By Roberto Motta
Photos: Ferrari-Media – Giovanni Gastel
The new Prancing Horse car is a revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive and, of course, is powered by an exceptional V12 engine
Ferrari has revealed the first three images of the new FF, the most powerful and versatile four-seater ever built by Ferrari, and the first Prancing Horse four-wheel drive. The new FF, for Ferrari Four, is an entirely new GT designed by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari’s own chief designer, Flavio Manzoni.
It has all new longer wheelbase chassis with an independent suspension that incorporates the latest-generation of magnetically adjustable dampers (SCM3) and the most recent development of Brembo carbon ceramic disc brakes.
The four-wheel drive system, called 4RM (4 Ruote Motrici), weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system and has a weight distribution of 53 per cent over the rear axle. The system is completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, and it is able to direct the torque to the front wheels when slippery conditions demand it, but also when the car is in an understeer, or in oversteer state.
The FF is powered by a new 65-degree V12 with a capacity of 6262 cc and is fed by a direct injection system. The engine develops 660 CV at 8000 rpm and 504lb ft of torque at 5000 rpm. The new V12 is combined with a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox to replace the previous six-speed manual used by the 612.
According the factory, the FF is able to achieve 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and to reach the top speed of 335 km/h (208.159 mph).
A vast array of personalized options and accessories has been developed for the FF. It is possible to choose between six model-specific exterior colors and interior in specially selected leather. The new Ferrari FF has a boot that provides 450 litres of space with all passengers aboard, or 800 litres with the rear seats folded, figures which match many four-door models.
The new FF is designed for a new generation, designed to accommodate four adults and their luggage. It will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva show, and go on sale soon afterwards.
But now I have a doubt: I am at times a passionate critic; Ferrari management says that the FF is a decisive break with the past, and that the new car represents not so much an evolution but a true revolution. A revolution that eventually mean a new front-engined V12 four-seater GT that not only replaces the 612 two-plus-two coupé but also aims to attract a new kind of “all-road, all-weather” Ferrari customer. While this is no doubt a strategic marketing change and will make Ferrari cars to compete with Mercedes, Porsche and BMW, brace yourself for the introduction of a Ferrari FS (Ferrari SUV) or FSW (Ferrari Station Wagon).
OK…why do I feel like Ferrari is losing their way in styling leadership? Maybe it is because so many cars now are “Italian inspired” in their designs, or maybe it’s the nature of the instant information and copying of the world we live in, but this looks like it could be an Infiniti or Lexus, even a big BMW Z4 coupe. Like those designs, to me it looks awkward, particularly in the roofline and rear deck. Compared to earlier four passenger designs, which admitedly sacrifice some practicality and comfort to maintain sylistic leadership, it just seems clumsy. Yes, I know that there is scant headroom in the rear of cars like the Inifiniti G coupes, and there is a difference between a design goal of four adults plus luggage versus a 2+2 capaable of holding only young kids in the back seat, but still. Even the Porsche Panamera is better than this!
I think this car is fantastic! I think the new design direction is great, finally taking chances. This IS a Ferrari station wagon and that is something to be appreciated. For the past zillion years or so I think Ferrari has been making cars for those who have lots of money and need these cars to represent status. In the 1950′ and 60’s owning a Ferrari represented taste, in the 80’s and since, to me, they have represented a lack of same.
Too bad. Ferrari jumping on the bandwagon too late and with a styling that is far from the beauty of its former 2+2 designs. They can’t seriously mean this being the replacement for the 612! Even an ugly Panamera has more appeal.
As with so many other makes, it seems vintage is the way to go for the true enthusiast.
Yeah, I agree with Marty Stein, this Ferrari could be an Infinity or Lexus. The side character line, which really doesn’t show up in the red car photos, really isn’t that much better than the recent California.
Problem is it’ll still cost lots of money, you just won’t be buying much status.
I’d say it looks more like a Z3 coupe that had a high speed head on with an Italia.
Why did they look to Porsche and BMW for inspiration rather than Aston? Blech.
At first glance it looks like a 2 door version of the Indian Ford Figo, economy hatch !
On the other hand when I first saw the Figo I thought to myself has the styling been pinched from the ferrari gto breadvan? and I havent bothered mulling over this since. Therefore Marty Steins comments- on the styling are very similar to my thoughts too. However,I think its time that all of us that think that the last stunning looker was the Countach ( like me) ought to reserve coment, remember the old phrase, “It will grow on you” It usually does. 10 years from now we will probally go out and buy a scale model and wonder why we did not think it good looking enough earlier!!
Marketing wise I really cant understand what the car manufactures are up too, hoarding brands like audi’s bugatti, skoda, porsche, lambo ( at least with lambo the focus seems to be “machina sportive” , and fiat’s ferrrai /alfa /fiat , why not brand it an alfa or lancia instead ( oh, its got a v 12 !) so what!
The FF styling looks to be the crossbreeding of a BMW Z3 Coupe and a BMW Z4 coupe. It’s a beautiful design, pity that BMW thought of it first and did so more than 11 years ago.
Does Ferrari really neeed to get into this market segment? If they want to increase sales, why not just make more of their traditional sports cars? There is normally a waiting list to purchase their latest models. It’s unfornatuate that they are getting so far afield from what made the brand the greatest sports car company. If one really needs a true 4-seater, then buy a Japanese car.
The headlight mounting looks stout and the tail is very nice , however it appears to be a little too much Mazda type design in certain places of the car which shouldn’t be.
horror, exterior design
Yep…looks like the late and unlamented BMW Z3 hatch with the Mazda grinning Jackass grill grafted on. Sad to think this is from the same company that gave us all of the classic designs. Of course back then they had Scagletti, Turin , PF, et al. to help. The Old Man must be spinninng at F1 engine RPM’s in his grave.
BTW…who needs an “all weather, all road” Ferrari any way. I like the snowy road shot. Just imagine being able to do that with 660CV @ 335 km/h. 🙂 LOL
Ferrari has long since lost her soul and spirit!…
How far they are from 250, 275 Berlinettas, 2+2, even Aerodinamico coupe designs!…
Who needs 660CV on sleepery roads?… A Ferrari is everything but not an every day car!…
Ah yeah! those new atractive rising “East markets”!!…
A HATCHBACK Ferrari? Give me break! BARF! TC
Well I guess if you like the Ferrari Breadvan, then you would think the styling of this car is fantastic. I would say that seeing this car “in the flesh” is a precursor to righting it off entirely as a work of art. It could only get better.
I agree with Richard G, vintage is the only way to go. It’s in part the crash regulations but there is still room for innovative style, Peugot is a good example, see the 207 elsewhere on this site. I was waiting for Alfa to come back, now the new Giulietta looks like my wife’s Subaru ( not bad looking, just not distinctive) and its front wheel drive, nothing wrong with that except not what I want on my Alfa. Now with Crysler they are going to jump on the SUV band wagon also, Ferrari cant be far behind. a re-badged Jeep Srt8? A vehicle almost as ridiculous as the Ferrari FF.
Can’t SOME historically famous company make a line of lightweight strippers that hark back to what their cars once were? Lotus Elan—–Mazda Miata; Maserati 300S—–get the idea? They’d probably make as much money as with any other model, since the Italians make everything available with all mod electronic cons already, and this sort of model would be less expensive to make. Ah well….
The first couple of photos looked okay – a little Mazda-ish with the grill opening, but then I saw the side profile. OMG! It’s as ugly as the BMW Z3 Coupe, another car that didn’t go over too well.
If Ferrari wanted to make an ugly four seat hatchback, they might as well have put four doors on it and tried to out ugly Porsche’s Panamera. Can an SUV be far behind?
I disagree with some of the comments regarding the four wheel drive though. AWD isn’t just for snow anymore – it’s really great to feel all four wheels pulling on dry roads while accelerating out of a corner. I think this could be really exciting in a Ferrari.
As far as the styling? Please Ferrari, go back to the drawing board!
As a life-long Ferrari fan (and now, owner), I thought it was impossible for Ferrari to design– let alone market– an ugly car. Unfortunately, like all of their endeavors, they have succeeded masterfully. “Groundbreaking”? Yeah, so is an earthquake!
Rediculous. What’s next, an SUV? Does Ferrari need to play “follow the le…” wait, I’m confused. I thought Ferrari WAS the leader. Capitulation? You decide.
Note to Ferrari- Stick to your knitting and close the curtains. Your inspiration should come from within.
I agree with Walter Gomez. It could be a Lexus or a BMW. Appalling beast, And where are you going to do 208 with 4 people up?
questa Ferrari sarà conosciuta come il più brutta di tutti i tempi
If Ferrari wants to make a 4-seater for adults, I’d much rather see them produce the 4-door Ferrari Pinin of 1980. It was IMHO a much better looking car despite being created 30 years ago.
Bella machina, that’s what the Italian old sports cars lovers will yell on the corner af the street when this beauty passing the Trattoria, in the Tuscany village.
y.s. Herman Hermans.
Healex , Rally and Race experience