Let me explain something...
This isn't a normal Ferrari, this is the GTC4 Lusso.
The odd one in the Ferrari-range.
That's because it isn't a 'real' sports car, not a traditional GT.
What it is though, is a shooting brake,
one of the craziest, and maybe one of the most fun body-categories available.
It's a mix between a coupé, a station wagon and a hatchback,
in Ferrari-style, that is...
This is the most practical Ferrari available.
Something you don't find very often in a Ferrari, is usable luggage space.
In here, there's room for 450 litres.
Sure, it isn't huge, but seeming it's a Ferrari, it's quite a lot.
It's pretty usable as well. You can easily fit some weekend bags in here.
If you need to bring your golfing bag as well, you just drop down the rear seats.
Right, I've given away the party piece this car has...
It's a four-seater, a 2+2 actually.
It's more spacious than it has ever been before, normally speaking,
cars like this have got rear seats, but you have to fold yourself in there.
Right now, I'm sitting behind myself,
and I still have more than sufficient legroom back here.
It's pretty comfortable here.
Of course, we already know the car itself since early 2016.
The GTC4 Lusso is the successor to the FF, it's the same kind of car, but with a completely different name.
Don't ask me why though... Ferrari travels in mysterious ways...
The reason why we're driving this GTC4 Lusso T, is the new engine.
The "T" in the name does give it away, this is the biturbo V8.
A slightly modified version of the engine we already know from the California, or even the 488 GTB.
I think that's a first, because correct me if I'm wrong,
but in the past there has never been a Ferrari which could be specced with a V8, and a V12 in the same model.
The reason Ferrari has chosen this path for this car though, is because they want to apply to a younger target audience.
People who aren't looking for the nostalgic, pure 12-cylinder engines,
but more for the daily usability of a turbo engine.
There's some more going on than just the new engine. The V12 has got four-wheel drive,
but this V8 only powers the rear-wheels.
That means this model, which previously was a safe, four-wheel drive family-like car,
is starting to look a little bit like a real sports car.
When it comes to power, this V8 isn't a lot less powerful than the V12.
The V12 produces 690 horsepower, this one only has 610 horsepower.
What this car does have though, is 760 Nm of torque.
And that's quite a lot more than the mere 700 Nm of torque the V12 produces.
That's why they're behave almost the same.
If you compare the 0-100 and 0-200 times, the difference is in tenths.
This car goes from 0-200 within eleven seconds.
Of course, the howl and eagerness of a V12 are irresistible, but if you really want to build a turbo engine,
build one like Ferrari does. Of course, the sound won't be as sensational,
but that's something you can't avoid with a turbo engine.
Another downside of a turbo engine, is the turbo lag.
That means there's a delay when you put your foot down, and when the power kicks in.
In this car however, it's barely noticable.
This V8 really is a technological masterpiece, and that's because of the variable boost management,
which adjusts the torque by software, to match the revs.
So if you're revving high, like you're almost racing,
the car responds very directly. If you want to cruise in the lower revs however,
the car is aimed at fuel-efficiency for example. And that's very nice in a family car like this,
because with this V8 you'll get 30% further than with the V12.
Just like in any Ferrari, the steering is very sharp. Very light and precise.
There's a little less weight in the nose now, because there's no four-wheel drive anymore.
So the V8 is a tad lighter than the V12.
The car is very well balanced. Also, we've got four-wheel steering now.
And to be honest, it's barely noticable.
A lot less than with other cars, and that's very well done.
You almost don't notice that, but the car reacts very naturally.
However, don't forget we're driving a car which is almost 5 metres long. It's a really big car, this GTC4.
It almost weighs two tonnes, and all of that weight has to get off the line and around the corner...
So it won't become a real sports car like the 488 GTB, of course not.
What it is though, is a pretty damn quick family car.
Sure, it isn't a bargain, but if you compare it with the V12,
this V8 still is €75.000 cheaper...