?2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso?
A More Refined Shooting Brake Coupe

The Ferrari FF has evolved into a more sophisticated and refined ?Shooting Brake Coupe?, in the form of the 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso. The new GTC4 Lusso may well be the ultimate Grand Touring Coupe, and like its predecessor the FF it comes with a four-seat layout in a four-wheel drive configuration, but adds rear-wheel steering to its already impressive menu.

The Ferrari FF was in a class by itself, first appearing as a 2012 model and the first Ferrari to feature four-wheel drive. The GTC4 Lusso continues in that vein. In terms of its appearance, it replaces the FF in Ferrari?s stable displaying a somewhat similar Grand Turismo form, with an elongated hood and extended rear cabin, with seating for two additional passengers.

The body is designed by Pininfarina and displays a harmonious combination of sport and racing DNA along with a heightened level of functionality exhibited in its curvaceous form.

Many auto aficionados have never aspired to own a Ferrari, but more often than not, they have probably never experienced what Ferraris have to offer in terms of exclusive and elegant motoring. Ferraris are indeed legendary automobiles – a representation of what a super sports car should be. Today?s Ferraris may be divided into two distinct categories ? sport and touring. Other smaller sub categories are extreme Grand Touring Ferraris and race models, although any and all Ferraris may be raced. The 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, as it replaces the FF falls into the extreme GT or Grand Touring genre.

The GTC4 Lusso Ferrari perhaps does not fit everyone?s image of the famed Italian supercar. In profile, it appears to be an elongated coupe rather than taking on the iconic marque?s more traditional low slung racy form. It is indeed sleeker looking than the FF model that It replaces, and although the rear adopts a somewhat bulbous image there are significant styling cues that enhance the car?s visual appeal. There are now dual taillights per side, and in place of the former simple cove and flat vent, there are triple fin blades now located just aft of the front wheel wells.

The source of power remains a normally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 that cranks out 680 horsepower at 8,000 rpm while also generating an impressive 514 pound feet of torque at 5,750 rpm. Roughly 80 percent of the engine?s high rev range torque is actually available from only 1,750 rpm according to Ferrari. The engine has a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and redlines at 8,250 rpm. The powerful V12 engine is positioned longitudinally in a mid/Front orientation, and works in tandem with the 7-speed, dual clutch, F1 style automatic gearbox to meter the driving force to all four wheels via the company?s four-wheel drive system.

The GTC4 Lusso can move from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds despite its more than two ton mass, obviously thanks in no small part to the added traction provided by Ferrari?s latest unique 4RM EVO four-wheel drive system. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 208 mph.

Power is taken directly by the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) from the crankshaft at the engine?s front, then splitting it between the front wheels. Ferrari claims that this patented system yields benefits in reduced weight, improved weight distribution (47 per cent up front and 53 percent aft, along with quicker response times.

The 4RM Evo continues to work with the E-Differential as before, as well as the F1-Trac ? the latest Side Slip Control (SSC4) and the SCM-E Magnaride suspension. The GTC4 Lusso also adds 4RM-S rear-wheel steering to the menu. Unlike the F12 tdf where it was used to improve stability, the 4RM-S is designed to increase the car?s agility entering into corners.

Technical advances found in the cabin include: a new steering wheel, with a slightly smaller centre boss, which improves accessibility to the indicator and headlight buttons. A rotary switch for the windscreen wipers has also been added.

A 10.25-inch touch screen dominating the cabin?s centre, which may also be navigated by a pod of buttons that are intuitive to operate ? a step up over the old system. Additionally, there are still two smaller screens on either side of the analogue rev counter each with their own set of controls. An extra 8.8-inch touch screen may be ordered to go directly in front of the passenger with programmable detailed operational information. Does one really want the passenger to be aware of the rate of speed, operational gear and other possibly alarming info?

My test 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso wore an exterior finish of Grigio Ferro metallic (Gray) with a Cuio (Two-tone Beige) and Charcoal interior. The base sticker read $298,000. The following options elevated the final tally to $377,222. Before tax and license: Adaptive Front Lights + SBL, $3,037; Front grill with Dark Edges, $1,688; Panoramic roof, $20,249; Suspension Lifter, $6,749; Prancing Horse stitched on headrests, $2,194; Sport Exhaust Pipes, $843; Scuderia Ferrari Shields, $1,856; Dual View Front Parking Camera, $3,375; Passenger Display;, $5,906; Ferrari Historical Colours, $12,486; 20-inch Forged Painted wheels, $6,243; Black Panoramic Roof End Section, $3,375; High Power Hi-Fi System, $6,243; Coloured special stitching, $759; and Apple CarPlay, $4,219. Additional charges included: Gas Guzzler Tax, $3,000. and Transportation Cost, $3,750.

SUMMARY: Driving the 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso delivers an incredibly athletic and agile feeling. Appearance-wise, it doesn?t really fit the traditional Ferrari image or persona. It is long, low and lean, but the addition of the rear seat tends to stretch it beyond what is considered proportionally correct for Ferrari. Most fans agree that the most iconic examples are actually open cars with accommodations for only two.

My only suggestions for improvement: the engine and exhaust note could be more amplified for even broader smiles, and the Auto Stop/Start could be made less intrusive and more consistent.
Setting its performance capability and characteristics aside, the GTC4 Lusso offers high standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car specs and equipment unprecedented in such a high-performance vehicle, able to comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

There is a vast array of options and accessories for personalization that have been developed for the GTC4 Lusso, including model-specific exterior colors and sumptuous interior trim that incorporates specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The GTC4 is also equipped with Ferrari?s magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

The driver may change several setup formats for the car in similar fashion to Formula 1 cars by utilizing a single, steering wheel mounted selector set called the Manettino by Scuderia which functions as a commutator switch and features five specific settings: Snow and Ice; Wet; Comfort, Sport; and ESC off (or race mode), which turns off both the traction and stability controls, giving the driver full control over the car?s actions. Other wheel-integrated controls include: the engine Start/Stop button; headlight and wiper control switches; a damping control button directional signal switches and horn pads. The cabin is executed in finely stitched special leather and other special details including carbon fiber trim accents.

The authoritative rumble from the powerful 6.3-liter V12 is music to any red-blooded gear-head?s ears, and the explosive exhaust note that exits through the split dual exhaust pipes borders on orgasmic. Acceleration is rapid on demand, unless of course you want to simply cruise leisurely about town showcasing the car?s visual appeal.

Gear changes are executed with the F1 steering column mounted paddle shifters. One may select a fully automatic mode via a button mounted in a separated control panel mounted in the lower center console between two grab handles. Located in the same panel is a button for reverse gear as well as a PS. button for ?Power Start? (Launch Control). The Nav system screen is mounted above in the upper console. Rear Seating is just as supportive as it is visually pleasing. The ride quality is most compliant and comfortable. The handling is indeed ?Ferrari-like?, delivering a precise and positive feel. The GTC4 Lusso remains flat through twisting backloads, and the tires grip the road tenaciously. Vehicle settings are controlled through programmable dash-mounted switches.

Other interesting touches are the sporty metal pedals, including a similar pedal for the passenger, which I deemed the ?Oh No? pedal (not really, but you can add your own expletive). The readout panel for the passenger above the glove box displays vehicle speed, the gear that the car is in and more. It even records the top speed achieved. I dubbed this the ?Nag-o-meter? because it allowed the passenger (in this case, my significant other) to observe the driver?s behavior ? not necessarily a good thing, although it?s ideal for the navigator in a rallye situation.

In the final analysis, the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso is a joy to drive under virtually any condition, totally capable of satisfying anyone?s need for speed, but without sacrificing any creature comforts, making it ideal for ski trips and the like. After driving one, Ferrari is a car that is sure to initiate a level of lust, being a product of deep-seated Italian passion. The creation of a quieter cabin, has also improved comfort levels. My only suggestions for improvement: the engine and exhaust note could be more amplified for even broader smiles, and the Auto Stop/Start could be made less intrusive and more consistent.
Does the GTC4 Lusso perform on the same level as the 488GTB? No, but that?s not what the Lusso is all abut. Its purpose is to provide a more sophisticated traveling experience, while doing so on a very impressive scale.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

Base Price: $298,000.
Price as Tested: $377,222.

Engine Type and Size: 6.3-liter, 65 degree, normally aspirated V-12 with electronic fuel injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 680 @ 8,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 514 @ 5,750 rpm
Redline: 8,250 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch, F1 paddle shift automatic w/ E-diff.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mid-mounted front engine / Four-wheel Drive (4RM EVO) w/ E-Diff, F-1-Trac, SCM-E, SSC4 and ESC.

Suspension: Front ? Upper & lower A-arms, coil springs, electronic adjustable tube shocks and anti-roll bar.
Rear ? Multilink, coil springs, electronic adjustable shocks and anti-roll bar. Front –

Brakes: Vacuum power-assisted four-wheel floating vented and drilled carbon ceramic discs 15.7?1.5?? front / 14.2?1.26? rear with ABS.

Tires: Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR 20×8.5?-front / 295/35 ZR20x10.5?rear mounted on 5-wide ?V? spoke (forming 5 twin spokes) alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 117.72 inches
Length Overall: 195.75 inches
Width: 77.95 inches
Height: 54.4 inches
Curb Weight: 4,233 lbs.
Turning Circle: Not given
Fuel Capacity: 24.01 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 15.27 mpg combined
Drag Coefficient: A 6% improvement over the FF
0 – 60 mph: 3.4 seconds. Maximum speed=208 mph

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.