You'll likely recognise references to several of the facelifted GTC4 Lusso's predecessors. Ferrari cites the 330 GTC, 330 GT and 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso as key sources of inspiration, all of which it states 'represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance'.
Surprisingly, the '4' doesn't relate to the car's all wheel drive system, according to Ferrari, it denotes the number of seats offered. In a slightly contradictory fashion, in Ferrari's only other excursion into powering both axles, the all wheel drive 408 4RM concept, the '4' did relate to all-wheel drive.
The company also used '4' to denote its models with quad cams V12s, as demonstrated with the classic 275 GTB/4 and 365 GTB/4.The GTC4 Lusso features a refined, updated design that takes several cues from Ferrari's more recent models, including new headlights that are similar to the 488 GTB's. At the back, you'll find four round tail lights, emulating the rear end styling of several older Ferraris. It's a pleasing nod to the car's lineage and looks much smarter than the original layout, which only had one lamp per side.
Other updates include a new front grille, air vents on the wings that hark back to the 330 GTC, a revised rear diffuser and a subtle rear spoiler. All of these, reputedly, cut the car's drag coefficient substantially.You'll spot more significant changes inside, Ferrari's fitted the GTC4 Lusso with its latest infotainment system, packing a 10.25inch screen. The steering wheel's also been shrunk, a change made possible by the fitment of a smaller airbag, while the control layout's been tweaked to improve usability
The naturally aspirated 6.3litre V12's output has been boosted from 651bhp to 680bhp, which is still produced at a peak of 8000rpm. This is in part thanks to a hike in compression ratio from 12.3:1 to 13.5:1.Torque's also up, from 504lb ft to 514lb ft but it's offered slightly lower in the rev range, at 5750rpm instead of the FF's V12's previous 6000rpm. This all conspires, in conjunction with the drag reductions, to make the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso quicker than its predecessor. It can dispatch the 0-62mph in 3.4sec, shaving 0.3sec off the FF's time.
Ferrari's '4RM' quattro ruote motrici, which translates to 'fourwheel drive' system has been upgraded for the GTC4 Lusso. It's now called 4RM-S, as the new Ferrari benefits from four wheel steering as well which should serve to improve its agility and stability. Additional upgrades come in the form of Ferrari's side slip control system, which works in conjunction with the car's electronically controlled differential and electronically adjustable dampers. This should further enable the GTC4 to deliver suitably invigorating performance on the road, around a track or up the drive leading to the owner's ski lodge.
There's no word on price for the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso yet but you can expect it to be in the region of the FF's list price of £226,023. You'll still get seven years' free maintenance and four years' unlimited mileage warranty, though, so there shouldn't be many unexpected costs elsewhere. The Ferrari FF GTC4 Lusso will be on display at the upcoming 2016 Geneva motor show. Expect more details about Ferrari's revamped shooting brake, including economy and exact list price, to be revealed then.
Original published at "carmagazine" website.
