2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso Expert Review

The GTC4Lusso is a new model from the Italian automaker that features a front mounted V-12 and all-wheel drive. The GTC4Lusso T variant sports a turbocharged V-8 and rear-wheel drive, offering a different driving experience.

Vehicle Summary

The GTC4Lusso is Ferrari's only model that combines available all-wheel drive, a hatchback body style, and four seats. The V-12 version slots above the California T, 488 GTB, 488 Spider, and the GTC4Lusso T (V-8 version), but below the F12 Berlinetta and the LaFerrari in price.

Overview

At 8,000 rpm, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso's 6.3-liter V-12 produces an incredible 680 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm on its way to a 8,250-rpm redline. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to Ferrari's 4RM-S (S is for the rear steering feature) all-wheel-drive system. This powertrain delivers up to an EPA-rated 12/17 mpg city/highway, as expected from an all-wheel drive supercar. On the other hand, the GTC4Lusso T sports a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 602 hp at 7,500 rpm and 560 lb-ft at a much earlier 3,000 rpm. The T uses the same seven-speed transmission but power is only sent to the rear wheels. Fuel economy numbers have not been released yet but Ferrari claims that the GTC4Lusso T driving range will improve by 30 percent over the V-12 version. Both versions of the GTC4Lusso provide seating for up to four occupants.

Ferrari's available Dual Cockpit allows for a shared driving experience by giving the passenger their own display screen with an assortment of functions. A new infotainment system features a large 10.25-inch HD touch screen with available Apple Carplay and a 64 GB hard drive. A silver dedication plate, a handy fire extinguisher, and a trolley, soft bag, and suitcase are additional interior options. For enhanced performance, both versions of the GTC4Lusso come with four-wheel steering (4WS), Magnaride SCM-E suspension control system, and Ferrari's latest version of the Side Slip Control system (SSC).

Safety

The 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso comes standard with driver and passenger airbags and Ferrari's F-1 traction control system that features five modes: Ice, Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC Off. Powerful carbon-ceramic brakes with ABS and electronic brake distribution are also standard, along with a reverse camera, front, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive headlights, a dual view front parking camera, and a suspension lifter, a system that will raise the front of the vehicle in order to avoid damage on steep inclines or dips, are some optional safety features.

What We Think

In a First Drive review of the 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso, we were very impressed with handling and grip and noted that no matter how hard you pushed the GTC4, there is no understeer. "Kick the big V-12 hard in the guts out of a tight turn, and you might get a tiny wriggle from the rear end before the GTC4Lusso hunkers down and lunges for the next corner. But that's it. The traction is stupendous." We were also impressed with the responsiveness of the chassis and the superb ride quality. Ferrari's new infotainment system that features a 10.25-inch HD screen is much appreciated over the previous outdated system and can now display Good Earth maps and is Apple CarPlay compatible. The interior was noted as very comfortable and stylish, "You could cover a thousand miles a day in this car and get out of it each evening feeling fresh." In the end, we think the Ferrari GTC4Lusso is leaps and bounds better than the outgoing FF model, "Breathtakingly quick and capable when you want it to be, impressively smooth and comfortable when you need it to be, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso is the real deal, a gran turismo you can drive all day, every day."

When the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T was revealed in Paris, we explained how this version was designed for those who want to daily drive their Ferrari.