After years of anticipation, Ferrari today unveiled the Purosangue, the first ever four-door, four-seater car in the Prancing Horse’s 75-year history. It’s powered by a thumping V12 capable of producing 533kW.
In doing so, Ferrari has created a car that is unique on the world stage: not only do performance, driving pleasure and comfort coexist in perfect harmony, but it is also a peerless encapsulation of the Prancing Horse’s iconic DNA.
Built on a completely different layout with innovative proportions (when compared to traditional SUVs and cross-overs), this is the reason why the name Purosangue, Italian for ‘thoroughbred’, was chosen.
The average modern GT’s engine is mounted forwards in the car, almost straddling the front axle with the gearbox coupled directly to it; this results in less than optimal weight distribution and poorer driving dynamics.
The Purosangue, on the other hand, has a mid-front-mounted engine with the gearbox at the rear to create a sporty transaxle layout. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is coupled in front of the engine to provide a unique 4×4 transmission.
It is also the only car with these proportions to sport a mid-front-mounted, naturally-aspirated V12, offering 716Nm of torque. It has a 100-litre fuel tank and tips the scales at 2,033kg.
The Purosangue’s aero development focused on making the bodywork, underbody and rear diffuser as efficient as possible too. New solutions include synergy between the front bumper and wheel arch trim, which generates an air curtain to prevent turbulent air flows.
Ferrari has also given the Purosangue the very latest iterations of the vehicle dynamic control systems introduced on its most powerful and exclusive sports cars, including independent four-wheel steering and ABS ‘evo’ with 6-way chassis dynamic sensors.
Making its world debut here too is a new active suspension system. This very effectively controls body roll in corners, as well as the tyre contact patch over high-frequency bumps, to deliver the same performance and handling response as one of the marque’s sports cars.
The all-new chassis has a carbon-fibre roof as standard to keep weight down and lower the centre of gravity. Redesigning the bodyshell from scratch also meant the designers could incorporate rear-hinged back doors (welcome doors).
The cabin has four generous heated electric seats that will comfortably accommodate four adults. The boot is the largest ever seen on a Ferrari (473-litres) and the rear seats fold to increase the luggage space.
Naturally enough, the Purosangue has a more commanding driving position than other Ferraris, but the configuration is the same. As a result, the driving position is still intimate and close to the floor to provide greater connection to the car’s dynamic capabilities.
The Purosangue offers class-leading performance figures too, with the sprint to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds. The driving position and the heady, naturally-aspirated V12 soundtrack deliver an entirely new yet also entirely Ferrari driving experience.
The fact that an array of comfort items are provided as standard, like the Burmester audio system, and that there’s a range of interior trims on offer (including new Alcantara upholstery) make the Purosangue the most complete four-door, four-seater in the segment.
Local pricing and availability will be provided in the near future. To find out more, we recommend talking to your local Ferrari dealer. If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
