Ferrari FF: Maranello’s First Four-Wheel Drive Breaks Cover
Ferrari has unveiled the FF, its first production car with four-wheel drive and a 660hp V12, ahead of the model’s debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Ferrari has revealed the FF, a four-seat grand tourer with the company’s first production four-wheel drive system and a 6.3-litre V12 producing 660hp. The car replaces the 612 Scaglietti and will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
The FF, short for Ferrari Four, introduces a new direction for Maranello’s GT cars. The car’s shooting brake profile, designed by Pininfarina, marks a clear departure from traditional Ferrari coupes. Ferrari is targeting buyers who want supercar performance with the practicality to tackle winter roads or even ski trips, a segment previously dominated by luxury saloons and SUVs.
Technical details: V12 power and 4RM system
At the heart of the FF is a 65-degree V12 engine, delivering 660hp at 8,000rpm and 683Nm at 6,000rpm. This is paired with a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, enabling the car to reach 100km/h from rest in 3.7 seconds and go on to a claimed top speed of 335km/h. Ferrari quotes a weight-to-power ratio of 2.7kg per horsepower, thanks in part to a dry weight of 1,790kg.
The FF’s four-wheel drive system, called 4RM (Ruote Motrici), is both exclusive and patented. Ferrari says it weighs 50 percent less than a conventional all-wheel drive setup, helping retain a rear-biased weight distribution (47% front, 53% rear). The system is integrated with electronic dynamic controls and can vary torque between the axles as needed for grip and performance. The car also features magnetorheological dampers (SCM3) and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
Practicality and interior features
While the FF is positioned as a high-performance GT, Ferrari has emphasised everyday usability. The four-seat cabin offers what Ferrari claims is class-leading space, and the boot holds 450 litres, expanding to 800 litres with the rear seats folded. The company highlights a range of personalisation options, including six exterior colours unique to the FF and aniline leather interiors.
- Length: 4,907mm
- Width: 1,953mm
- Height: 1,379mm
- Fuel consumption: 15.4l/100km (ECE+EUDC)
- CO2 emissions: 360g/km (with HELE system)
Efficiency measures introduced on the Ferrari California, including stop-start and smart charging, are also fitted to the FF, which Ferrari says improves economy by around 10 percent compared to previous V12 models.
Market positioning and outlook
Ferrari has not announced UK pricing, but the FF is expected to start at over £220,000. Deliveries are set for later in 2011. With its combination of four-wheel drive, four-seat practicality and a naturally aspirated V12, the FF aims to attract buyers who might otherwise look to luxury SUVs or all-wheel drive saloons for year-round use. The Geneva debut will be the first public showing of the production car.
