If I throw out the phrase “station wagon”, what comes to mind? I’ll take a guess and say long road trips with dad behind the wheel and mom trying to keep the peace between you and your siblings. Now try the same thing with the name, “Ferrari” and tell me what comes to mind? The wind in your hair as you fly down narrow roads in the Italian countryside? The beach on one side, cliffs on the other as you drive the winding roads in the south of France? I’ll bet you don’t associate “station wagon” with Ferrari, and you certainly don’t associate Ferrari with station wagons. That may soon change, as Ferrari has released some renderings of its replacement for the 612 Scaglietti.
Called the FF, for Ferarri Four, the new car isn’t really a station wagon (since we all know they have four doors), but the car’s four seats and long roof line probably qualifies it as a “shooting brake”. In any case, that sounds much more elegant that station wagon, which conjures up images of Ferraris with “Vista Roof” windows, and we don’t need to go there. Aside from an unconventional design, vaguely reminiscent of BMW’s M Coupe, the 2012 Ferrari FF brings with it part time AWD (called 4RM in Ferrari speak) and a lower curb weight than the outgoing 612. Under the hood is a 6.3 liter V12, good for 651 horsepower and 504 ft lb of torque. That’s enough thrust to get the modern breadvan from zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 208 miles per hour. To maximize fuel economy (an oxymoron in a Ferrari) the FF will incorporate and auto start-stop system, but there’s no word if it will adopt other fuel sipping measures such as cylinder deactivation.
If you can’t get enough and want more on the FF, or simply want to practice your Italian, hit up Ferrari’s site dedicated to what’s likely to be the world’s fastest grocery-getter.
The new Ferrari is about to arrive
The FF unveiled on www.ferrari.comA revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility
Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.
The FF – an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) – ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.
This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.
Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.
The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.
Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.
A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.
The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.
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/CVPerformance
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
Source: Autoblog
