Ferrari FF | Spotted
The FF won't be the last all-wheel-drive Ferrari, but it might be the most interesting...
Assuming all goes to plan, Ferrari's new Purosangue SUV will be shown to the world this year. Nothing quite validates an idea like Maranello getting on board with it, and having witnessed the success of cars like the Lamborghini Urus, the manufacturer has been compelled to join the super SUV fray. But not with an SUV, of course - the Purosangue will be an FUV, or 'Ferrari Utility Vehicle'...
Anyway, point is that the Purosangue represents Ferrari attempting something new, much as it did a little more than a decade ago with the FF. For a long time, you knew what to expect from Ferrari's four-seat, V12 GTs; the FF completely defied those expectations, thanks in part to its revolutionary four-wheel-drive system.
That made the flagship Ferrari a year-round supercar, the 4RM independently driven front axle ensuring security when owners needed it, and the thrill of a 660hp Ferrari when they wanted it. The FF was better built, more technologically advanced and way faster than any four-seat Ferrari that preceded it, so no wonder buyers set about using them enthusiastically. When it came to the GTC4 update, Ferrari said that FF owners were using their cars more than any other car it had ever made, an achievement you would have to assume will last until the Purosangue. Those owners had also suggested the 6.2 V12 was a bit vocal at less than 3,000rpm, and it was toned down for the new car. Far from a Ferrari saved for high days and holidays, the FF was being put into regular use by its owners. And apparently making too much of a din while trundling around town...
The duality really was the FF's genius, and Ferrari will hope to replicate that with the Purosangue. With a smart dual-clutch gearbox, ample torque and the four-wheel drive, the FF didn't have to be any more taxing than, say, a Continental GT. But the scintillating, 8,000rpm V12 and supreme dynamic abilities meant the FF absolutely felt like a Ferrari when the kids had been dropped off at the stables and you were free to drive. There was no penalty imposed for a more usable Ferrari - a win-win in anyone's book.
Where the FF was indeed like a traditional four-seat Ferrari, however, was in how it depreciated. When PH tested one in 2015, it was specced up to £312,743. By the time of the GTC4 Lusso's reveal in March 2016 at Geneva, the very earliest cars were down to £150k after just a few years. When our Buying Guide was published last summer, prices were down to just £80,000.
They've shored up a bit since then, and now £100k is the starting point for an FF, which buys a car with almost 40,000 miles - unheard of in the old V12 days. In fact, bar one outlier, every single FF for sale has at least 12,000 miles on it, and plenty are past 20k. By comparison, there's just one example of its 612 predecessor with more than 30,000 miles recorded, despite being that much older.
This FF looks a superb example. There's not a Ferrari in history that doesn't suit tan leather, and 'Cuoio Toscano' works nicely here to brighten up the interior. (The later GTC4 Lusso brought a larger central screen and the optional passenger display, FYI). Grigio FF for the outside is again quite muted in best big Ferrari tradition, and seems flawless in the images. An early FF from 2012, it's covered 25,000 miles from new and has a full Ferrari service history to back up the past decade of use.
Furthermore, while £110k isn't exactly the average family wagon budget, don't forget this engine is derived from the Enzo V12, and the dual-clutch gearbox means none of the histrionics associated with the automated manual 599 GTB or similar. It's the most affordable way into that engine and the DCT, basically, so don't say we never do sensible consumer advice on PistonHeads. If the Purosangue isn't the four-seat, four-wheel-drive Ferrari for you, maybe now's the FF's time to shine.
SPECIFICATION | FERRARI FF
Engine: 6,262cc V12
Transmission: 7-speed transaxle dual clutch rear-wheel drive plus independent part-time 4RM front axle drive system
Power (hp): 660@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 504@6,000rpm
0-62mph: 3.7sec
Top speed: 209mph
MPG: 18.3 (NEDC combined with optional HELE package)
CO2: 360g/km (with optional HELE package)
Year registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 25,000
Price new: £227,142 (2015, before options)
Yours for: £109,990
Desire to move to FF is partly due to my 50th coming up so nice indulgence and having enjoyed a V12 which can cart the family around i do have a feeling that Ferrari is a step up again in terms of engineering pedigree.
If funds allow we’d like to store the Aston and see what happen to values over the next decade, don’t think we’ll lose much
Fantastic to be able to make the choice and it’s the one I would make if I had the funds
I love how far back the engine is, making it front-mid-engined, and the way they took drive off the front of the crankshaft to the front wheels rather than passing shafts underneath. Also as stated, a generation ahead of the 599 and a lot cheaper than an F12, and 4WD likely an advantage too. And I love the shooting brake body style, more original and more practical than a lift-generating falling fastback body line.
I do wonder how the size and weight affects the drive, though - it's rather close to 5m x 2m x 2 tonnes
BMW - Beemer or Bimmer
Mercedes - Merc
Land Rover - Landie
Range Rover - Rangie
Volkswagen - VW or VeeDub
Alfa Romeo - Alfa
Chevrolet - Chevy
Subaru - Scoobie or Subie
Jaguar - Jag
Lamborghini - Lambo
The general rule is that any brand name of one or two syllables (Ford or Vauxhall) is said as-is, but any name of three or more syllables is given a one or two syllable nickname in casual conversation.
Fantastic to be able to make the choice and it’s the one I would make if I had the funds
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