Geneva show: Ferrari uncovers GTC4Lusso

FERRARI'S FF four-seater supercar has undergone a five-year update, evolving into the GTC4Lusso that brings more grunt, a significant redesign inside and out and a chassis revision to the prancing horse stable.

Cashed-up Australian Ferrari fans can place an order for the new model from next week with deliveries starting at the very end of 2016, according to Ferrari Australasia, but pricing is yet to be announced. The current model retails for $624,646 plus on-roads.

Images released ahead of the model's official debut at the Geneva motor show next month reveal a new look for the most practical Ferrari, with reshaped features that more closely align with the F12 Berlinetta and California T siblings as well as an interior nip-and-tuck.

The FF's grinning silver grille has been replaced by more subtle black bars, single round tail-light clusters are now twin units, while stainless steel chicken wire vents are now covered with more premium looking black honeycomb mesh throughout.

Headlights have a more accentuated L-shape and the rear end is treated to a diffuser that appears lifted directly from a circuit racer.

On the inside, the more premium feel continues with a bespoke 10.3-inch high-definition screen in place of the more aftermarket-looking version from the Fiat Chrysler parts bin, while the front passenger now has their own vehicle information screen set in a redesigned dashboard.

Like the front-row occupants, second-row passengers are treated to new-look Dual Cockpit leather sports seats while a more compact steering wheel replaces the FF's larger version for “an even sportier driving experience.” Under the bonnet, the GCT4Lusso's 6.3-litre naturally aspirated 65-degree V12 has 22 more kilowatts and 14 extra Newton meters, taking output to 507kW and 697Nm.

A dizzying 13.5:1 compression ratio and 8000 rpm redline are partly responsible for the power upgrade and 80 per cent of the peak torque is available from 1750 rpm. Maximum torque is reached at 5750 rpm.

The extra might is dealt with by a unique four-wheel drive 4RM-S transmission which sends power to the rear wheels from the rear of the crankshaft via a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle, but distributes front axle torque from the nose of the crank and a “power transfer unit.” With the update, Ferrari has also introduced rear-wheel steering which provides an even more sure-footed road manner for negotiating perfect and poor conditions alike, according to the Italian car-maker.

Its E-Diff electronic differential and SCM-E dampers are now tied into the Slip Side Control version 4.0 stability system, increasing dynamic performance for “exceptional versatility in every kind of grip conditions.” With the extra power and torque, the GTC4Lusso beats the FF to 100km/h from standstill, taking just 3.4 seconds to hit the milestone. Top speed is unchanged at 335km/h despite a lower roof line and reduced drag coefficient.

Ferrari says the name change celebrates the 1960s 330 GT, which was one of Enzo Ferrari's favourite models and also a four-seater coupe, as well as the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso which used the Lusso suffix to describe its greater levels of luxury.

As it did with the FF, Ferrari will be targeting a younger audience with the GTC4Lusso who want the pleasure of “driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime, be it on short spins or long journeys, snowy mountain roads or city streets, alone or in the company of three lucky passengers”.

According to the iconic high-performance car-maker, FF owners clock up 30 per cent more kilometres compared with owners of other Ferrari models.

More details including performance figures and exact equipment specification are expected closer to the GTC4Lusso's official unveiling in Switzerland.