Geneva Motor Show: Ferrari Updates FF, Renames It GTC4 Lusso Because Why Not: Comments

[William Maley]

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The Ferrari FF was a bit of an odd duck for the brand. First introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the FFmodel was a four-seater shooting brake with a 651 horsepower V12 and all-wheel drive. Five years after its debut, the Italian sports car builder is readying a refreshed version that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But it won't be called FF. It will be called the GTC4Lusso.

 

At first, we thought someone had spilled some coffee on the keyboard when writing out the press release. But GTC4Lusso is the actual name of this vehicle. Ferrari says the name comes from the 330 GTC and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, two iconic models from the past.

 

Compared to the FF, the GTC4Lusso is similar in profile. But the GTC4Lusso borrows a couple of design cues from the F12 Berlinetta such as the front end, deep scallops on the doors, and a large rear diffuser. As someone who liked the look of the FF, the GTC4Lusso looks a bit ungainly.

 

The interior boasts a new dashboard with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen. A compact steering wheel is said to improve the feeling of the GTC4Lusso being sporty.

 

Under the hood is the same 6.3L V12 engine that powered the FF. For the GTC4Lusso, power has been increased from 651 to 681 horsepower. Torque has slightly increased from 504 to 514 pound-feet. No mention of what sort of transmission the model will use. A new all-wheel drive system with four-wheel steer will keep the model going in any condition.

 

Source: Ferrari

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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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 V12 – 65°
Overall displacement 6262 cc
Max. power output* 507 kW (690 cv) at 8,000 rpm
Max. torque* 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm

 

Dimensions and weight
Length 4,922 mm
Width 1,980 mm
Height 1,383 mm
Dry weight** 1,790 kg
Weight distribution 47-53% front/rear

 

Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.4 sec

 

* With 98 RON petrol
**With optional lightweight contents

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[G. David Felt]

Interesting, wonder how long before they join Tesla in building an electric Prancing pony that has these spec's. After all Tesla does on their P90D.

[Cory Wolfe]

All I get out of this is... Quad taillights!

[G. David Felt]

We'll yes you get quad tail lights and a dated look inside and out. Nothing really new here. This is why I wonder when they will go the EV route to truly offer something new.