A Significantly Refined Interior

South Tyrol, located in the northernmost part of Italy. Upon arriving at a ski resort in Brunico, a representative town in the region with views of the majestic Dolomites, a brand-new Ferrari painted in gunmetal gray welcomed us. This was the test drive event for the "FF" , the successor to the FF (Ferrari Four), which had generated buzz as the company's first 4WD model. The event was held in early July, starting from an Alpine ski resort where the air still held a hint of chill.

Behind the GTC4 Lusso stood a novel building, like a giant object jutting out from the mountainside. This raw concrete structure, resembling a secret base, is the "Messner Mountain Museum," designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. True to the work of this 'maverick,' it possesses a futuristic and unconventional form, yet it surprisingly blends into the surrounding natural landscape with an organic beauty that leaves a strong impression.

Messner Mountain Museum

The Ferrari staff displayed their latest model as if in a collaboration with this architectural work, welcoming us. And the star of the show, the GTC4 Lusso, while adopting the distinctive shooting brake style, possessed a classical, refined beauty that the FF lacked. Frankly, it gave an impression of being considerably more stylish.

Upon closer inspection, one notices that this brand-new coupe has indeed been significantly refined from the FF. For example, the roofline. While the FF's was nearly horizontal, the GTC4 Lusso's slopes down towards the rear, with corresponding changes made to the window graphics. This creates a flowing impression, akin to a fastback coupe.

"The proportions are almost the same as the FF. However, the roofline drops lower at the rear. We wanted to create a more dynamic image."

The designer responsible for the GTC4 Lusso stated this during the presentation, and indeed, their aim seemed to have been achieved.

The front end features a lower, longer nose tip, and the grille has been enlarged to a single unit for improved cooling efficiency. At the rear, the taillights have been changed from two to the traditional four, emphasizing the body's width.

Looking at the side of the body, three louvers reminiscent of Ferrari's classic "330 GTC" are cut into the panel, and a sharp edge line runs from the rear of the front fender towards the rear fender. These delicate detailing touches, absent in the FF, create a design with deep contours and a sense of dynamism. In fact, almost none of the body panels from the FF have been carried over. Incidentally, while the body dimensions are nearly the same as the FF, the vehicle weight has been reduced by 60kg.

The GTC4 Lusso's exterior, which evokes both the dynamism of a super sports car and the elegance of a coupe, is captivating to behold. Simultaneously, aerodynamic performance has also been enhanced. Through close collaboration between designers and the development team from the initial design stages, and repeated wind tunnel tests, drag has been reduced by 6% compared to the FF, and downforce on the rear wheels has been increased, improving overall aerodynamic efficiency.

Incidentally, the 330 GTC, which inspired the louvers on the body side, along with the "250 GT Berlinetta Lusso," another historic Ferrari masterpiece, are the models that lend their names to the GTC4 Lusso. GTC stands for "Gran Turismo Coupé," and "Lusso" means "luxury" in Italian. The fact that Ferrari has referenced these legendary car names serves as proof that the GTC4 Lusso is not merely a minor update of the FF. Indeed, the presentation following our first encounter with the car dedicated over an hour not only to design but also to the engine, vehicle dynamics, and comfort, highlighting its comprehensive evolution.

Achieving Comfort on Par with Luxury Sedans

The FF was, in essence, an innovative model for Ferrari. It was a car unlike any previous Ferrari, combining a versatile shooting brake-style body that could comfortably seat four adults with the company's first unique 4WD system. This endeavor can be considered a success.

"Compared to previous four-seater models like the 612 Scaglietti, the average age of FF users is 10 years younger."

The development representative stated this during the presentation. This means that the FF successfully attracted a younger demographic of affluent customers. Sixty percent of them embark on long tours with four occupants, and their average annual mileage is 50% higher than that of other Ferrari models. Driving a Ferrari is typically an "extraordinary" experience, but the FF's arrival seems to have brought it down to a more "ordinary" level in a good way. During the presentation, an image displayed on the screen of a baby smiling in a child seat in the back of an FF was particularly memorable.

The morning after our first encounter with the GTC4 Lusso, we were finally handed the steering wheel. Settling into the driver's seat, the first thing that struck me was how much the interior had been refined, even more so than the exterior. The newly introduced "Dual Cockpit Design" concept features a center console that runs from the instrument panel to the rear seats, symmetrically dividing the driver and passenger spaces. While offering ample vertical space, the horizontal tightness creates a comfortable sense of enclosure. As the representative put it, "providing both sportiness and luxurious comfort to both driver and passenger," the interior is one that would excite anyone, even from the passenger seat.

The design of the instrument panel follows Ferrari's conventions, with circular air vents and a compact meter cluster dominated by the tachometer. Compared to the FF, the design is more three-dimensional and modern. Flanking the tachometer are two 5-inch TFT displays, a generous 10.25-inch touchscreen in the center console, and an 8.8-inch landscape-oriented display called the "Passenger Display" on the passenger side instrument panel, offering a plethora of the latest interfaces.

What impressed me most was the sense of premium quality pervading the entire cabin. Take the seats, for example. Their elegant design, the quality of the leather, and the craftsmanship evident in the stitching are breathtakingly beautiful. The press materials state, "Through meticulous design and attention to detail, we have created a sporty, luxurious cabin," and indeed, the term "sporty luxury" is a fitting description for this space.

Improvements in utility are also evident. The luggage space can accommodate up to 800 liters. The interior storage space has been increased by over 50%, and the rear seat legroom has been extended by 16mm.

Pressing the bright red starter button on the steering wheel ignites the engine nestled just behind the front axle. Despite the V12 unit awakening, the cabin is surprisingly quiet. While the distinct pulse of a multi-cylinder engine is undeniable, the overall volume is subdued.

This impression remains even when driving. Cruising through the streets of Brunico at around 40-50 km/h, the tachometer needle hovers around the 7 o'clock position, approximately 1,800 rpm. Under these conditions, the V12 sound is pleasantly restrained. The newly installed electronic bypass valve in the exhaust pipe likely plays a role, quieting the engine noise at lower speeds while producing the powerful V12 sound during spirited driving.

Furthermore, the GTC4 Lusso boasts a 50% improvement in quietness compared to the FF, achieved through various measures such as increased rigidity at the chassis and body connection points, enhanced air conditioning silence, and the use of new materials with acoustic considerations. Indeed, the cabin is noticeably quieter than the FF's, achieving a level of comfort comparable to a luxury sedan.

The Exquisite Naturally Aspirated V12 Unit

The test drive route circumnavigates the Dolomite mountain resort area, starting from Brunico. As it was already the holiday season, the traffic was heavier than expected. As we left the town and entered the country roads winding through the Dolomites, they were filled with cars belonging to families and couples enjoying their holidays. Despite occasional traffic jams, the cabin remains unexpectedly comfortable, considering it's a super GT capable of speeds over 300 km/h.

First and foremost, the ride comfort is excellent. The roads are quite rough, possibly due to winter snow, but the GTC4 Lusso smoothly absorbs input from the road. Of course, it is still a performance car, and one might wish for even more suppleness when the drive mode is set to "Comfort" on the SCM-E magnetorheological dampers. However, that would be asking too much, considering it's a super GT capable of over 300 km/h. In reality, even with strong road inputs, the high body rigidity ensures that harshness and vibrations are quickly suppressed, eliminating any discomfort.

The gentle demeanor of the powertrain is also impressive. The 6,262cc V12 naturally aspirated engine boasts a maximum output of 690ps/8,000rpm, a 30ps increase over the FF, and a maximum torque of 697Nm/5,750rpm, rivaling that of the "F12" . This gives the GTC4 Lusso a staggering performance of 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the FF) and a top speed of 335 km/h.

On the other hand, its flexibility, generating 80% of its maximum torque at just 1,750 rpm, is characteristic of modern high-performance engines. Consequently, there is no jerkiness even when crawling through traffic. Combined with the twin-clutch transmission, which shifts gears with a smoothness comparable to an automatic, the car accelerates and decelerates smoothly in response to the driver's throttle inputs. This refinement in the drivetrain is an essential factor for a luxury car. It brings to mind the image of a Triple Crown winner casually trotting in the paddock.

Incidentally, this latest V12 unit, which Ferrari claims to have intensively researched and developed, is undoubtedly one of the GTC4 Lusso's highlights. The improvements over the FF are numerous, including an increased compression ratio (from 12.4:1 to 13.5:1) due to revisions to the piston heads. As a result, while achieving high performance, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 3%.

Enjoying the scenery of the Dolomites unfolding through the windshield, we continued driving at a leisurely pace for a while. As our eyes grew accustomed to the breathtaking landscape of rugged mountains and the deep blue sky, and we began to feel impatient with the slow pace, the traffic ahead finally cleared. Instinctively, I pressed the accelerator pedal. The moment I did, the tachometer needle shot up towards the 8,250 rpm redline, and the scenery outside the windows blurred into a streak.

In such situations, the exhaust note, previously subdued, changes noticeably from around 4,500 rpm, becoming higher-pitched and more aggressive as the revs climb further. Synchronized with the rising exhaust note, the acceleration G-force increases linearly. The way the engine speed, sound, and power organically build towards a crescendo is truly characteristic of Ferrari's V12 unit.

As mentioned earlier, while the engine's flexibility allows it to produce 80% of its maximum torque at 1,750 rpm, it is also an extremely high-revving unit, generating maximum power at 8,000 rpm and allowing revs up to 8,250 rpm, despite its displacement exceeding 6 liters. Therefore, it is simply fun to rev, and once pushed, the car itself seems to demand aggressive driving.

What is astounding about this multi-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is how the moving parts, including the 12 pistons, generate explosive energy in perfect harmony, like an orchestra's performance, which can be felt through the sound and power. The driver feels as if they are the conductor, able to control this superb V12 engine at will. No matter how sophisticated a turbocharged engine may be, it cannot replicate the feeling one experiences with the "488" or the "California T" V8s. The wave of downsizing turbocharging has swept over even Ferrari and Porsche, as you know, but one can only hope that this V12 naturally aspirated unit will continue to exist. It is an exquisite engine that makes one wish for its longevity.

Further Evolved 4WD System

We pick up the pace on the winding roads of the Dolomites, a series of tight corners left and right. Although the body, nearly 5 meters long and 2 meters wide, makes the stage feel somewhat cramped, the GTC4 Lusso navigates the successive corners with the nimble stance of a sports car. The nose feels particularly light, as if drawn towards the apex of each turn. The faster we go, the greater the sense of unity with the car, making it feel as if the body has shrunk.

The GTC4 Lusso inherits the 4WD system developed for the FF, utilizing the "PTU (Power Transfer Unit)." Torque is taken from the crankshaft and sent not only to the rear wheels but also to the front of the engine. This unit, located above the front axle, distributes power to the left and right front wheels. This innovative mechanism reduces the system weight to 50% of conventional 4WD systems, achieving a weight distribution of 47:53, despite the front-engine layout.

This PTU, combined with the "E-Diff (electronic differential)" and "F1-Trac (traction control)," controls the power distribution to all four wheels, forming the "4RM" system first introduced by Ferrari in the FF. The GTC4 Lusso adopts an evolved version of the 4RM system with improved precision, now incorporating rear-wheel steering, called the "4RM-S (4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering)" system. Developed based on the fourth-generation side-slip control system "SSC4," it also integrally controls the SCM-E damping.

While the sheer number of electronic control devices is enough to confuse even the writer of this article, what is remarkable is how they all operate discreetly, without the driver being consciously aware of their presence. For instance, in a tight corner where one might expect to reposition their hands on the steering wheel, the GTC4 Lusso smoothly carves through the turn as you cross your arms to steer. This is likely thanks to the rear-wheel steering and other electronic controls, but the entire movement feels completely natural.

As you exit the apex and apply throttle, the car responds to even the slightest movement of your right foot, converting immense torque into propulsion without reservation. It navigates high-speed corners precisely as the driver intends, maintaining stable behavior throughout. While the various electronic devices likely compensate for the driver's skill to achieve peak performance, the driver remains the protagonist, and the fact that you never feel like you are "being driven by the car" is truly commendable. Ferrari, after all, has always built the ultimate driver's cars, regardless of whether it's a four-seater, 4WD model.

Unfortunately, this test drive did not provide an opportunity to experience the GTC4 Lusso's performance during high-speed cruising, where it would truly shine, nor did we encounter situations where its full 4WD capabilities could be utilized. In essence, it felt like a wasted opportunity. Nevertheless, I was captivated by its near-perfect performance, from everyday driving in traffic to spirited driving on winding roads. I was deeply moved by its versatility, seamlessly embodying both a pure sports car and a luxurious GT. Most importantly, I was profoundly impressed by how the GTC4 Lusso consistently appealed to the driver's senses, reminding them of the sheer joy of being behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

The convenience of seating four adults comfortably and its all-weather, all-terrain versatility are undoubtedly strong selling points for the GTC4 Lusso. However, other premium brands also offer models that fulfill these requirements to a high degree. The most crucial aspect is how Ferrari has masterfully fused its innate talents—such as its breathtakingly beautiful interior and exterior and its exhilarating driving dynamics—with the new characteristic of versatility.

"The GTC4 Lusso is designed for customers who want to experience the thrill of driving a Ferrari anytime, anywhere," the development representative stated, confirming this point.

By the way, the "Messner Mountain Museum" mentioned at the beginning is a museum dedicated to Reinhold Messner, the world-renowned mountaineer born and raised in South Tyrol. He is a figure who has etched his name in the history of alpinism, achieving numerous feats, including the world's first solo ascent of Everest without supplemental oxygen. He is, in essence, a treasure that Italy proudly offers to the world.

Ferrari, too, has produced many legendary cars and left its mark on automotive history. The GTC4 Lusso, inheriting the names of historic masterpieces, can be said to be one of the epoch-making models from this Italian treasure. While on the bus heading to the airport from Brunico, gazing back at the distant Dolomite mountains that I had enjoyed with the GTC4 Lusso, I pondered this thought.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso
Body Dimensions | Length 4,922 x Width 1,980 x Height 1,383 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,790 kg
Engine | 6,262 cc 65-degree V12
Bore x Stroke | 94 x 75.2 mm
Compression Ratio | 13.5
Maximum Output | 507 kW (690 ps) / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 697 Nm / 5,750 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (F1 DCT)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Brakes Front | φ398x38mm Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | φ360x32mm Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 245/35R20 / 295/35R20
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.4 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration | 10.5 seconds
100-0 km/h Braking | 34 meters
200-0 km/h Braking | 138 meters
Top Speed | 335 km/h
Weight Distribution | Front 47 : Rear 53
Fuel Consumption | 15 L/100km (approx. 6.67 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 150 g/km
Vehicle Price | 34.7 million yen