YES, It’s a Ferrari

Written by Nicolas Bates

Ferrari, the Italian manufacturer of supercars needs no introduction. However, what may need a heavy introduction is Ferrari’s latest model: the FF (or Ferrari Four) – the 612 Scaglietti’s successor. Long-time design partner Pininfarina helped the FF take shape, and it maintains much of what “Ferrari” is, however, much of what is not “Ferrari” is the fact that the FF is a four-door, four-wheel drive, “shooting brake” with an astounding 28 cubic feet of cargo space; an obvious take off from what Ferrari has ever been known for. Did Ferrari feel it was time for a new market and a change, much like Porsche felt when releasing the Panamera sedan? Apparently so. And with the FF, Ferrari is due to let loose its smallest, yet, most powerful vehicle yet.

First off, before one may comment on weight distribution, I will make it clear that, while it may be contrary to belief, the FF actually has a rear weight distribution of 53%. Amazing? I think so. This is largely due to Ferrari’s patented “4RM” four-wheel drive system – a system that Ferrari claims weighs less than 50% of other four-wheel drive systems. Regardless, when you take in to account the massive V12 up front, the fully warranted, “Ooooh…” may just pop into your head. The twelve-cylinder power plant is a reworked version of the 599 GTB’s 6-liter V12, with the FF seeing 6.3-liters of output. This is good enough for 651 horsepower and 504 ft-lbs of torque. Ferrari states the FF will accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 208 MPH. The massive power from the FF’s V12 is transferred to the asphalt via seven-speed DCT transmission, already in use in the likes of the 458 Italia. Although you can fold down the rear seats (and thus get 28 cubic feet of cargo space), this is no grocery-getter. Well, okay, maybe an extremely quick grocery-getter.

The front of the FF is essentially a slightly redesigned 458 Italia; that much is evident. The rear is something reminiscent of a BMW Z4, however, what really sets the car apart is its long wheelbase; not always seen on a “shooting brake” design. And sure, the “shooting brake” design has been available for decades on different makes (although sometimes only at substantial cost and having to enlist the help of a highly-specialized fabrication company), and sure the style has been made popular by the likes of BMW and their Z-series vehicles, but nothing has been created as truly stunning as the FF. When you mate the FF’s appearance with its performance, you get something never before created on this planet. The FF may be a love it or hate it design, but one thing is for certain: respect should be shown to Ferrari for having the innovation and design to create a car 100% in a class of its own.

Regardless of price or country, necks will crane and jaws will drop when the world is introduced to the highly powerful, highly comfortable and all new, Ferrari Four. Who knew you could do over 200 MPH on the way to get groceries?

For more info go to:
Ferrari.com