Ferrari ff: the family rocket that still bites
Forget the predictable practicality of the Audi RS 6 Avant – when it comes to blending family transport with genuine performance, the Ferrari FF remains a delightfully audacious outlier. It’s a statement, a conversation starter, and a surprisingly effective blend of luxury and outright speed, all wrapped in a package that punches well above its price tag.
A v12 for the whole clan
Back in 2011, Ferrari needed a solution: a vehicle that could comfortably haul a family and luggage while delivering the brand’s signature thrills. Enter the FF, conceived by Pininfarina, a four-door coupe that dared to be different. It’s a seriously imposing machine, a testament to Ferrari’s willingness to push boundaries, even if it meant departing from their traditional sports car formula. And let’s be honest, it looks absolutely spectacular.
You’re dealing with a generous 4.9-meter length, a substantial 1.95-meter width, and a comparatively low 1.37-meter height – dimensions that place it squarely alongside the RS 6 Avant. Yet, it’s noticeably lower, benefiting from a lengthy 2.990-meter wheelbase. This translates to a remarkably spacious interior, accommodating four adults and boasting a usable 450-liter boot that expands to a staggering 800 liters with the rear seats folded.
But the real secret weapon is under the hood: a colossal 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12, lovingly dubbed the F140 EB. This beast produces a frankly obscene 660 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, accompanied by 683 Nm of torque hitting from just 6,000 rpm. It’ll spin freely to 8,250 rpm, paired with a cutting-edge, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – a truly exhilarating experience. It’s noticeably quicker than the RS 6 GT, delivering 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 335 km/h.
Interestingly, the FF employs a remarkably clever 4RM (Route Motrici) all-wheel-drive system. Ferrari engineers cleverly designed a compact, lightweight system – 50% lighter than a conventional setup – that utilizes a secondary front axle to deploy power to the front wheels only when needed. This means the FF spends most of its time operating as a rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, maximizing agility and driving enjoyment. Despite being heavier – around 150 kg more – than the Purosangue, it’s still faster, reaching 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.
Back in 2011, the FF debuted at the Geneva Motor Show and remained in production until 2016, with a limited run of approximately 2,300 units. Ferrari subsequently replaced it with the GTC4Lusso, refining the design and adding further refinements. However, for those seeking the original, uncompromising FF experience, you can still find them on the used market, typically ranging from £135,000 to £160,000. A phenomenal value, considering the performance and exclusivity on offer. Forget the latest trends; the Ferrari FF remains a genuinely exceptional piece of Automotive history – a family rocket that’s still capable of stealing the show.