By: Jason Woosey
Maranello - With seating for four and a useable boot, the FF was the Ferrari for those who believe that sharing is caring and now it's being replaced by an extensively upgraded car with the name GTC4Lusso.
Named after ancestors like the 330 GTC and 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, the new car maintains the FF's familiar silhouette but brings numerous styling alterations and some major mechanical changes, including rear-wheel steering and a punchier V12 engine.
Gaining 22kW and 14Nm over the previous version, the 6262cc power-house pushes 507kW at a lusty 8000rpm and 697Nm at 5750rpm, with 80 percent of that twisting force on hand from as low as 1750rpm. Expect to blast from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and to a top speed of 334km/h.
Designed to be a versatile grand tourer in every sense of the word, the GTC4Lusso is also equipped to tackle wet or icy roads, thanks to its 4RM Evo all-wheel drive system, which has integrated rear-wheel steering for the first time. Seeking the ultimate in balance and control, the chassis also incorporates an E-Diff electronic differential and latest-generation SCM-E damper control.
Furthermore, many of the exterior design changes enhance aerodynamic performance. Key among these are a new front grille with integrated air intakes and a new triple-fence diffuser and rear spoiler at the rear end. Here you'll also see new twin taillights, replacing the single units that were fitted to the FF.
On the inside an extensively reworked dashboard houses Ferrari's new infotainment system, which features a 26cm touch-screen and a more compact steering wheel.
The new Ferrari is set to make its first in-the-metal appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March.