Ferrari is stretching its legs. The Ferrari FF is not only a styling departure for the company but also signals a shift in philosophy.
Case in point: During his address to the assembled masses, Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo emphasized that the FF offers best-in-class cargo capacity, CO2 output and fuel consumption, while offering "comfortable seating for four" and an automatic gearbox.
Normally commentary such as this would trigger yawns. No way, Luigi -- the FF is a stunner. From its 250GT "Breadvan"-reminiscent bodywork by Pininfarina to the new direct-injection 6.3-liter V12 that generates 652 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 504 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm, the FF is the kind of departure we can get behind.
Oh, and it's got all-wheel drive. The system -- called 4RM in Ferrari-speak -- is clever. By locating the big V12 completely aft of the front axle line, engineers were able to drive the the front wheels independently of the main dual-clutch automated manual transaxle (complete with E-diff) at the rear of the car. Yes, the FF essentially has two transmissions.
We'll know more about the 4RM system later today, but you can see that the front gearbox is driven off the front of the crankshaft, and has dual clutch packs that can independently vector torque to each front wheel. It's a packaging and weight coup, and Ferrari clams that the system weighs half that of a conventional AWD system.
At about 3,900 pounds, the FF is no flyweight. Still, it's a hair lighter than the 612 Scaglietti it replaces, and that car was not AWD.
The FF is Ferrari's Panamera, as it will divide opinions -- and undoubtedly fly off dealer lots -- like Porsche's controversial sedan. Whatever. It's FFing awesome.
gtrguy2012 says:
07:40 AM, 03/ 1/11
It's FFing ugly. Sad what Ferrari is turning into (design wise).
sp23ms3 says:
07:58 AM, 03/ 1/11
All of a sudden the Mazda 3 grin doesn't look so bad.
blueguydotcom says:
08:24 AM, 03/ 1/11
"Attention, someone lost a giant red Converse sneaker on the show floor. Please stop by the Ferrari stand to claim your giant Converse."
raypop says:
06:51 PM, 03/ 1/11
The face looks like Joker (Batman). I looks very suspicious O.o But nice try Ferrari.
gregbird says:
10:43 PM, 03/ 1/11
@blueguydotcom
There's my shoe, I wondered where I lost it.
It looks ok from the rear, then you see the profile and go "oh... nevermind."
wuneyeddog says:
05:49 AM, 03/ 2/11
I love it, but I'm a sucker for a nice shooting brake.
dieseltc says:
01:39 PM, 03/ 2/11
Damn beautiful. I'm a shooting brake lover too. You either get it or you don't. It's a daring design without being over designed.
dieseltc says:
01:45 PM, 03/ 2/11
Oh and in case anyone didn't notice (not sure how)... based on that last photo, I think I can guess what the inspiration of that rear was... wow. Like I said, damn beautiful.
tifighter says:
02:16 PM, 03/ 2/11
I love it. Especially in white.