Ferrari today previewed its GTC4 Lusso which, when it debuts at the Geneva auto show next month, will be the first Ferrari model to combine all-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering.
The prancing-horse brand's latest model is a successor to the FF, a sleek clown shoe of a four-seat grand tourer that was the Ferrari's first foray into four driven wheels. Like the FF, the GTC4 Lusso gets its power from a 6.3L V12, but tuned for 679 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque, versus the FF's 660 and 504. The AWD system incorporates Ferrari's latest stability/traction control programming, electronic differential control, plus magnetic ride control dampers Ferrari says contribute not only to sharp handling but also work to improve grip on rough roads, and ride comfort. There's no mention of transmission details, so we figure the GTC carries forward the FF's seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
More frustrating is how vague Ferrari's press release is about the one thing that really piques our curiosity: the rear-wheel steering function it mentions as one of the car's key engineering features. We hope Ferrari will reveal more when it reveals the car in Geneva: is it active or passive? Does it work only to improve high-speed stability, or also to improve low-speed maneuverability?
Ferrari says aerodynamic improvements, like a new grille with integrated air intakes, wing-mounted air vents, roof-mounted rear spoiler, and a "triple-fence" diffuser, all contribute to a coefficient of drag "substantially lower" than that of the FF.
Ferrari says the GTC4 Lusso packages more of the pleasure and practicality that helped the FF attract younger buyers who use their Ferraris more: the company says owners of that model put 30 percent more mileage on their cars than the average Ferrari driver. A new interior promises "the same ambiance as a luxurious living space," and ensures "exceptional comfort and room" for four occupants, plus an "ample" luggage compartment. The dash is designed around a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a smaller airbag allows a more compact steering wheel with more ergonomic integrated controls.
The idea here, says the Italian automaker, was to create a car that's fun (Ferrari prefers the term pleasurable) anywhere, anytime: on city streets; open highways; alone; or with three "lucky" friends aboard. An everyday Ferrari? Sounds good to us.
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