This GTC4 Lusso is the full fat V12 with its ingenious 4 wheel drive. A genuine shooting brake with 4 seats and possibly the finest GT coupe money can buy.
Under that long, long bonnet is a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V12 developing 681bhp and 514lb ft of torque similar to the 812 Superfast.
The front-mounted V12 engine sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed twin clutch gearbox. However, the four wheel drive system is unique, instead of the front propshaft passing underneath the engine, a second shaft comes out of the front of the engine and into a separate gearbox containing two forward gears and one reverse. It handles up to 20 per cent of the available torque, and none whatsoever once beyond fourth gear.
This ingenious solution is not only 50 per cent lighter than a conventional 4wd set-up with a central transfer box, but also contributes to a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution (48:52 front and rear). There’s also four-wheel steering to aid agility/stability at low/high speeds and magnetic ride adaptive damping.
The V12 takes just 3.4secs to 62mph with a 208mph top end. The Ferrari V12 naturally aspirated engine is a special unit, instantly responsive with 80 per cent of its impressive torque available from 1750 rpm.
This Lusso presents beautifully and its modern colour scheme is certainly set to turn heads wherever it goes.