BETTER PARTSLaffite Automobili auctions the first LM1 road car for charity
'Le Mans racer for the road' with a 1,000 hp, hybrid V8
You may have heard of the name Laffite. In the 1970s and 1980s, French driver Jacques Laffite drove in F1 for Iso Marlboro, Ligier and Williams. For two years, Laffite was the driver who had completed the most F1 races. Now Laffite is retired and will sometimes visit his nephew Bruno. He used the family name to found an Italian supercar brand: Laffite Automobili. During the Miami GP, the brand unveiled its first car: the Laffite LM1.
As the name suggests, the name LM1 is inspired by the highest class in Le Mans racing. By the way, the design comes from Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro. According to Laffite Automobili, the LM1 is "the first Le Mans hypercar of the modern era built for road use." Because the Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion naturally dates back to prehistoric times.
Specifications of the Laffite LM1
Moreover, the LM1 would have to be severely restricted to be able to participate in the 'modern era' of the 24-hour race in Le Mans. In the back is a V8 engine that is assisted by an electric motor. Together they produce 1,000 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. This should complete a sprint to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds. By the way, the top speed is 350 km/h.
Frightening figures for when you stroll along the French coast. Fortunately, the eight-cylinder from Autotecnica Motori could adapt 'to use on public roads and to all types of drivers'. Thanks to an excessive use of carbon fiber for the chassis and body, the hypercar weighs only 1,250 kilos. Furthermore, the LM1 lives up to the 'racing car for the road' stigma with its F1-style steering wheel, adjustable suspension and active aero parts.
On November 15 – in the week of the Las Vegas GP – Laffite Automobili will also travel to the gambling city with the LM1. That's where the first LM1 should find its first owner. The hypercar will be auctioned during the charity auction 'One Night For One Drop', which raises money to provide drinking water around the world. In addition to this example, 23 more LM1s are being built. Prices start at 2.4 million dollars, or approximately 2.3 million euros.