The practical V12 Ferrari FF - four-seat, four-wheel-drive, 660 bhp

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The practical V12 Ferrari FF - four-seat, four-wheel-drive, 660 bhp

By Mike Hanlon

17:10 January 21, 2011

16 Comments

8 Pictures

The practical V12 Ferrari FF - four-seat, four-wheel-drive, 660 bhp

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Ferrari’s new FF is unquestionably the most practical and versatile Ferrari yet. Four-seats, four wheel drive and the carrying capacity of a “shooting brake”, all styled by Pininfarina, offer a previously unavailable blend of sporting DNA and usability. The technological input is as one might expect from a company at the forefront of Formula One – an innovative lightweight four wheel drive system, the latest magnetorheological damping system, a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox. It’s the unprecedented provision for four people and their luggage which makes it a milestone though. Bravo Ferrari.

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The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling.

The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The FF, which will make its official debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

About the Author

Mike Hanlon
Mike grew up thinking he would become a mathematician, accidentally started motorcycle racing, got a job writing road tests for a motorcycle magazine while at university, and became a writer. He went on to edit or manage over 50 print publications before embracing the internet – a dozen start-ups later, he founded Gizmag. Now he can write again.

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User Comments (16)

Sucks!

Daniel Plata Baca - January 21, 2011 @ 10:34 pm PST

Hopefully it will have fixtures for a roof rack, tow bar and kiddie seats.

Peter Clifford - January 22, 2011 @ 01:12 am PST

looks like they forgot about the BMW which is what it looks like

Hilary Albutt - January 22, 2011 @ 12:44 pm PST

I personally LOVE this set up! I used to have a little BMW M Coupe the looked very similar, but these designs almost never go over here in the U.S? I'm hope that the Ferrari name can change all that. :-)

mrhuckfin - January 22, 2011 @ 07:56 pm PST

This thing looks like a big red BMW M Coupe.

Clint Ferreira - January 22, 2011 @ 11:47 pm PST

I want one

Facebook User - January 23, 2011 @ 03:15 pm PST

What's a "shooting brake"? And what's CV? And $??

christopher - January 23, 2011 @ 06:30 pm PST

Ugliest. Ferrari. Ever.

Xolin - January 24, 2011 @ 03:58 am PST

Now to figure out what type of wood to use for the station wagon wood grained sides...

Sirphilo - January 24, 2011 @ 05:52 am PST

... no Ferrari is practical... IMPRESSIVE... but in no way practical. But I'm completely happy with that because there are some things that should never be practical. Whenever someone thinks "Ferrari" they should never combine the solution of that thought with "Family" or "Sedan."

Are times tough for Ferrari since they're making a "family car?" Or are they going just as strong as they were before?

AlexBizzar - January 24, 2011 @ 06:26 am PST

Ferrari FF? I can't help feeling the Brits got there first with the gorgeous Jensen FF back in the late 'sixties. It was one of the World's first four wheel drive production "cars", a GT with a Chrysler V8. Still it will be good to see the "FF" moniker back in play.

Mike Hallett - January 24, 2011 @ 08:12 am PST

It IS a "shooting brake".

That's a nickname for schizophrenic station wagons that think they're sports cars.

I don't know what you call people that create them or like them.

As for FF,Ferrari is acknowledging Jensen.

Ferguson is the name of man responsible for the original Jensen FF "shooting brake" vehicle's AWD system.

The fact that they're called "shooting brakes" should tip you off that they're inherently illogical.

How they actually came up with the term I have no idea but it really is rather strange.

How do brakes shoot,anyway?

O,well....

I prefer trucks and motorcycles myself.

For the same money,

I'd buy a "new" truck

(Peterbilt,of course,but an older pre-emission model),

an immaculate old 2-door 4Runner,

a new cabin,some vintage bikes and maybe...

re-do my shop.

I'm not sure off hand what I'd do with the rest-

probably build a new schoolhouse out on the Reservation,I guess!

Peace,

-g

Griffin - January 24, 2011 @ 02:54 pm PST

I just love this sort of cars. Right now I'm driving a Volvo 480. Even though it has front wheel drive and much less horsepower you can see the similarities in concept. And I also liked the BMW.

Facebook User - January 24, 2011 @ 03:14 pm PST

It sure looks a lot like a 21st Century re-imagining of the Volvo 1800ES;

http://www.1800esvolvo.com/

poker-pauly - January 24, 2011 @ 05:29 pm PST

looking at its size, its more comparable to porsche panamera, it's a huge car

Henry Djunaedi - January 25, 2011 @ 05:36 am PST

Rolls Royce and Bentley had Shooting Breaks way back . They were for the rich and used during Fox Hunting for them to take a Break in the afternoon during the hunt . Food and Drink were delivered in them to the appropriately chosen Break area . They were in fact produced as/in a Woody Form but as with everything else went to metal .

Econo Guy - January 25, 2011 @ 01:52 pm PST