What's all this about?
It's the replacement for the Ferrari FF grand tourer. It's more powerful. And it has four-wheel steering.
Four-wheel steering?
Yes, the rear axle helps out the front. So, four-wheel steer, four-wheel drive, four seats... it's all about four with the GTC4Lusso.
That's a convoluted nameplate compared to FF!
It's a reference to some of the latest Ferrari flagship's predecessors, namely the 330 GT, 330 GTC and 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.
It's, er... it's not exactly pretty, is it?
No, but then neither was the FF. However, we are big fans of the shooting brake idea (BMW Z3 M Coupé, anyone?) and although it's not delicate, the GTC4Lusso is certainly purposeful. Nowhere is this more evident than in the heavily restyled rear, which has various design features on it - those new light clusters, the triple-fence diffuser and the flourishes at the corners of the bumper - all put there with the aim of making the car look mean and wide.
How about inside?
High-class stuff, as you'd expect of a Ferrari GT, with of course space for four adults instead of just two. Up front, Ferrari is heralding the 'Dual Cockpit' architecture, which further defines the difference between being behind the wheel and, er, not, by giving the passenger the option of having their own display to manage various in-car functions. Aside from that, we've got a more compact steering wheel than the FF's with redesigned switchgear mounted upon it, plus a shiny new 10.25-inch HD infotainment touchscreen.
Come on then, how much power are we talking?
Using a development of the 6.3-litre V12 engine as found in the FF, it no longer churns out 'just' 650hp and 683Nm. Instead, Ferrari has liberated 690hp at 8,000rpm and 697Nm from 5,750rpm, with 80 per cent of the torque (558Nm) available from 1,750rpm. Weighing in at 1,790kg, which is distributed 47:53 front-to-back, the GTC4Lusso smashes 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than the FF) and runs on to 209mph, up on the FF's 208mph maximum. That's... that's quick.
What else has Ferrari done for the GTC4Lusso?
The rear-axle steering has been integrated into the 4RM Evo AWD set-up of the FF, leading to Ferrari patenting a new invention: 4RM-S. The GTC4Lusso also benefits from Slip Side Control version 4.0, an electronic differential and SCM-E adjustable dampers, all of which should mean it remains a supremely capable machine, even in shocking weather. Ferrari has also reduced the coefficient of drag on the GTC4Lusso, although it hasn't confirmed a Cd figure as yet.
And I take it we'll see the Lusso for the first time in Geneva?
You will indeed. Although, if you can't wait, go to www.ferrari.com and see some exclusive pics.
Matt Robinson - 8 Feb 2016