2013 Ferrari FF - Review

The Basics:

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a 2012 model, the Ferrari FF is the brand's first four-wheel-drive sports car, ever, and the return of the "shooting brake" three-door wagon to the Prancing Horse's ranks. Luxurious, powerful, and very quick, the FF doesn't have many direct competitors, but could be considered an alternative to almost any of the world's top grand tourers. Priced around $300,000, it's a very expensive way to travel.

A 6.3-liter V-12 engine provides the power, 651 horses' worth, to be exact. Peak power arrives at 8,000 rpm, and the FF can rip off 3.7-second 0-60 mph times on its way to a top speed of 208 mph. While we haven't yet driven the FF, its impressive specs make us eager to get behind the wheel. We'll update the review with our driving impressions once we have.

As for handling, the FF uses magneto-rheological dampers to offer advanced adaptive control of body motion, and despite its 3,946-pound curb weight, should prove to be a competent performer on winding stretches of road. Carbon-ceramic brakes offer fade-resistant stopping power to aid in hauling the big FF to a stop.

The FF's size is a distinct advantage in comparison to most of the alternatives in the two-door super touring class, however. With 15.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the seats, expandable to 28.2 cubic feet, it's arguably one of the most practical in its class for longer trips that require more luggage.

A unique feature of the Ferrari FF is the four-wheel drive system. Rather than using a traditional transfer case solution, Ferrari engineers employed a separate four-speed gearbox to drive the front wheels at lower speeds, with a seven-speed gearbox handling drive to the rear wheels.

Inside, the Ferrari FF is as luxurious and well-built as you'd expect of Ferrari, with leather over most surfaces and the latest in Ferrari's infotainment and convenience features. Front-seat accommodations are fairly roomy, though heavily bolstered seats may limit the range of body types that find them comfortable. The rear seats are split down the middle by a high tunnel, and are somewhat lacking in both legroom and headroom.

A special-edition model of the FF, the Neiman Marcus Edition,

In addition to being Ferrari's only four-wheel drive model, the FF has been used as the launch vehicle for the company's new Tailor Made personalization program, as well as an official Ferrari winter driving school aid.