Ferrari reveals 4WD FF 21 | 01 | 2011
THIS IS THE first glimpse (watch the new Ferrari in action) of Ferrari's first-ever production four-wheel-drive model, the front-engined V12 four-seater GT FF (apparently the slightly naff name represents its four seats and four-wheel-drive). In addition to replacing the 612, the FF also aims to attract a new kind of “all-roads, all-weathers” Ferrari customer ... so it'll be prefect for the Scottish climate!
Designed by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari’s own chief designer, Flavio Manzoni, the FF — which will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March — is the first Ferrari of modern times to accommodate four full-sized adults and their luggage.
Boasting an all-new, longer wheelbase chassis with a new-design, all-independent suspension that incorporates the latest-generation magnetically adjustable dampers and standard Brembo carbon ceramic disc brakes, the FF also includes an four-wheel-drive system which is believed to be 50% lighter than comparable applications.
Using the car’s electronic systems seamlessly to direct torque to the front wheels when slippery conditions demand, the Ferrari system — called 4RM (for ‘Ruote Motrici’) and unique to the Italian sportscar builder — is programmed to mostly leave the car in its desirable (and understeer-free) rear-wheel-drive state.
The FF is a bit of a beast too. Powered by a newly developed 6.25-litre V12, it has just under 10% more swept volume and 22% more power than the 612. There's also a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as standard, which replaces the previous six-speed manual.
And Ferrari is continuing its embracing of environmentally-friendly measures. The FF includes the package of efficiency-building measures first seen in the California, including stop-start and smart charging which improves economy by about 10%.
The engine pumps out 650bhp at 8000rpm and 504lb ft of torque (up 16%) at 5000rpm. CO2 levels have been dramatically reduced by 23% from 470 to 360g/km, while combined fuel consumption improves from a distinctly scary 13.8mpg to 18.3mpg ... not exactly frugal, but hey, it's a Ferrari!
The 0-62mph sprint will take you just 3.7sec — 0.4 sec quicker than the 612 — while its 208mph top speed beats the 612 by about 10mph. At 1795kg, the FF's kerbweight is also 50kg lighter than the 612; and that's despite being fitted with the new on-demand 4x4 system.
Just 30mm taller than the 612 — the FF is basically the same length and width as the 612 — the newcomer can carry four adults (with full adult headroom in the rear) and there's 450 litres of stowage in the boot, which increases to 800 litres if you fold the rear seats down.
Production of the Ferrari FF is tipped to begin in 2012, with prices expected to be around £250,000.
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Jim McGill