Ferrari’s $2 million supercar lands

It can be seen but not heard ... Ferrari's $2 million hybrid supercar La Ferrari after it was unpacked from its shipping crate at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek. Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

FERRARI'S first ever hybrid supercar has arrived in Australia — but don't expect to see it on the road anytime soon, because it can't be registered here.

The $2 million LaFerrari is for display only as the star attraction at next weekend's Ferrari Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, where more than 300 classic models valued at $175 million will gather to celebrate the brand.

Here it comes ... The La Ferrari is unveiled from its shipping crate at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, for the Ferrari Festival. Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

A warehouse clerk was the first person in Australia to get behind the wheel of the car after it was flown-in yesterday but he didn't get a chance to give it a rev.

Ferrari is so concerned that the LaFerrari goes home in one piece that it disabled the engine so it can't be driven.

Jesse De Caires, 23, from Hurstville, is still the envy of every Ferrari fan because he at least got to sit in the bright red supercar as he steered it out of a shipping container — while others pushed — after it landed in Sydney.

"I have to jump into the container because I'm the only one skinny enough to fit through the car windows," said De Caires, who over the past two years has unpacked about one Ferrari every fortnight after they are flown in.

"The engine didn't start" ... Jesse De Caires steers the La Ferrari as it is unpacked from its shipping crate. Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

He said he is never tempted to take one for a spin because he knows it would cost him his job.

"It's not frustrating because we know we have to be careful," said De Caires. "But I was a bit disappointed this time because the engine didn't start. I wanted to hear it."

Just 499 LaFerrari supercars are being built and Ferrari says between "five and 10" Australians have bought one, even though the car can never be registered locally.

Instead, the unnamed wealthy buyers will drive their cars either overseas or on race tracks.

Ferrari head office in Italy has disabled the complex petrol-electric engine to prevent anyone from driving the car during the LaFerrari's visit.

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's La Ferrari ... the hybrid supercar is unpacked at Sydney Motorsport Park. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

It means that Ferrari Australia representatives will have to push it on and off its transporter and into position for the Ferrari Racing Days at Sydney Motorsport Park, from April 11 to 13, where it will be the star attraction among 300 classic and racing Ferraris estimated to be worth more than $175 million.

"This is the first and quite possibly the only time we will see a LaFerrari in Australia," said Ferrari Australia boss Herbert Appleroth. "We have been very lucky to secure it, but it won't be driven."

Look at me ... Jesse De Caires sitting in the La Ferrari, which has been bought by "between five and 10 Australians". Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

The LaFerrari, which costs 1 million euros plus taxes — which would cost at least $1.5 million in Australia before 33 per cent Luxury Car Tax, 10 per cent GST and 5 per cent import duty are added if it were sold here.

As is customary with the supercar brand, Ferrari Australia would not reveal the identity of the local LaFerrari customers.

High profile car collectors and Ferrari fanatics in Australia include Dean Wills, the former Coca-Cola Australia boss, and transport magnate Lindsay Fox. But neither businessman has declared themselves as one of the owners.

"We never reveal the identity of our customers," said Mr Appleroth, adding that they may not be household names. "Most of (the LaFerrari customers) are not in the public arena."

The LaFerrari is powered by a 6.2-litre V12 engine matched to a high-output electric motor that will boost acceleration once the car is already on the move.

Unlike the Toyota Prius, which can idle and move from rest silently using electric power, the LaFerrari leaves the V12 running at idle because customers want to hear the Ferrari engine.

A very special car ... The limited edition La Ferrari. Source: News Corp Australia

Distinctive features ... The Fernando Alonso steering wheel. Source: News Corp Australia

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

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