Ferrari GTC4 Lusso revealed

What was the Ferrari FF now becomes the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso and a more powerful, more aerodynamic sports-luxury four-seater.

Maranello has given its ‘For Four’ a facelift for the first time since its debut four years ago, and the name-change is meant to evoke a shared nod split between the 330 GTC and its 2+2 sister, the 330 GT, and also the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. The number 4 still tallies the seats available.

The platform is unchanged, but for the GTC4 Lusso the front-end styling of the FF has been smoothed over: gone are the rounded lower air intakes, replaced by a wider front grille meant to improve air flow, while the headlights lose the indents joining the bonnet.

A trio of side gills are likewise meant to improve aerodynamics to the point where Ferrari claims, “Cd value that is substantially lower than on the FF”. A new rear spoiler and “triple fence” back-end diffuser helps out on that front, too. Exposed quad tail-lights also replace the previous dual units and slip underneath a more aggressive bootlid lip.

Inside, a bright new 10.25-inch touchscreen with app connectivity is the main change along with a smaller steering wheel and revised instruments.

The carry-over 6.3-litre V12 engine scores higher outputs thanks to a higher compression ratio – now 13.5:1 compared with previous 12.3:1 – that ups the FF’s 486kW/683Nm to 507kW at 8000rpm and 697Nm at 5750rpm.

Zero to 100km/h? A claimed 3.4 seconds, three-tenths speedier than before. The 335km/h top speed is unchanged.

Ferrari also claims 80 per cent of that peaky torque figure is available from 1750rpm, although unlike with the switch from 458 Italia to 488 GTB, the turbocharger has not arrived in the GTC4 Lusso.

The GTC4 Lusso does, however, pinch the rear-wheel steering mechanism from the hardcore F12 tdf unveiled late last year, which teams with revised traction software called Slip Slide Control 4.0 for the 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission remains the only option.

Ferrari claims FF owners covered 30 per cent higher mileage compared with buyers of other models in the range and it secured a younger audience than is typical for the brand – though with a local pricetag of $625,000 those youngers will have needed to get rich quick.

The GTC4 Lusso will likely be offered with a similar pricetag, although more details will be available at its official public debut at the Geneva motor show in early March.