Feb 8th 2016 at 9:33AM
The Ferrari FF is now the GTC4 Lusso
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by Noah Joseph
As groundbreaking as it might have been when it debuted in 2011, the FF was never the best-looking Ferrari in the fleet. And at five years old, it's now the oldest as well. But Maranello is out to correct that with the new model you see here.
Dubbed the GTC4 Lusso, the updated version of the FF is not only better-looking than the model it replaces, but packs some innovations under its slightly sharper coachwork as well. It debuts next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The 6.3-liter V12 carries over in naturally aspirated guise, but now produces 680 hp and 514 lb-ft. That's a marked improvement over the existing ratings of 651 horsepower and 504 pound-feet of torque. It still stops short of threatening the more focused F12 Berlinetta with its 730 hp and 509 lb-ft.
The muscle still meets the road through the only all-wheel drive system that Ferrari has ever made, but now integrates four-wheel steering as well, like we saw on the F12 TdF. The 4RM-S system works in tandem with Slip Side Control 4.0, integrating the electronic differential and adaptive dampers to keep this horse prancing on no matter the conditions. No mention was made of the transmission, but we're likely dealing with the same seven-speed DCT as its predecessor. Regardless, the sum total is a 0-62 time quoted at 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 208 miles per hour.
The revised mechanical bits, as you can see, are wrapped in new sheetmetal. It all looks tauter, more sculpted, and more aggressive than some of the rounded forms of the FF, and the interior has been updated as well. The key change is at the back of the greenhouse. Often derided as somewhat awkward and ungainly, the fastback roofline is lowered with the kink at the back of the side glass flipped, a spoiler added at the trailing edge of the roof, and the twin taillights replaced by four.
THE FERRARI GTC4LUSSO DEBUTS AT THE GENEVA SHOW
- The Ferrari GTC4Lusso debuts at the Geneva Show: class-leading performance, versatility in all driving conditions, sublime elegance.
- A unique car, a whole new world
Maranello, 8 February 2016 – Ferrari announces the addition to its range of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the new four-seater which hails a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept by integrating rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time.
This is a car designed for clients wanting to experience the pleasure of driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime, be it on short spins or long journeys, snowy mountain roads or city streets, alone or in the company of three lucky passengers. Drivers who demand exceptional power but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing. In short, the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, like the FF before it which won the Prancing Horse a new, younger client base that, significantly, also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30% higher mileage than average.
The GTC4Lusso's name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari's favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance. The number 4 alludes to the car's four comfortable seats.
Engine
The GTC4Lusso's 12-cylinder engine delivers smooth, consistent power, punching out a massive 690 cv at 8,000 rpm. Both its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power ratio and its 13.5:1 compression ratio set new records for the category. Maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs. The soundtrack brilliantly reflects the car's multifaceted personality: it is rich and powerful in performance driving and discreet yet harmonious in the city.
Dynamics
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is an exceptionally versatile car in every kind of grip condition thanks to the Ferrari-patented 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, based on yet another exclusive Prancing Horse patent, the latest evolution of the Slip Side Control (4.0) system, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. All these sophisticated vehicle dynamics controls are seamlessly integrated by Ferrari's proprietary software and enable the driver to effortlessly handle the GTC4Lusso's extraordinary torque even on snow-covered, wet or low grip roads. The result is tremendous stability and a sensation of masterful control and security that translates into superior performance. The new-generation SCM-E damper control also contributes to improving performance on rough surfaces and, of course, to superior ride comfort.
The GTC4Lusso's high levels of performance are also due in part to new aerodynamic solutions, not least a new front grille with integrated air intakes to improve the efficiency of the radiating masses, the air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. The combined effect of these features is a Cd value that is substantially lower than on the FF.
Style
Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.
Its sporty soul is underscored by the forms and styling of the rear where the curve of the roof has been lowered whilst retaining enough volume to guarantee exceptional space and comfort for all four occupants, as well as an ample luggage compartment. Ferrari's signature twin rear lights adorn the tail. These not only emphasise the car's muscular shoulders and broaden it horizontally, but work visually with the tail pipes to lend a sense of imposing power to the rear. Dynamically chiselled crease lines create a diapason theme along the car's flanks, breaking up the optical mass, accentuating the muscular wheelarch and imparting a sculpted athleticism.
Interior
Meticulous attention to design and carefully executed detailing has produced a cabin that is a flawless triumph of sporty luxury. Its Dual Cockpit architecture is another first, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger, with the latter having their own generous optional display with a plethora of functions.
That innovative architecture aside, the cabin's most striking feature is the beautiful craftsmanship of the materials which have been painstakingly selected and combined to enrich the atmosphere on board.
Generous wraparound seats guarantee all four occupants exceptional comfort and room, creating the same ambience as a luxurious living space.
The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25" HD screen with capacitive touch technology. The new steering wheel is more compact thanks to a smaller air bag and the integrated controls are more ergonomic than ever, making for an even sportier driving experience.
The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, but exclusive images can be seen from today on
www.ferrari.com.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso brief technical specification
Engine
Type
Overall displacement
Max. power output*
Max. torque* V12 - 65°
6262 cc
507 kW (690 cv) at 8,000 rpm
697 Nm at 5,750 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length
Width
Height
Dry weight**
Weight distribution 4,922 mm
1,980 mm
1,383 mm
1,790 kg
47-53% front/rear
Performance
Maximum speed
0-100 km/h 335 km/h
3.4 sec
* With 98 RON petrol
**With optional lightweight content
Featured GalleryFerrari GTC4 Lusso
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