Ferrari FF gets on the four seater wagon

Ferrari has just released these images of its new FF—a four-seater 612 Scaglietti replacement. It looks a bit like the BMW Z3 Coupé, otherwise known as “the breadvan”. But this breadvan is from Maranello and has a 6.3 litre V12 pumping out 660PS (485kW). It even features Ferrari’s first ever all-wheel drive system; hence the FF name—four seats and four-wheel drive.

Ferrari reckon the “Four” can sprint to 100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds. Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera take notice!

While full details are scarce at this stage Ferrari claim their patented “4RM” all-wheel drive technology is around half the weight of conventional all-paw units and has been installed to help maintain optimum weight distribution.

These first three images are a teaser for the car’s official reveal at Geneva in March. Also available below is a video about the car and its development, as seen on www.ferrarifour.com. To cap things off there’s an audio sample of the engine sound for you as well.

Well, what do you think? For us, two words come to mind: bonkers and ungainly.

[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/Ferrari-FF.mp3]

The new Ferrari is about to arrive

The FF unveiled on www.ferrari.com

• A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility

Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The FF – an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) – ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.

The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Type: 65-degree V12
Overall displacement: 6,262 cc
Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length: 4907 mm
Width: 1953 mm
Height: 1379 mm
Dry weight: 1790 kg*
Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio: 2.7 kg/CV

Performance
Maximum speed: 335 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3.7 sec

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption: 15,4 l/100 km**
Emissions: 360 g/km**

* European market version
** With HELE system