Ferrari has chosen the medieval Tuscan town of Monteriggioni in the province of Siena for the start of its global media test drive of the new GTC4 Lusso T.
The GTC4 Lusso T is also significant for Ferrari as the first four-seater vehicle powered by a V8 bi-turbo engine, ushering in a whole new lighter Ferrari grand tourer concept. It is not only sporty and versatile but also practical for daily driving without compromising on the comfort. It should appeal to the younger Ferrari fans.
Ferrari enthusiasts may recall that the company had launched the GTC4 Lusso last year with a V12 naturally aspirated engine and an all-wheel-drive. The new version — Ferrari calls it the sixth model — has a twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine that propels the rear wheels saving 30 percent of fuel and CO2 and 50kg of weight. It has more brake horsepower (bhp) per liter; it is lighter in weight, costs less and appeals to a wider customer base of young Ferrari drivers. The chances of this car’s success are great especially in parts of Asia where tax is punitive on larger engines. CO2 emission drops from 350 g/km in the V12 to 265 g/km in the V8.
Tuscan test
The company put the Lusso T to the test in Tuscany over a route that included fast motorways and twisty mountain roads. The route covered over 250 kilometers and five hours of sheer driving performance. The GTC4 Lusso T excelled in all driving conditions and was most relaxing in the comfort mode. Sports mode at high speeds added a high note of turbo boom. The seven-speed dual clutch worked in total harmony with the engine and operated best in the manual mode with the steering wheel shifters.
The GTC4 Lusso T also offers some advantages over its V12 sibling; more usable torque in the mid-range in addition to other benefits of light weight and agility. Weight distribution is also more even than the V12 at 46:54.
Performance-wise the GTC4 Lusso T is still formidable smashing through 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, only one-tenth of a second slower than the V12, and hitting a top speed of 200 miles per hour. This huge power reserve needs equal force to stop it. This is provided by the standard large carbon-ceramic brakes.
With the same 91-liter fuel tank as the V12 Lusso, the range of the GTC4 Lusso T is effectively 30 percent more due to a smaller engine and lesser weight.
The driver has a choice of several modes of driving calibrations including comfort, sport, wet and snow. Further control is provided through the four-wheel steering and sideslip control. Speed is selected via the steering wheel paddle shifters up to seven speeds. No turbo-lag is detected in the GTC4 Lusso T and its lighter weight reflects positively on its agility and ease of driving.
The need for practical inner space has altered the shape and the proportions of the GTC4 Lusso, especially at the rear. There is a generous boot space for luggage, folding rear seats and powered rear hatchback door.
Ferrari tells us that the need for its 6th model came about because of customers’ feedback. Younger drivers between the age of 30 and 45 years prefer to travel long distances. They usually do not need all-wheel drive and prefer a lighter and more agile drive. They tend to drive their Ferraris daily and prefer a comfortable drive.
Its competitors include the Bentley Continental GT and the Mercedes S63 Coupe. Some may prove more comfortable in long drives but none offers the exhilarating drive that the GTC4 Lusso T does. It is now available in the region and prices to depend on options but should start around the $225,000 mark.
There are no visible differences between the V12 and V8 turbo except for the shape of the exhaust pipes and design of the wheels. One option for passengers is an additional screen with vital driving stats above the glove compartment.
All in all, Ferrari got this car right and customers in the Gulf region who are already fond of Ferrari V12 engines should try this one before passing judgment. The V8 twin-turbo engine does the job brilliantly and no one should need more power and torque. It is also comfortable and stylish even at low speeds.
Corrado Iotti, an engineer who works in Ferrari Powertrain and Design, disclosed that there were many modifications to the twin-turbo V8 engine that was used in the 488 and California T models before, including redesigned intercooler and new intake system. He confirmed that the naturally aspirated V12 used in the GTC4 Lusso would continue in production and will power future models. He believes that the V12 does not violate future European emission regulations.
He agreed with other Ferrari officials that the company was not planning an SUV in the foreseeable future. Officials also confirmed that a second Ferrari World would open this summer near Barcelona after the Abu Dhabi concept achieved great success.
Ferrari is now an independent company with shares trading at the New York and Milan stock exchanges. Shares rose by 3.6 percent recently after Sebastian Vettel won the Australian Grand Prix.

Source: Arab News