Grand Tourer: Ferrari GTC4Lusso
A new Ferrari was unveiled at the Geneva Salon, aimed at a younger market who cover more mileage than the typical Ferrari owner. The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is a four-seater, four-wheel drive Grand Tourer in the classic style, succeeding the Ferrari FF that attracted the customer segment referred to in the opening sentence.
The GTC4Lusso is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, a good example of this is in the aerodynamics, with subtle but effective changes combined with a new diffuser and rear spoiler mounted on the roof. Ferrari claims a 6% improvement in drag coefficient.
Motivation for the GTC4Lusso is from a 6.2L V12 which pumps out 680bhp. According to Maranello, it “melds incredible power with efficiency and provides a soundtrack which is thrilling in performance driving, yet discreet and harmonious in normal touring conditions.”
Other features of this Ferrari is four-wheel drive which has been has been integrated with the rear-wheel steering resulting in the new Ferrari-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering) system, which was developed around the fourth generation of the Side Slip Control (SSC4), and now also encompasses the E-Diff electronic differential and SCM-E suspension damping.
In other words: “On snowy, wet or other low-grip surfaces, it delivers tremendous stability and a sensation of masterful control and security that translates into superior performance. On high-grip roads, on the other hand, the car is exceptionally nimble as well as more stable and precise with the result that it is faster into corners.”
The interior has also received a infusion of TLC with a new infotainment system with a dual display all developed by Delphi. A smaller steering wheel and better ergonomics for the controls are further improvements.
All of this comes at a cost, expected to be in the $350-400,000 range but that includes maintenance for the first seven years and four years’ warranty with unlimited mileage.
Ferrari’s Mission Statement for the GTC4Lusso is simple:
“This is a car designed for clients wanting to experience 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. Drivers who demand exceptional power but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing.”
(Photos: John Brooks; additional material copyright and courtesy of Ferrari.)
