Ferrari has taken the wraps off the Purosangue, a car it describes as its first "four-door, four-seat" model. The Purosangue, a long-awaited addition to the Ferrari line-up, will race in the same slot as the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, although the Italian marque refrains from classifying its latest cars as "SUVs". Ferrari says the Purosangue's front mid-engine placement and rear-mounted gearbox (allowing a 49:51 weight distribution) are one of many elements that make it very different from the current lot of high performance SUVs.
- Gets a 725hp 6.5-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine
- Gets rear-hinged doors at the back
- Expected to cost upwards of Rs 6 crore in India
Having seen the car in the metal with the design of Ferrari's headquarters (Centro Stile) in Maranello, we can also tell you that the Purosangue is not your average SUV in appearance. The Purosangue sits lower on its roof than the Urus, like a Ferrari sports car on stilts. The effect is huge. The long hood, sleek roofline and narrow tail give it a striking silhouette. The decoration of the wheel arches and doors trims the visible mass and cleverly hides a small but unsightly aerodynamic aid, which you will find in abundance if you examine it more closely.
Ferrari Purosangue: Exterior
It is the larger elements, shaped by the need to reduce drag and improve airflow, that define the look of the Purosangue. Ferrari designers' interpretation of the popular split headlight arrangement is the upper LED daytime running lights flanked by vents above and below, with the main headlights positioned lower in the center of the large air ducts. The "air bridge" on the edges of the bonnet, like that of the F12 Berlinetta, is also an essential part of the aerodynamic package.
You won't find angular SUV-type signs or vertical pillars at the Purosangue. It's all zigzag lines and intentional details. There's a nice level to the roofline and you'll also notice a slight visual connection to the SF90 Stradale in the taillights. Overall, the Purosangue is unlike any previous Ferrari, but it is unmistakably a Ferrari.
Ferrari Purosangue: Interior
When Ferrari does back doors, it does it with style. The rear doors of the Purosangue are rear-hinged and open with a welcoming gesture. The fully electric rear doors open to 73 degrees, allowing easy access to the rear seats of the Ferrari that have yet to be created. The two individual rear seats, adjustable in position angle and backrest, put passengers in a sporty seating position, although the seat cushion is not the most generous.
It's not a deal breaker by any means because simply having accessible seating opens up the Purosangue for buyers who want a Ferrari but also need seating flexibility. Space in the rear isn't as generous as the Urus, but the optional electrochemical glass roof gives the cabin an airy atmosphere. A rear center console is among the seating packages in the seating options, and you also have access to the 373-litre boot from the rear seats.
The best seat in the house is the driver's seat. From the driver's seat, you can have a good view of the road even though you won't be above other road users; I think the seating position of a midsize sedan. All controls are easy to operate with driving modes and other settings on the steering wheel. The front passenger will also feel involved in the actions through a dedicated screen on the dashboard.
Ferrari Purosangue: Powertrain
Ferrari's unique approach to the Purosangue, Italian for authenticity, is reflected in the engine selection. While high-output twin-turbo V8s are the norm in the high-performance SUV segment, Purosangue will launch a new 6.5-litre 65-degree V12 petrol engine. The engine produces 725 hp at 7,750 rpm and 716 Nm at 6,250 rpm. Ferrari officials say an engaging soundtrack was essential to the project and it had to be the V12 engine. The turbocharged V8 could be part of the range in the coming years, although Ferrari has not confirmed this.
The direct-injection V12 is tuned to deliver 80 percent of peak torque from 2,100 rpm, though it maintains a distinctive pitch as the top end complete with a crazy 8,250-rpm redline. Engine power is directed to all four wheels via a two-speed front-wheel drive unit and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Shift times are said to have been improved compared to Ferrari's old 7-speed DCT, with gearing set to the lowest gear to "emphasize the sound of the V12".
The Purosangue weighs 2,033 kg (dry) on the scales, making it the heaviest Ferrari in history. However, the performance is on par with its discreet siblings. Heading numbers go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of over 310 km/h. Standard carbon ceramic brakes provide the stopping performance needed to pop your eyeball.
Ferrari Purosangue: Driving
Interestingly, a four-door Ferrari was first conceived in the 1980s, but the project was abandoned as the handling was felt to be out of line with other Ferrari cars, a compromise Enzo Ferrari was unwilling to make. Ferrari insiders say that the most important technological innovation that made Purosangue possible is the active suspension system. In short, 48V motor actuators at each wheel provide precise control of high-frequency movements, increasing on-road stability and body control. Ferrari says the power and speed of the actuators make them a much better option than the slower responding air suspension.
It is worth noting that the ground clearance is of particular interest to Indian buyers. The Purosangue offers 180mm of unladen ground clearance and the lift option will add an extra 30mm, though only for low-speed use. Ferrari tested the Purosangue in a variety of settings, but the focus is on being a sports car first. There are no off-road modes, it rides on performance tires and there's also no "rough road package" or special underbody protection. Snow and light trails are probably the worst conditions the Purosangues will experience.
Ferrari Purosangue: Price and delivery
Purosangue deliveries in Europe start in the second quarter of 2023, with savvy markets like India only getting the vehicle in the latter part of the year. Ferrari said interest in the model is huge and hinted at a big demand bank even before the car's official unveiling. Lead times for delivery are expected to stretch beyond a year, though the automaker is consistent that Purosangue output will never exceed 20 percent of total production.
Last but not least, the prices. Based on revealed prices in the European market, the Ferrari Purosangue is expected to start at just over Rs 6 crore (estimated, ex-showroom) in India. For reference, the Lamborghini Urus starts at Rs 3.7 crore.
Bundling ferocious performance with unparalleled practicality, the Purosangue will be the friendliest Ferrari in India. We can't wait to drive one!
Also Read: Discounts of up to Rs 40,000 on Tata Tiago, Nexon, and other models in September 2022
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