Ferrari has always built passion inspiring sports cars. And how do we know that passion exists? Well, women have been known to leave lipstick marks on Ferrari windshields!
Ferrari might best be summarized as remaining true to its core values. The Italian automaker has not given in to being ‘watered down’ so as to appeal to the mainstream market and the greater sales volume such entails. But now Ferrari will be offering hatchback FF model.
Amedeo Felisa. Ferrari’s chief executive, says that the FF is as fast at the track as a 599. Furthermore, the FF seats four adults, has the convenience of a hatch, and it is all-wheel drive. Thus, the car expands the notion of what a Ferrari is.
But make no mistake, the FF is a full red-blooded Ferrari. It is powered by a 6.3-liter direct-injection V-12 putting out 651 hp and 504 ft. lb. of torque. The seven-speed auto-clutch manual is located at the rear transaxle for ideal weight distribution. The FF’s 0-60 time is an estimated at 3.7 seconds.
For the most part, the FF is a rear-wheel drive sports car. However, torque can be shifted to the front wheels when rear wheelspin develops.
The red manettino on the steering wheel controls the transmission shift protocol, mapping of the magnetic shock dampers, rear e-differential, as well as the F1 stability system.
When the manettino is placed in race mode, there is very little front axle assist. However, in the roadgoing and wet settings, the front axle is powered to increase the car’s agility.
The rubber is 245/35R20 at the front and 295/35R20 at the rear. The tires are not all weather as the all-wheel drive system allows more race oriented tires.
The engine stops at idle and combined with Bosch’s high-rev direct injection system, the FF has a 25 percent fuel economy gain and a 20 percent power increase compared to the Scaglietti.
On the exterior the side grilles at the front and rear extract air pressure from the wheel wells to cut lift. A wing is located below the rear license plate to generate downforce. Additionally, a small lip is fixed at the base of the rear window to separate airflow. The car’s lines compliment its proportions and the bodywork is taunt and Ferrari distinctive.
The FF’s cockpit follows the 458 script. An analog tachometer is flanked by a color screen on the one side providing car information and engine and navigation information on the other side. Additionally, there is a large screen located in the center console. Most all the FF’s driving switchgear is o the steering wheel.
Four or even three doors were considered for this hatchback. However, Felisa says, “Four doors is just not Ferrari. However, now, a four seat all-wheel drive hatchback with an estimated base price of $330,000 is Ferrari!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com. Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.
