I received word that the new Ferrari FF (Ferrari Four) was in town for a couple of days, to be previewed by potential customers. I really wanted to make it, but I would be out of town for several days over the weekend; so once I got back from my holiday, I made it a point to head for Naza Italia to see it in the flesh.
So... what exactly is the Ferrari FF (Ferrari Four)? Touted as the replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, the FF is the latest V12 grand tourer. There are a couple of new developments on the FF; this is the first production 4WD Ferrari has made (patented by Ferrari as 4RM), and this is also Ferrari's first shooting brake.
EXTERIOR:
The FF is a four seater GT, with a long sloping bonnet where a 6.3-litre V12 is nestled. I must admit that when I first saw pictures of the FF, I hated it. I didn't like every thing about it visually; too long, too sloped, awkward face, clumsy rear. But then when I finally saw it in the flesh, my opinion changed a little... it was smaller in the flesh, lines were cleaner, and the rear isn't actually that bad. In fact, the more I look at it, the more it looks more like a station wagon version of the 458 Italia! That said, I am sure that many will be divided by it's looks.
INTERIOR:
You might have noticed that the particular example in pictures is a LHD unit. I was told that this example is actually a pre-production model that is doing a tour across the dealerships in Southeast Asia. Before Malaysia, it was in Australia and Singapore, and will be headed to Bangkok this weekend.
The FF is a strict four-seater, with a very generous boot space of 450 litres. To put things in perspective, a Honda Civic FD has 458 litres of space. The cherry on this cake is knowing that the rear seats are actually collapsible, and the boot space is extended to 800 litres. Definitely more than above average to um, do your grocery runs.
Most of the interior is wrapped in a sumptuous leather, with smattering of CF here and there. Extended all the way, the driving position is perfect, but passengers at the rear would suffer, and leg-room isn't what you would call generous. That said, the rear seats are perfectly fine for a night out for four people, just not the best car to drive up north to Penang.
The steering is standard Ferrari fare, as are the dials (that are beautiful, btw). More important to note, is the optional display on the front passenger area; information on the FF's cruising speed is on show here, and some might tick this box, just to scare some of their passengers. Also worth mentioning are the redesigned air-cond vents. These are actually much easier to use now, and doesn't feel as cheap as some of the earlier Ferrari models.
ENGINE & TECHNOLOGY:
Ferrari FF V12 start-up - YouTube
Now comes the interesting part; the FF's 6.3 litre V12 is naturally aspirated, and produces a staggering 651hp, with 683Nm of torque (500Nm @ 1000rpm). All this, in a body that weighs only 1800kg. 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in a scant 3.7secs and Ferrari claims that the FF is the fastest four-seat automobile in the world. And I can believe that.
The engine is couple to a 7-speed dual-clutch tranny that is similar to the 458 Italia. The 4RM (four wheel drive) system is also touted to be 50% lighter than a conventional 4WD system, and Ferrari claims that this system is much more usable than the 612 it replaces, especially so in hazardous driving conditions like heavy rain, or snow. On a more local flavour, there is a lifting system for both the front AND the back, so we all don't have to worry too much about the pot-holes in KL roads.
Ferrari FF V12 rev video - YouTube
VERDICT:
On paper, the FF is undoubtedly a very accomplished grand tourer. While most will need some time to get used to it's looks, the FF is actually very pretty from select angles. That said, I suspect that the one thing that will stop the order books from flowing is the steep RM2.8mil asking price; too close to a 599 GTO, even if the FF is more practical.
SPECIFICATIONS:
6.3 litre V12
Max power: 651hp @ 8000rpm
Max torque: 683Nm @ 6000rpm
0-100km/h: 3.7secs
Top speed: 335km/h
Transmission: 7-speed semi-auto, AWD
