A unique car, boasting exceptional versatility, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso is a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept
Story Gavin Foster
The latest addition to the Ferrari range – the 12-cylinder GTC4Lusso – has just made its debut on South African roads. Featuring integrated rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive, this supercar is aimed at owners looking for a vehicle that is sporty, elegant, versatile and suitable for everyday driving. As Ferrari fans might have picked up, the name of this new model hints at its illustrious predecessors – including the 330 GTC, its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT, and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.
Scuderia South Africa – the official Ferrari dealer – unveiled Ferrari’s latest arrival with their pièce de résistance – the latest V12 four-seater. The number four plays a big part in the design of this latest addition to the Ferrari stable. Four wrap-around seats, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Apart from the obvious advantages of exceptional roadholding with all four wheels gripping any surface, the new GTC4Lusso boasts Ferrari’s patented 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system, which is integrated with rear-wheel steering.
According to Mervyn Eagles, CEO of Scuderia South Africa, “this enables the driver to effortlessly handle the GTC4Lusso’s extraordinary torque even on snow-covered, wet or low-grip roads. The result is tremendous stability and masterful control that translates into superior performance.”
The GTC4Lusso is designed for those who relish the joy of driving a Ferrari, be it on short spins or long journeys, winding wet, dry or snowy mountain passes. This can be enjoyed on your own or in the company of up to three adventurous passengers.
“Ferrari drivers demand exceptional power, but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing,” says Eagles. “In short, the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, like the FF before it.”
The GTC4Lusso’s dynamic control systems have been specifically calibrated to boost responsiveness to driver input. In particular, the 4WS (rear-wheel steering), which is integrated with Side Slip Control (SSC3), reacts more rapidly to the driver’s intentions into and out of corners, thanks to the rear wheels steering the car in the same direction as the front wheels.
All the wheels are driven by the GTC4Lusso’s 12-cylinder 6262cc engine, which delivers smooth, consistent power, punching out a massive 507 kW at
8 000 rpm. Maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5 750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1 750 rpm for superb responsiveness ‒ even at low engine speeds.
As a four-seater, the new Ferrari retains enough volume to guarantee exceptional space and comfort for all four occupants, as well as ample luggage space.
The Dual Cockpit architecture is another first and is designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger, with the latter having their own generous optional display with a plethora of functions.
Although it won’t be legal to push the GTC4Lusso to its maximum speed of 335km/h on any South African public road, it will be quite easy to humiliate street racers by clocking the 0-100km/h dash in just 3,4 seconds! *
