C ar S cene I nvestigation: Ferrari FF

With much hustle and bustle over the concept of ‘shooting brake’ styled vehicles, Ferrari has decided to go head to head against rivals such as Aston Martin’s Virage. As many critics have described it as “one of the best in the market”—thus luring us to experience it for ourselves.

· Design & Engineering:

From the front, the FF sports the face of its notorious sibling—the 458 Italia (bar the larger front grill). Styled by Pinifarina, the Ferrari exudes a certain Italian flair. The long bonnet stretches the car out, making it one of the longest Ferarri’s ever built. From the side, indeed, the vehicle seems slightly out of place, due to the sudden change from ‘super-sport coupé’, to the shooting brake variation (honestly, it always seems as if Ferarri has tried to built a station-wagon). Nevertheless, the sides of the vehicle are embossed in the classic yellow-badged Ferarri logo. In addition, large air intakes or per say, scoops, make their debut as well, in order to fuel the beastly engine. A tiny door handle, plucked from the F430, makes its way as part of the vehicle as well. From the rear, it seems to be the same Italia styled story—with the rear resembling a slightly squashed in 458 Italia rear. That’s when one notices the graceful sweeping rear glass pane, which sweeps down nicely, as it marries in with the rear panel. Large rear haunches, even manage to add for a masculine feel, in addition to providing for a wider stance. Once again, the FF fits into the same categories with the: “I hate it/ I love it” profile. By the way, did I mention the four tail exhaust pipes, or the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes? Oops.

· Interior

In order to understand my point of view, one must be transported back in time, to say, the 2002/2003 Ferrari models. Golly, were they bare and ridiculously styled! Build quality was poor, with center consoles looking cheap and of low quality and style. Now, with a near million-dollar price tag, the FF defines a good quality, and comfortable interior. From the driver’s point of view, one is greeted with (once again) a 458 Italia styled instrument panel, consisting of a large rev counter flanked by two screens. Either screen can display speed info, even GPS, G-force, etc. The steering wheel is featured in F-1 style, which annoys me the most. For instance, indicator and wipers are activated via buttons on the steering wheel. Around the cabin, leather swallows up every square millimeter of the cabin—from the seats to side panels, etc., or if not, such spaces are filled up by carbon fiber and suede. The car itself is a technological and innovative wonder. Take the seats for instance—the seats are made from magnesium, thus making them light weight and durable, at the same time as being comfortable. The center console features a touch screen, with colour GPS, telephony system, user interface, and an aux-in system. Directly beneath the screen lies the climate control system, which manages to keep all passengers in the vehicle comfortable at all times. Directly beneath the climate control system, lies the launch control system—really a darling little thing to use. The front passenger manages to experience speed to the second degree, with the addition of a speed counter, right above the glove box clad in high-quality leather. Perhaps, most readers would be most interested in the rear seats. Being one of Ferrari’s largest production models, the FF features two proper rear seats, set comfortably into the vehicle. Two full-sized seats allow rear occupants to be comfortable—in essence, think a Bentley Continental GT Coupé. As an added option, rear seat passengers also have the luxury of DVD/tuner screens. Being an elongated Ferarri, with the rear seats down, the boot swallows golf bags with ease.

· Ride & Handlings

Underneath the bonnet lies a new, sixty-five degree V12, with output figures set at 660BHP, only 10 horses short of the famed 599 GTO. Despite the relatively heavy weight, the FF’s V12 will pull the Ferrari from 0—100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of a ballistic 335km/h. The nice thing about the FF is that despite being a ‘family sports car’, the FF emits a nice deep sounding growl, something unexpected from such a large car. For a nicer surprise, steering in the FF is predictable and incredibly easy to drive as say, a golf-cart! For even more stability ,the FF is fitted with all-wheel-drive technology, allowing owners to take their vehicles up the snowy alps.

· Verdict

An oddball, definitely. Practical? Not really. Do I need it? Well, if you do, you’ve probably already got a Range Rover Supercharged, alongside a Muslanne, alongside a whole other lot of 911’s, and RS5’s. So why would I want one? I say, why not? It provides great fun and comfort. Check book please.