The Independent on Saturday

Purosangue is the Ferrari of crossovers

- JASON WOOSEY jason.woosey@inl.co.za

FERRARI has pulled the covers off its first-ever four-door model, the Purosangue. Yes, it’s a crossover, and yes, it enters a highly profitable market segment that will keep the Italian marque cash-flush enough to keep producing the sports cars that it is renowned for. Win-win?

And this is still very much a Ferrari at heart. Unlike the SUVs of some other performanc­e marques, the Purosangue doesn’t share a platform with SUVs from other brands. This is certainly no Maserati Levante in drag. Underpinni­ng the four-door Ferrari is a completely new chassis, whose lower section is made entirely of aluminium.

Providing the necessary fireworks is a front-mid-mounted, 6 496cc normally aspirated V12 engine, which produces 533kW at 7 750rpm and 716Nm at 6 250rpm. Expect it to prance from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and to 200 in 10.6s, while the top speed is listed at 310km/h.

Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmissi­on, and not only does this vehicle boast a “perfect” 49:51% weight distributi­on but it has some pretty impressive chassis technology. Ferrari is claiming a world first with its Multimatic active suspension system, which combines electric motor actuation with a high-precision spool valve hydraulic damper into one fully integrated system.

Enhancing its agility even further is an evolution of the four-wheel steering system found in the GTC4Lusso.

Of course, this is the first truly practical car that Ferrari has ever produced.

The carmaker claims its new crossover will accommodat­e four adults comfortabl­y, with each occupant getting to enjoy heated sports bucket seats. Rear seat occupants enter Rolls-Royce style through rear-hinged doors. Oh, and the 473-litre boot is the biggest ever in a Ferrari. The cockpit takes inspiratio­n from the SF90 Stradale, featuring digital

interfaces in front of the driver and front passenger. Occupants are also treated to a Burmester 3D premium

surround sound system, which is fitted as standard, and the front seats have a massage function.

 ?? ?? THE Purosangue has impressive chassis technology.
THE Purosangue has impressive chassis technology.

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