A UK REVIEW: THE NEW FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO V12 2017
The new 4-seat Ferrari GTC4 Lusso has taken the road in the UK... But now it's time to see if it fits!
Intrinsically linked to the V12 engine, Ferrari has used this engine to power its first ever road car and engine in this configuration powers the best one yet: the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso.
Now, a car brand talks a lot about emotion, but often very little of it is engineered or contrived. That is certainly not the case with the V12. From the moment you hit the steering wheel-mounted start button and the GTC4's 6.3-litre motor comes to life – settling at a busy, flat idle – the motor will resonate with you from the first chance you get to extend the delicate rev counter needle towards a crazy 8,000rpm!
The car, however, is so much more than just the engine! In its transformation from four-seat, four-wheel drive to the GTC4 Lusso, the car has gained some clever tech. This includes the four-wheel steering that made its debut on the F12 tdf and has now elevated the 812 Superfast to an insane level of ability.
This car tech is integrated as part of the new 4RM-S and improved 4RM EVO systems which, between them, manage the distribution of torque to both axles, that rear-wheel steering system, the fourth generation of Ferrari's Side Slip Control (SSC4), the E-Diff and the SCM-E adjustable suspension damping.
The car is also way more aerodynamic than the FF (four-seat, four-wheel). It also offers the kind of throttle response you get from an aspirated engine. That rev is one of the most addictive sounds of all. In fact, Ferrari has programmed the exhaust by-pass valve so the GTC4 is even more refined than the FF at motorway speeds, but use plenty of throttle and plenty of revs and the exhaust system delivers an incredible soundtrack.
The launch control, four-wheel drive and a rapid-fire seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox mean the 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in just 3.4 seconds! Pretty impressive for a car with a kerb weight of 1,920kg.
The rear-wheel steering may feel a bit agile, and even a little artificial. But once you get used to the rate of response from the fast and fairly light steering (and the speed with which the Ferrari turns in), it becomes quite natural to throw such a big car at tight corners and lean on the incredible level of grip.
In addition, the four-wheel drive system helps out with any bumpy road problems that are often a concern on UK roads. This is unlike any other conventional four-wheel drive systems!
But this car is a GT car, which means it has to offer more than just cross-country pace. The comfort is amazing thanks to the switchable mode for the dampers, but so is the quality. The cabin is beautifully trimmed (with genuine space for four people) even if the roofline is a more shooting brake that SUV.
However, this car does contain some flaws as well. Apple CarPlay is an extra 2,00 pounds, which seems a bit greedy on a 230,000 pound car when it comes standard on an Audi Q2 that costs a tenth of the price. However, it does add to the sophisticated infotainment system!
Ferraris have lacked in this area in the past, but not with the GTC4. The 10.5-inch screen is large, with a display that can be split to show more than just one aspect of the system at one time.
It is pretty simple to use as well and combined with the Lusso's refined and relatively practical nature, it makes this a genuinely usable and practical four-seater if you can afford it.
Not many people have a 230,000 pound car budget. But for the lucky few who do, the Ferrari GTC4 is an incredible buy. It has connectivity and infotainment tech to back up the innovations under its sleek but sizeable body, offers plenty of comfort and, let's face it, it is still a V12 engined Ferrari. It's the connection with that engine that makes the experience!
Below are the key specs of the car you need to know:
Price: 231,310 pounds.
Engine: 6.3-litre V12 petrol
Power/Torque: 681bhp/697Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, four-wheel drive.
0-62mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: 208mph
Economy/CO2: 18.8mpg/350g/kg.
On sale: NOW!