The FF features two firsts for Ferrari; a shooting brake rear and all-wheel-drive.
Ferrari's long awaited replacement for the 612 Scaglietti has arrived, and initial impressions are very good. The Ferrari FF is quite a stunner, but it's also a very welcome, if radical, departure from the traditional front engine, rear-wheel-drive Ferrari grand tourer.
The shooting brake body style is a first for Ferrari (Before anyone raises their hand to correct me on this, I'd like to point out that 250 GT Drogo "Breadvan" was actually a 250 GT SWB modified outside of Ferrari by Bizzarrini), and gives the the FF a whiff of utilitarianism. With the seats folded down it provides 800 liters of cargo space, though you won't be making any runs to Home Depot for more drywall in it.
FF stands for Ferrari Four, which refers to Ferrari's first ever all-wheel-drive system. Not many details on this system, called 4RM, have emerged, but we do know that it's capable of cutting power to the front wheels and is about half the weight of other all-wheel-drive systems. Power is provided by a 6.3 liter V12 which produces 651 hp and is mounted as far back in the chassis as possible, which translates to a 47:53 front to rear weight distribution. The engine also features the emissions-reducing stop-start engine technology first seen in last year's HELE California.
There's plenty of neat styling details to drink in. The side panel surfacing is interesting but doesn't come off as superfluous. The front has a chunky stance and features headlamps similar to those found on the 458 Italia, and a throwback chrome mesh grill. The shooting brake style roofline is extremely well executed and looks like nothing ever seen before on a Ferrari. Take note of the downforce-aiding wing protruding from the bottom of the diffuser, too.
Dry weight is 1790 kg / 3946 lb, which is a useful 45 kg / 100 lb lighter than the 612. Combined with its all-wheel-drive launch capabilities, this means a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, which is 0.3s quicker than the 612's time. Its top speed is also about 10 mph up on the 612, bringing the total to 208 mph. The FF will also be equipped with updated versions of Ferrari's SCM3 magnetorheological damping system, and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the FF should hit roads around the world late this year or early 2012.
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