released in 2003 is superbly done, and also joined by a 1:18 scale model that arrived shortly after the 1:64 version.  The sharp bodywork is nicely executed, the interior now has more eye-catching detail, and at last! the rear glass cover is clear, which allows the V-12 to be seen in plain view and it looks awesome!  Several variations have come over the years and it's surprising that most of them have nothing but paint and prancing horse logo's, with a few having some pinstripes along the side.  This black version from 2006 features the special Faster Than Ever wheels (new in 2006), though I would like to see some lighting details.  As much as the Enzo looks good, the edgy styling drew quite a bit of criticism from either those who love the styling to those who despise it.  Now that Ferrari has smooth out the awkward edgy angles on their latest Ferrari's, it was time once again to move on to the next generation of Ferrari super cars.

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LaFerrari:  Smooth, yet futuristic

Introduced in 2013 the LaFerrari is the latest offering from Ferrari with a super car packing the latest and next generation technologies for future models in the Ferrari line.  The biggest was the new mild-hybrid setup composing of a 6.3L DOHC V-12 producing 789 hp. and a 7-speed automated manual transaxle, mated to electric motor part of the KERS unit that produces 161 hp.  Both motors come together to produce 950 hp., yet be as efficient as a V8 motor.  Hybrid technology is big, yet Ferrari wanted to make sure whomever props down a million dollars for one of these also gets the full-effect of the Ferrari experience with a whaling V-12 motor.  The car is estimated to hit 60 mph. in under 3 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.; more information will come out over the years when journalists try to find out how much power can this car top out.  The styling is a huge improvement with softer, yet still edgy, lines and a shorter front overhang to give the side view an equal-appearance.  Unlike past Ferrari super cars, where the styling dictates future Ferrari models, this one follows the current design standards of the 458, FF, and F12 models with the large and thin headlights.  The lower grilles are larger and feature flexible fins that open and close when needed by the force of the air at speed.  The roof is now all-clear, the side scoops are nicely tucked in like a cave, and the rear now features the center spine first seen on the F12.  The interior now features a more artful work with two-tone dash, supportive seats, center console that floats toward the dashboard, and center gauges that are all-digital save for the yellow analog tachometer in the center.  I also noticed that you may want to watch your step when you get into this car because the outer frame of the carbon fiber tub comes up halfway to the door.

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As far as the new Hot Wheels version goes, it's pretty nice with the correct flow of the body, clear top roof, and interior detailing.  The engine is still there, but barely visible in the narrower rear window.  However, there are a few shortcomings to this casting:  One the ground clearance is too high compared to the actual car (it should hug the ground a little more); a similar problem I found with the HW Pagani Huyara casting.  The second is to see more decals in the rear, like the taillights; again a problem I also found on the HW F12 casting.  Overall it's not a bad casting, and the actual car will look more enticing to car enthusiast when it comes out than what the Enzo can do.  Then again so did all of these cars shown here.

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