Ferrari to Release Company’s First SUV

The new Ferrari Purosangue is the famous car maker’s first SUV, albeit Ferrari claims it isn’t one – Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna called it a “new category” sports vehicle.

The Purosangue is the first four-door, four-seater with a motorised, rear-hinged ‘welcome’ door. At 4,973mm long and 1,589mm height, it’s noticeably smaller and lower than a Lamborghini Urus, but the Urus has a 616-litre trunk to the Ferrari’s 473-litres.

The Purosangue is a bargain, however. When it comes late next year, the Purosangue is projected to cost over half a million AUD after taxes, whereas a Urus begins at around $300,000.

A new 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine produces 715bhp and 716Nm of torque without electrification. It’s located mid-front to aid with weight distribution, and power is routed via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission at the rear. A power transfer unit may send power to the front wheels for four-wheel drive if required.

The Purosangue can handle light off-roading thanks to its higher ground clearance and redesigned Slide Slip Control. Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s Chief Product Development Officer, remarked, “You can drive it off-road, but it’s no Jeep.” There are aftermarket options to transport skis or cycles on top of the vehicle, but it won’t tow.

Ferrari insists the Purosangue is a sports vehicle. It boasts a 0-62mph timing of 3.3 seconds and a peak speed of 192mph with an unique chassis that combines four-wheel steering, 48-volt Ferrari Active Suspension Technology to minimise body roll in bends, and a carbon fibre roof to maintain the centre of gravity as low as possible.

Occupants sit low in the automobile as well, in a finely crafted cabin that can be customised in a wide range of materials and colours as desired by the owner. The driving position is classic Ferrari, inspired by the SF90 Stradale, with a sports steering wheel with a five-setting Manettino positioned in front of a digital dashboard dominated by a rev counter. A big digital display is also placed in front of the front passenger, making them feel like they are part of the dynamic action.

Access to the back seats is limited via the rear-hinged doors, but once inside there’s plenty of leg and headroom for the lengthy trips Ferrari intends Purosangue customers to take.

Front-hinged doors would’ve made the vehicle longer, upsetting the weight distribution and design, which has sharp creases down the sides and sophisticated aerodynamics to boost downforce and fuel economy – while air curtains protect the 22-inch front wheels (23-inch rear) to avoid turbulent air flow.