Ferrari

Ferrari Four (FF) Concept Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on January 25, 2011

Maranello’s revolutionary four-wheel drive, four passenger concept.

For the first time in company history Ferrari has unveiled a car that sends power to not just the rear, but also the front wheels. The FF, or Ferrari Four, is a radically-new concept from Maranello that not only surprises many enthusiasts with the four-wheel drive system, but showcases an unconventional four-seat design.

The new FF is not considered an evolution of Ferrari design and technology, rather a revolution that moves the company in a new direction. The design of the FF was created by Pininfarina, the Italian design house that has worked with automakers such as Alfa Romeo, Ford, Jaguar, Maserati, General Motors, and Ferrari. The goal for the FF was to create a grand-tourer that embodied Ferrari’s sporty DNA while offering unmatched practicality. The Concept will offer ample space for four people and luggage with best in class cabin space and a trunk capacity of 450 liters (15.9 cu. ft.) that can be extended to 800 liters (28.25 cu. ft.).

For those that can get past the unfamiliar design of the new Ferrari Four Concept, the all-new four-wheel drive system will have some enthusiasts doing a double take. The new 4RM (four-wheel drive system) is even radical to the rest of the automotive industry as it weighs 50 percent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system. By keeping the weight of the system to a minimum, Ferrari was able to give the FF Concept an optimal weight distribution, with 53 percent of the car’s weight over the rear axle. The new 4RM system is integrated with the FF’s electronic dynamic control systems and intelligent predictive torque distribution in order to continuously provide optimum performance and traction to all four wheels. Ferrari’s sporty DNA is also injected into the suspension of the FF Concept, as the latest SCM3 magnetorheological damping system is used along with state of the art Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.

But, what kind of Ferrari would the FF Concept be without a powerful high-revving engine? A new 6.3-liter direct-injection V-12 is used in the FF Concept and is mated to a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox. The new V-12 features a 65-degree angle between cylinder banks and produces 660 CV (651 hp) at a screaming 8,000 RPM and 683 Nm (504 lb-ft.) at 6,000 RPM. Even though the FF Concept can accommodate four people and utilizes a new four-wheel drive system, it still boasts Ferrari performance. Acceleration is blisteringly fast, with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. Add that to a responsive suspension, 6.05 lbs./hp weight-to-power ratio, and intelligent four-wheel drive system and the result is the performance of a Ferrari with seating for four.

The new Ferrari Four Concept will make its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The production model will feature six exclusive model-specific colors, a luxurious interior, and treated aniline leather. The new FF will replace the aging 612 Scaglietti. Pricing has not been announced.

FERRARI FOUR CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:
Displacement: 6.3 liters (6,262 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Fuel Injection: Direct-injection
Cylinder Angle: 65 degrees
Maximum Horsepower: 651 horsepower (660 CV) at 8,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 504 lb-ft. (683 Nm) at 6,000 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Dual-clutch F1 transaxle
Drive: 4RM four-wheel drive system with intelligent predictive torque distribution

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 208 mph

Suspension and Brakes:
Suspension: SCM3 magnetorheological damping system
Brakes: Latest Brembo carbon-ceramic

Dimensions and Weight:
Length: 193.19 in. (4907 mm)
Width: 76.89 in. (1953 mm)
Height: 54.29 in. (1379 mm)
Dry weight: 3938 lbs. (1790 kg)
Weight Distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/Power Ratio: 6.05 lbs./hp (2.7 kg/CV)
Trunk Capacity: 15.9 cu. ft. (450 liters); up to 28.25 cu. ft. (800 liters)