A Ferrari for the family!
The Italian giant has launched its first four-door, all-wheel drive ‘supercar’ (just don’t you dare call it an SUV!)
Ferrying the children to school can be a chore. But here’s a new schoolrun supercar that will make it far more enjoyable — and prove an unbeatable top trump among competitive parents.
Having spent an action-packed day behind the wheel of Ferrari’s new Purosangue, i can tell you it’s a head-turner.
The Purosangue — which means thoroughbred — is the italian firm’s first sporty higher- riding, all- wheel drive crossover.
Costing from £313,120, that price will soar even higher with a long list of tempting extras including: special launch colour paint (£7,601); leather interior carpets (£5,136); two matching Ferrari weekend bags (£4,829); embroidered prancing horses on headrests (£1,337); and a Ferrari umbrella (£490).
With families and practicality in mind — as well as the traditional focus on achieving the pinnacle of performance — its launch marks a number of ‘ firsts’ including being the first Ferrari four-door.
Within the modern and sophisticated cabin is a surprising amount of comfortable interior space which Ferrari describes as a ‘sporty lounge’.
Also for the first time, there are four separate full- sized individually electrically adjustable heated seats — enough to accommodate four adults without a squeeze. The seats can be moved independently and for those in the front there’s an optional massage function with a choice of five different massages and three levels of intensity.
The two rear seats have secure isofix fittings for child seats, while, in the rear, the car has what is the biggest boot ever seen on a Ferrari. The aluminium boot is electrically activated with two electric tailgate lifters allowing it to be opened to 73 degrees for easy access. And a special interior lining is planned to give a seamlessly flat extended boot-space.
Deliveries of the first left-hand models begin from late summer this year with right-hand drive models for the UK and other similar markets from september.
Just don’t dare call it an sUV or a crossover within ear-shot of any Ferrari executives or you will encounter their disapproval. They insist that Purosangue is a sports car ‘ unlike any other’. And definitely noT a sports Utility Vehicle. it is so cleverly and aerodynamically sculpted that it looks deceptively smaller and more elegant than its actual size.
Even the rear window is cleaned by specially directed air flows, which is why there’s no rear windscreen wiper.
It proved exciting and engaging to drive — both on and off the road — as i headed into the snowline of the italian Alps.
Its higher riding stance means the Purosangue has a more commanding driving position, but the cossetting cockpit remains close to the floor.
It is almost exactly mirrored on the front passenger side with a 10.2-inch digital display.
The car is powered by a mighty up-front 6.5 litre 725 horsepower V12 engine (equivalent to seven Ford Fiestas) linked to a slick new 8- speed F1 DCT (dual clutch transmission) gearbox.
It accelerates from rest to
62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and to 125 mph (where legal) in 10.6 seconds, up to a top speed of 192 mph, accompanied by a scintillating soundtrack from the twin exhaust pipes. Drive modes include: ice, wet, comfort, sport and ESC off.
It also has a new, innovative and intuitive active suspension system using sensors and an instantly reactive electronic motor to reduce body roll, enhance cornering, and cope rapidly with changing surfaces and bumps to ensure a smoother ride.
After a cable car ride to the top of an italian mountain, I spent time snow-driving offroad along a winding woodland track using a variety of drive settings.
Yet for all its powerful offroad and highway prowess, it also has impeccable manners around town and in villages.
Red may be Ferrari’s favoured colour but the interior of Purosangue is also quite green with 85 per cent of the launch trim produced sustainably, including new Alcantara fabric using 68 per cent recycled polyester, while the carpet is made from recycled fishing nets.
But with gas-guzzling fuel consumption of just 16.32 mpg and co2 emissions of 393 g/ km it’s engine antics are far from green.
An air quality sensor uses a smart recirculation system to stop harmful particulates from entering the cabin.
For the first time the car offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple carPlay systems as standard. the downside is it dispenses with an in- built sat- nav system. Ferrari says its owners mirror their smartphones’ navigation apps.
The new Purosangue also comes with a seven- year extended maintenance programme package.