Ferrari GTC4Lusso: the real Gran Turismo

THE GTC4Lusso heralds a number of technological advancements previously unseen in a modern Ferrari.

Ferrari recently unveiled its all-new four-seat Gran Turismo model called Ferrari GTC4Lusso, a shooting brake body-styled, four-seat model to the Asia-Pacific media in Tokyo, Japan.

The vehicle made its global appearance at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and is now making the regional rounds throughout the world.

The GTC4Lusso heralds a number of technological advancements previously unseen in a modern Ferrari.

Purists will be glad to know that the engine remains resolutely naturally aspirated. Mounted front midship, that is, in between the front axle and cabin firewall, the 12-cylinder engine displaces 6.3 liters with a compression ratio of 13.5:1.

It delivers a massive 691 horsepower and a shade of just under 700 Newton-meters of torque, 80 percent of which is available at a low 1,750 rpm while still meeting the latest Euro VI emissions requirements and 350 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer.

The GTC4Lusso also benefits from a 47-percent front and 53-percent rear weight distribution, giving it excellent agility despite its size and heft.

Thanks to lightweight aluminum, magnesium and high-tensile steel construction, and burdened with a complicated all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering system, the GTC4Lusso weighs in at an amazingly lithe 1,720 kg.

Revised aerodynamics help the GTC4Lusso accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour from rest in 3.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than its FF predecessor. Top speed remains unchanged at 335 kph.

FRONT LED headlights

Brembo provides its latest enormous carbon-ceramic brake discs (398 mm x 38 mm front, 360 mm x 32 mm rear with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers) to reduce unsprung weight and improve thermal mass, offering fade-free performance on the track or on your favorite winding mountain pass.

The outside features familiar design cues from its predecessor, the FF, but has reshaped headlights similar to the 488 GTB and a more rakish, sportier profile.

The rear gets the classic four round taillights, a massive underbody rear diffuser and venture tunnel to help channel air underneath the big GTC4Lusso smoothly, improving high-speed grip and stability.

Inside, ergonomics have been improved to give a more modern, futuristic ambiance. The Manettino-equipped steering wheel has shrunk, and paddles behind it control the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A new 10.25-inch touch-screen LCD screen is the centerpiece of the infotainment system.

The GTC4Lusso’s biggest party trick is its all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering system known in Ferrari-speak as 4RM-S (for Quattro Ruote Motrici with Steering).

When left in normal or snow mode, this system gives the GTC4Lusso true real-world abilities in a wide variety of surfaces.

TWIN-COCKPIT design

The PR video playing during the launch included a GTC4Lusso driving up a slippery slope covered in lush snow and ice leading up to a hidden ski chalet, exhibiting amazing tractability and allowing for the full deployment of its massive power and torque on less than ideal surfaces.

Tweaks to the E-Diff electronic locking differential, vehicle dynamic control, as well as Ferrari’s excellent side-slip control system means that the GTC4Lusso is the most sure-footed of all the modern Ferraris on sale today.

Ride will be excellent thanks to the latest magnetorheological active dampers called SCM-E, which features a faster processor that can control the magnetic field altering the damping ratio every millisecond as it adjusts to find the smoothest ride depending on setting.

Should you prefer the classic and challenging RWD feel, the Manettino can be set as such, providing lairy, tail-happy and lurid power-slides at will in Sport or Competition/Race modes.

V12 engine delivers 691 HP and 700 Nm of torque.

Ferrari admits that the shooting brake concept isn’t for everyone. It hasn’t sold as well as other Ferrari models such as the F488 GTB and the California T, but it remains a favorite in countries such as Switzerland and the Benelux regions.

Interestingly, Ferrari notes that the GTC4Lusso’s predecessor, the FF, was often used as a family car, with all four seats used by owners at least 55 percent of the time, a figure of utilitarian usage unheard of in all of Ferrari’s history of producing four-seat Gran Turismo models.

Ferrari has also noted that the GTC4Lusso is something of a real family car because of the increased usage of all four seats, with many owners driving the GTC4Lusso’s predecessor an amazing 15,000 to 18,000 km per year, versus the average 6,000 to 8,000 km that other Ferrari models get in a year.

REAR suspension and rear steering system

No doubt the Lusso part (luxury in Latin or Italian) helps with its day-to-day ease of use and comfort. Its twin-cockpit design sets the right mood for the passengers as well.

While rear seats are still a pinch for long drives, they are more than adequate for short drives should full-size adults sit in the back.

Ferrari hopes the GTC4Lusso will be a game-changer for the brand, attracting more people who look for everyday usability and comfort as well as impressive driving dynamics, hence the marketing slogan of “a whole new world.”

The boot is a useful size, measuring 450 liters with the rear seats up, and almost double to 800 liters with the rear seats down. You can fit a few weekend bags for a short out-of-town trip, or drop the seats and go play golf.

While Ferrari wasn’t keen on identifying key competitors, the usual suspects would include the Bentley Continental GT Speed, Rolls-Royce’s Wraith, and Aston Martin’s upcoming DB11.

LED classic four-round taillights and rear underbody diffuser

Ferrari hopes that GTC4Lusso owners will tour continents such as Europe, Asia and North America in utmost comfort, much like the golden age of motoring in fast, luxurious grand touring vehicles with passengers and gear in tow.

Ferrari remains to be one of the world’s most recognizable and valuable brands. In 2015, production capped off at just under 7,800 units, and has been the Italian marque’s most profitable year to date.

Currently, there are no plans in the near future to introduce another Ferrari model, with Ferrari choosing instead to focus on improving quality along with production efficiency, and increasing its involvement in motorsports.

It is now a publicly listed company trading on the New York and Milan stock exchanges.

Its Formula 1 Grand Prix team, Scuderia Ferrari has won 222 F1 races, 16 Manufacturer’s Crowns and 15 Drivers’ Championships since its inception, making it the most successful in history.