The FF's front end... Reminscent of the 458 and the 612

The next stage of Ferrari’s evolution is unveiled – a myriad of firsts for the Ferrari FF – Four-Seat, Four-Wheel Drive (Forza Ferrari!)

Ferrari has broken the mould for their replacement for the venerable 612 Scaglietti. Their answer to the likes of Porsche’s 918 RSR, Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati GranTurismo. While the rumour mill was rife with suggestions that Ferrari would be debuting the 612′s successor at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Ferrari looks to have come well ahead of schedule.

Ferrari have christened their new creation the ‘FF’ (Ferrari-speak for ‘Four seats, Four-wheel drive’). The latter is a true first for the Maranello based manufacturer; Ferrari has bestowed upon the FF its brand new all-wheel drive ’4RM’ system – that features continuous and intelligent torque distribution and is said to be somewhere around 50% lighter than conventional 4WD systems, allowing it to maintain a very desirable 47:53 weight distribution. The ’4RM’ is laden with all manner of technical wizardry that remains as yet unrevealed and speculation continues as to whether conventional drive shafts or electric motors are used to drive the front wheels. The new ’4RM’ system is mated to another groundbreaking introduction for Ferrari – a dual-clutch gearbox, previously a technology never paired with any of the Prancing Horse’s V12 powerplants. Keeping all this under control is Ferrari’s ‘SCM3′ Adaptive Magnetorheological damping and Carbon-Ceramic Brembo stoppers, the combination of all of these technologies should mean that the Ferrari FF meets the company’s aspiration for their flagship to deliver “record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions” - and, indeed, they are going to need it.

With so many ‘Firsts’ the FF might as well be called the ‘Ferarri Firsts’. Under the hood, Ferrari presents the crowning achievement of their engine development division – the FF is powered by an all new 6262cc, direct injected V12 that develops a whopping 651 bhp at 8000rpm and a neck-busting 809Nm of torque at a very sensible 6000rpm. These colossal figures dwarf even the all-out technical masterpiece that was the Ferrari Enzo. With a claimed dry weight of 1790kg translating into roughly 1900kg of kerb weigh, the FF presents an impressive power to weight ratio of around 350bhp per ton. These astounding figures translate into a top speed of 335km’h and a lighting 0-100km/h timing of just 3.7sec! Proof positive that the FF is indeed every bit the supercar under all that classy bodywork, and a testimony to the incredible technical advances at Maranello. Keep in mind that this is a bona-fide supercar and you’ll easily come to terms with economy figures of 15.4l/100km and 360g/km.

The Ferrari FF brings Four-wheel drive and a two-door hatchback to the lineup

Pininfarina are once again guilty for the new Ferrari’s good looks. The FF measures 4.907m long, 1.953m wide and 1.374m high, longer, narrower and taller than the outgoing car. On the design front, the front airdam is a distinct design cue that references its illustrious predecessor, headlamps and  bonnet contours seem reminiscent of the recent 458 Italia, but it’s the profile that is probably the most striking aspect of the new Ferrari: this new two-door hatchback four-seater seems to take the look of the recent BMW M1 and it’s short rear overhang and crank it up to 11 on the sexy scale. At the wheels, new 5-spoke alloys continue to take the evolution of Ferrari’s aesthetic forwards. The general impression of the FF is that of a modern, sporty tourer with a touch of practicality.

The FF sports a sleek and distinctive hatchback design.

To prove its touring credentials, the FF has a four-seat layout that is reportedly the ‘best in class’ for cabin and boot space – 450 liters of boot space expands to an impressive 800 liters with the rear seats folded – impressive figures even when compared to four-door rivals and indeed signs that Ferrari are very much a company on the move.

Word from Ferrari is that the prospective owners can expect the FF to come in at prices similar to the 612 (expect prices around $1.27mil). To accompany the FF, Ferrari has an impressive lineup of personalization options and accessories, including six exterior colours specifically for the FF and an exclusive FF leather interior featuring specially treated airline leather. To Ferrari, the FF represents a break from the past, we at 8flo think that is represents a break into the future…

For now, enjoy the photos from Giovanni Gastel’s shoot for Ferrari and the video featuring the car’s extensive development and testing process.

Ferrari FF

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Type 65-degree V12

Overall displacement 6,262 cc

Maximum power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm

Maximum torque 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Dimensions and weight

Length 4907 mm

Width 1953 mm

Height 1379 mm

Dry weight* 1790 kg

Weight distribution 47% front, 53% rear

Weight/power ratio 2.7 kg/CV

Performance

Maximum speed 335 km/h

0-100 km/h 3.7 sec

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)

Fuel consumption** 15,4 l/100 km

Emissions** 360 g/km

* European market version

** With HELE system