Ferrari GTC4Lusso 2017 Revealed

When Ferrari’s FF made its debut for 2012, the model broke new ground by being the first Ferrari with four-wheel drive. The newly unveiled follow-up version adds four-wheel steering to the mix, but rather than adding a third “F” to the model name, Ferrari switched to the more evocative GTC4Lusso.

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 big mechanical highlight is the addition of four-wheel steering (seen before on the F12tdf but never previously married with AWD—at least not at Ferrari). As any self-respecting new Ferrari must, the GTC4Lusso also ups the performance quotient. Ferrari has lured a few more horses into its (still naturally aspirated) V-12 corral. A higher compression ratio—now 13.5:1—sees increases in output to 681 horsepower, up from 651, at a lusty 8000 rpm. Torque swells from 504 to 514 lb-ft at 5750 rpm. Ferrari claims a zero-to-62-mph time of 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph.

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.

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.

The greatest dimensional change is in width (which grows by 1.1 inches), and that difference is most evident in the rear view, which also shows the new roof spoiler and rear diffuser. Overall length and height, by contrast, both increase by less than an inch. The GTC4Lusso sports re-sculpted doors and fenders, the latter with redesigned (and functional) air vents. Up front we find a wider grille and restyled headlamps. The leather-everywhere interior retains its digital readouts for rpm and speed on the passenger side but gains a larger.

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. 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. 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.

Dynamics

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.

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 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.

Interior

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.

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.

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 will make its debut in person next month at the Geneva auto show. We won’t see the GTC4Lusso on the streets here in North America until sometime later this year. The price? Ferrari isn’t saying just yet, but don’t expect to pay any less than $302,450—that was the tariff for the FF, and we’ve never known a new Ferrari that was cheaper than the previous model.

Source: car parts