Ferrari’s Tour de ‘Four’s’

Ferrari distributor Autostrada Motore Inc. rarely schedules an extended test drive and when they do, it’s always something special. Keys to its white Ferrari V8 GTC4 Lusso T were handed to this writer and it will become one of those memorable drives that would be talked about again and again. The V12 variant of the Ferrari Lusso was unveiled a couple of months ago in Okada Manila.

For this test drive feature, we’ll focus on the V8 variant the GTC4Lusso T, which had its world premiere in 2016 and is Maranello’s first full four-seater supercar to be powered by a V8 engine. The 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine used in the GTC4 Lusso T was awarded “International Engine of the Year” in 2016, punches a maximum of 610 cv at 7,500 rpm and 760 Nm of maximum torque somewhere between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm. It may not have the power and grunt as the 6.3-liter V12 sibling, which is rated at 690 cv, but it has a lot of power on the tap, specially when the turbocharger kicks in.

Ferrari design team head Flavio Manzoni penned the GTC4Lusso which is a further refinement of its shooting brake coupe, offering an extremely streamlined, tapered silhouette that has a cabin that can incorporate comfortable rear seats and a roomy boot behind them. Inside, the new Dual Cockpit architecture enhances the shared driving experience for both driver and front passenger. It also has a newly designed and very intuitive navigation and infotainment platform features a 10.2” HD screen with capacitive touch technology.

Unlike other supercars, the GTC4 Lusso T is very civilized and doesn’t lunge forward when you gently tap the accelerator, unless you switch on the launch control settings and would be doing a quarter mile sprint (which it ably can). Also, unlike its 12-cylinder sibling, the V8 variant has a rear wheel drive platform. The top-of-the-line 12-cylinder Lusso is equipped with a complex vehicle dynamics control system designed to brilliantly and powerfully perform well in all driving situations, specially when comes to challenging low-grip surfaces. Thanks to Ferrari’s latest, fourth generation of the Side Slip Control, the new Ferrari-patented 4RM-s (four-wheel drive, four wheel-steering) system integrates and controls the 4RMEvo four-wheel drive’s PTU (Power Transfer Unit), the rear wheel steering, E-Diff and SCM-E active damping.

However, the V8 variant is also very surefooted, delivering a consistent sense of stability and ride comfort. It doesn’t really make you work very hard. Using Ferrari’s award-winning powertrain with rear-wheel drive has resulted in a lower weight and an increased weight bias towards the rear. This plus its four-wheel steering and specific calibration of the dynamic control systems to the mix has produced an extremely agile and responsive car that can surely keep up, if not outperform some of its 2-seater cousins.

Its robust and instant throttle response gives a smooth progressive pick-up across the rev range and making the car ideal for both city driving and longer journeys. Inside the cabin, it sits four full-sized adults comfortably and the name GTC4 Lusso draws its references its illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT which is one of Enzo Ferrari’s favorites. Breaking down the nomenclature, GTC stands for Grand Turismo Coupes and the number 4 stands for its four-seat capacity while Lusso means luxury in Italian.

The Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T ushers in a new genre of supercar ownership. Ferrari owners can now enjoy short distance or even cross country drives together with friends or loved ones without compromising on driving experience.

| Photos by Botchi Santos |