The new Ferrari GTC4 Lusso just dropped and its elegance is understated but impressionable. The name means Grand Tourer Coupe Four (seat) and Lusso is Italian for "Luxury." Shooting brake (hatchback body) style is a bold choice, and in cases like the 612, 400, and 365 GTB/4 it kinda looks more like a hearse. This Ferrari, however, looks fun. On Ferrari's website, we can watch the GTC4 Lusso rip it through some snow and cut around trees to see just how capable it can be.
This Ferrari won't be the most entry-level, since it prices in over the Ferrari California by $62,000 USD, but it will be a heck of a lot closer to "affordable" for Ferrari. All said it's the car to own if you're a rich skier, or a ski resort owner. A new AWD system and space for two extra adult friends in the back make it a great "casual" Ferrari. Almost a daily driver!
9 It's a Shooting Brake
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"Shooting Brake" came from the UK in the 1890s referring to a horse-drawn cart made to carry just a hunting party and their gear. Now it means a three-door (not like a Hyundai Veloster) with a hatch-style rear. Understandably, these aren't common. For one, they're a bit out of their time, which is why it's so amazing Ferrari is sticking to it in 2021.
For another thing, making a Shooting Brake look good and be practical is very hard. I now invite you to just look at the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso and tell me it didn't work out just fine. Frankly, it's the perfect cute, little size that we love to see ourselves owning.
8 Front-Engine
Ferrari doesn't oft stray into the imbalanced world of the front-engine. As opposed to the 458 and 488 Italias, this more "common" Ferrari will stick an entire V12 in the front before getting to the first row of passengers! The big question is... does this mess with the Italian driving experience?
It would be great to get out hands on one, but the speculation/ consensus is that no, this isn't an issue to even the more potentially aloof Ferrari owner. As we will mention, there are some very key and very useful ways Ferrari moves their "less powerful" car in intuitive ways. Essentially, they just did a little musical chair with Corvette.
7 V12 Engine (And V8 Option)
When the precursor to the GTC4 Lusso, the FF was made it had the largest street-legal Ferrari engine, a 6.3L V12. That 630 HP has been bumped to 680 for the GTC4. By downgrading to the turbo V8 you still get 602 horses, though the MSRP is unchanged. Both engines are controlled by an automanual transmission controlled by paddles.
To find a car that's sticking with the extra pistons is downright respectable in 2021 (AHEM! Toyota). The only other V12s you can find today are Rolls, Bentleys, and Astins. Either way, you see it, the hybrid revolution is taking over and even supercars like McLarens and Ferrari themselves frequently rely on that instant-torque, write-off-able hybrid tech.
6 “4RM” AWD System
What the heck does 4RM mean? It has nothing to do with the four-wheel steering we will mention, but as Ferrari explains about the same system in the FF, it's a pretty key part of their sports car experience. Essentially, the car remains in rear-weel drive for any time instant torque and a more thrilling and genuine Italian experience.
But wait! What's that? Fishtailing! The Ferrari senses the slipping in less than one-hundredth of a second and engages the front tires to help out. According to Ferrari again, this is better than constant AWD because the system weighs a respectable one-half of most all-wheel systems.
5 Rear-Wheel Steering
Rear-wheel steering is typically reserved for busses or large trucks, or maybe heavy boys like the Rolls Phantom, but a two-door Ferrari? The answer is yes, if it improves performance and driving experience more than enough to compensate for the extra weight then put it on there!
In fact, it's just another of many performance add-ons that make you say "What is this? A luxury rally car?" With the rear-wheel steering and aforementioned 4RM, you get "SSC4" (Side-Slip Control 4th gen), "SCM-E" (Suspension Dampening, Electronic), and an electronic differential. AKA... good luck ever getting this thing sideways.
4 Decent Rear Seats (For a Ferrari)
Reviews are plagued with disappointed YouTubers and journalists sighing as they get in the back seat. "I'm only 5' 3" and my knees hit so... not great." Repeatedly, on the other hand, we see people sit in the GTC4 Lusso (after the usual two-door struggle), watch the front seat slide back automatically in anticipation, then go "Oh! Not bad!"
For example, one review explains that it's a little cozy but totally tolerable for road trips. To see someone sitting in it you realize that it's incredibly cozy. A center console of sorts and the door itself hug your hips but leave room for your arms making it look relaxing but potentially bothersome. In all, this is a freaking V12 Ferrari with room for four people and their skis so there's not a lot of complaining to be done, is there?
3 MSRP $260,000
Okay, so the Ferrari California remains Ferrari's entry-level car, but this is a huge cut off the FF's price point of $295,000 in 2016. While talking about the affordability of a Ferrari does feel plain silly, it's important to note that there's not one discernable feature that's a downgrade between the GTC4 Lusso when parked next to the FF.
While global Ferrari sales are understandably elusive, we can say that this isn't a production-cap method, but instead sticks with Ferrari's usual five-year cycle plan. Since it came out in 2016, we're just waiting for what's next at this point, and hoping it doesn't cost more! ...Or not caring if we actually plan on getting one.
2 Modern Infotainment
The Ferrari's of old are known for being mostly spartan on the inside with lines that look like you're already speeding and a lot of cylindrical shapes holding up the vents and controls. Not much has changed, but the infotainment has been upgraded. It blends in better in 2021 with a 10.25” full HD touchscreen.
The stereo includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and not a whole lot more. Let's be honest, do you really need lane assist when you can go 0-60 in three seconds?
1 A New Direction for Ferrari
Ferrari is a historically broke company. The idea is to make cars that very few can afford and keep the quality great enough that the wealthy won't leave and they can take their cut. The name of the game is exclusivity and commodity. One-offs and special anniversary editions are common. But... with the GTC4 Lusso, besides having a complicated name, it seems Ferrari is relenting a little.
The Urus from Lamborghini was a big, bold stroke to get real sales and hop on that SUV, practical car train. No SUV has been forthcoming from Ferrari, though the crossover known as the Ferrari Purosangue (if you're wondering how to pronounce Purosangue it's PUR-o-SAN-gue) is in the air. The GTC4 Lusso is cheaper and more practical and it makes us think maybe Ferrari might get into the (more) affordable and practical car game? Sales success so far says that it's totally possible, especially since until the end of 2020, Ferrari has been on the rise!