A Ferrari in contrast to ever earlier than.
The Purosangue doesn’t have to save lots of Ferrari. It gained’t promote in important numbers as a result of Maranello gained’t construct many. And it definitely isn’t meant to draw new clients to the model; its allocations are reserved for the marque’s most loyal clientele. With its restricted order books stuffed by way of 2026, the Purosangue is a efficiency four-door, four-seater constructed by a model that doesn’t want one to outlive. But it’s by forgetting about mass-market enchantment that it exhibits us what a real tremendous SUV will be.
In a phase powered virtually completely by twin-turbocharged V8s, the Purosangue’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 is each old-school and distinct. It’s mounted behind the entrance axle in a front-mid configuration, with its eight-speed dual-clutch automated relegated to the again for higher weight distribution. Crucially, there are not any electrical motors to talk of. Solely its Energy Switch Unit sits in entrance of the engine, making it all-wheel drive.
It rides on a brand new aluminum chassis, which is lighter and extra torsionally inflexible regardless of being bigger than the GTC4 Lusso’s. It incorporates a carbon fiber roof to cut back its heart of gravity and a front-hinged hood and rear-hinged again doorways to attain its distinct aesthetic. Just like the 812 Superfast, its cabin sits nearer to its rear axle, sporting a long-hood design attribute of Maranello’s grand tourers.
Stepping in conjures recollections of the discontinued four-seat Lusso, with the Purosangue incorporating a well-known format. Its flat-bottomed wheel, digital instrument cluster, and colourful passenger show are extra paying homage to the 296 GTB. Nevertheless, regardless of its bigger inside actual property, Ferrari’s SUV doesn’t provide a central infotainment show just like the Roma. It relegates important A/C and seat controls to a minuscule touchscreen dial that’s difficult to function on the transfer.
But, the primary few miles within the Purosangue make an apologist of even the staunchest critic. At decrease speeds, its V12 hums virtually silently, its dual-clutch transferring by way of speeds seamlessly whereas its lively suspension, co-developed with Multimatic, delivers an opulent however settled trip. Ferrari’s first SUV is equally at residence, devouring miles on the freeway or crawling in visitors in its most relaxed drive modes.
A twist of its Manettino awakes within the Purosangue in a means no different efficiency SUV we’ve examined does. Its quad pipes open, doubling the V12’s quantity and presence. Elevated throttle response permits it to ship energy like solely a naturally aspirated engine can. Though Ferrari developed it to provide 80 % of its torque at low revs, it doesn’t hand over all 715 horses till you close to its 8,250-rpm redline. Even its 528 pound-feet of torque doesn’t are available in till 6,250 rpm.
The result’s an SUV that begs to be revved. It’s a four-seater you’ll must drive like a supercar to completely admire and reap the rewards of its screaming engine and super velocity. A tempo supplemented by its lively suspension, which, due to electrical motors, can successfully dial out physique roll. And just like the 296 GTB, its steering is fast to reply and ultra-precise.
The Purosangue is a scalpel in a world of hammers. You possibly can’t depend on a burst of low-end torque to rocket you out of a bend. Approaching each twist of the highway requires cautious calculation. Maintain the momentum and the revs excessive, and it’ll rocket out the opposite facet. Quick in, quicker out.
It’s this dual-persona that distinguishes this Ferrari. Like its rivals, it’s spacious, snug, and superbly appointed. Nevertheless, due to its Multimatic suspension, naturally-aspirated V12, and interesting driving expertise, the Purosnague isn’t only a quick SUV constructed by a marque that produces supercars. It’s the defining tremendous SUV.
Stats
- Engine: 6.5-Liter Naturally-Aspirated V12
- Transmission: Eight-Pace Twin-Clutch
- Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
- Horsepower: 715
- Torque: 528 FT-LB
- 0-62 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
- Base Worth: $393,350
- As-Examined Worth: $506,305
This text appeared in our December 2024 Concern.
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