In this review, we get our hands on the new Ferrari Purosangue – Ferrari’s first four-door and the first full four-seater from the Maranello-based manufacturer. However, it’s not an SUV like Aston Martin’s DBX, Porsche Cayenne or Lamborghini Urus. Not according to Ferrari anyway. So what is it?
Henry Catchpole pilots the new V12 in the mountains of northern Italy to try and decipher what exactly the Purosangue is all about. In the end, he decides that all that really matters isn’t boot space or legroom or the fantastic new Burmester stereo, but whether he still has the feel of a Ferrari. Is it just an example of badge engineering or is there really something behind it?
The spec sheet certainly seems to suggest it’s the latter. A monstrous 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 makes the Purosangue unique in the segment, and it sounds utterly glorious – especially as it hurtles through avalanche tunnels alongside a frozen mountain lake. On days like these…
But not only the engine is interesting, there is also the new active suspension. The True Active Spool Valve technology, developed by Multimatic, has (in theory) allowed Ferrari to fine-tune the car’s handling independently of driving behavior. This means there are also up to three options for suspension firmness for each stage of the Manettino. It’s clever stuff and quite beautiful when you see what’s hidden in the arches.
Finally, in this episode of The Driver’s Seat, there’s a quick look back at Ferrari’s history, because while this is the first series-produced four-door in the company’s history, in 1980 a concept called the Ferrari Pinin, designed by Pininfarina and had the blessing of Enzo Ferrari. Moreover, there is a nice link between that four-door concept and the new production car.
Presented by Mobil 1.
Watch more videos here!
Leave a Reply