Wednesday 2nd March 2016

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso - Geneva 2016

FF overhaul introduces four-wheel steering plus interior and styling tweaks to Ferrari's four-seater [updated pics]

---

While four-seat Ferraris aren't typically those on bedroom wall posters or commanding megabucks at auction, they undoubtedly have a certain mature appeal. Some of them have been incredibly beautiful too, when you think of cars like the 456 and 330 GT.

Repeat after us: not an FF, not an FF, not an F...

Here we have the latest in the four-seat Ferrari story, the GTC4 Lusso. By official Ferrari nomenclature it's 'GTC4Lusso' but, much like 'F12berlinetta', it looks a little daft without a space. So GTC4 Lusso it is. Described by Ferrari as a "major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept", it builds on the FF with new technology and styling changes too.

Most significantly of those is the introduction of four-wheel steer to the GTC4 Lusso. Combined with the 4RM Evo four-wheel drive, Ferrari has named the system as '4RM-S' (four-wheel drive and steering) and states that it makes for an "exceptionally versatile car in every kind of grip condition". As is the modern Ferrari way, these technologies are incorporated into the manettino dial with the Slide Slip Control (now in its fourth generation), the E-Diff and the magnetorheological dampers.

Furthermore, power is now up to 690hp (from 660) at 8,000rpm, with torque climbing fractionally to 514lb ft from 504. Ferrari claims a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 208mph.

Smaller airbag, smaller wheel, much bigger screen

The look of the GTC4 Lusso is described by Ferrari as a "further refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape". There's clear 488 influence to the front end, and more than a hint of F12 TdF in the way the rear lights are framed by bumper and spoiler. See also the air vents on the wings, the new front intakes and the "dynamically chiselled crease lines". Naturally there's an aerodynamic benefit to the new style as well, Ferrari claiming a "substantially lower" drag co-efficient than the FF. Is it a successful facelift? Over to you...

The big news inside the GTC4 Lusso is the debut of a new infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch HD screen with capacitive touch tech. The steering wheel is smaller too thanks to a smaller air bag and there could well be more buttons on it as well. Might just be the smaller size.

Ferrari will exhibit the GTC4 Lusso at Geneva at the start of March, so expect sales to commence shortly. And if the second generation FF has reignited an interest in four-seat V12 Ferraris, the original FF is now available from £150,000...

[patch5674]

I think this could be one that needs to be seen in the metal, the rear looks a bit fussy with the big diffuser etc, whilst front on it looks a bit gawpy. I loved the FF it was one of my favourite dream cars, and I think once I see this in real life I will be equally lustful.

The interior is clearly a step on so no complaints there.

[patch5674]

Erudite geezer said:

Snubs said:

Looks very nice to me. The quad lamps at the rear are a definite improvement.

Agree completely about the quad rear circular lamps.

Which leads to a wider question........after the singular circular rear lamps of past 5 years or so on 8 an 12 cylinder models, is Ferrari returning to the quad lamps set up from yesteryear?

I hope so.

The 488 retains the singular lamps though. I think if they switch the F12 facelift due next year to quad lamps also then you could be right.