Ferrari GTC4Lusso

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso, produced between 2016 and 2020, represents a fascinating and unique chapter in the history of the Maranello brand. Launched as the successor to the revolutionary Ferrari FF, the GTC4Lusso was not just an update, but a profound refinement of the four-seater supercar concept, designed to offer exceptional performance in all seasons of the year. While the FF introduced the idea of a Ferrari with all-wheel drive and a shooting brake body style, the GTC4Lusso improved the formula with more power, advanced technology, and a more resolved design, consolidating its position as the brand's definitive Grand Tourer (GT) for everyday use.

The car's very nomenclature is a statement of intent, connecting a modern and, to some, controversial concept to Ferrari's noblest lineage. The acronym "GTC" is a direct homage to revered classics like the 330 GTC and its 2+2 version, the 330 GT, which was one of Enzo Ferrari's own favorite models. The number "4" makes a double reference: to the four comfortable seats and, in the V12 version, to the four-wheel drive, a direct continuation of the predecessor "FF" (Ferrari Four) philosophy. Finally, the term "Lusso" (luxury in Italian) evokes the elegance and exclusivity of icons like the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, a model that represented the perfect combination of high performance and impeccable finishing. This name choice was a strategic maneuver to legitimize the radical shape of the shooting brake within the Ferrari canon, anchoring it in a history of sophistication to make it more acceptable to the brand's purists who had questioned the FF.

The shooting brake body style — a fusion between the lines of a sports coupe and the practicality of a two-door station wagon — was inherited from the FF and defines the unique silhouette of the GTC4Lusso. This format, although unconventional for a supercar, allowed Ferrari to create a vehicle capable of accommodating four adults and their luggage without compromising the brand's high-performance DNA.

Under the leadership of Flavio Manzoni at the Ferrari Styling Centre, the design of the GTC4Lusso was an exercise in refinement, evolving the silhouette of the FF into a more aggressive, elegant, and aerodynamically efficient form.

Exterior: Refinement of the Shooting Brake Silhouette

Every body panel was rethought to improve both aesthetics and function. At the front, a new, wide grille integrates the air intakes, improving the cooling efficiency of the radiators. The sides received special attention, with the introduction of air vents on the front fenders containing three louvers, a clear inspiration from the classic 330 GTC. A strong character line, dubbed the "tuning fork", runs along the entire side, breaking up the visual mass and giving it a more muscular and defined appearance.

The rear is perhaps the area with the most celebrated change: the return of the iconic dual circular taillights, a classic Ferrari design element that had been abandoned on the FF. This alteration, combined with a lower roofline, a new integrated spoiler, and an imposing triple-fence diffuser, not only gave the car a more imposing stance but also contributed to a significantly lower drag coefficient (Cd) compared to its predecessor.

Interior: The "Dual Cockpit" Revolution

The interior of the GTC4Lusso marked the debut of the "Dual Cockpit" architecture, an innovation designed to transform the onboard experience. The design clearly separates the driver and passenger sides, creating two distinct and enveloping spaces. This approach was not merely aesthetic; it reflects the car's philosophy as a GT for shared experiences. While supercars are traditionally focused solely on the driver, the GTC4Lusso was conceived to carry "three lucky passengers" on long journeys. The Dual Cockpit, especially with the optional passenger display showing performance data like speed and engine revs, transforms the passenger from a passive spectator into an engaged "co-pilot", solving the paradox of creating a social supercar.

The technological advancement was equally notable. The old infotainment system of the FF was replaced by a modern 10.25-inch high-definition touchscreen, much more intuitive and functional. The steering wheel was also redesigned, becoming more compact and ergonomic. Furthermore, acoustic comfort was improved, with a climate control system that is 25% quieter and chassis mounting points that are 20% more rigid, resulting in superior insulation without muffling the characteristic sound of the V12 engine.

The GTC4Lusso was offered in two distinct versions, each with its own personality and engineering philosophy, appealing to different types of clients.

GTC4Lusso V12: Naturally Aspirated Tradition and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

The main version of the GTC4Lusso was equipped with the legendary naturally aspirated 6.3-liter (6262 cm3) V12 engine, with internal code F140 ED. Power was raised to 690 cv at 8,000 rpm, an increase of 30 cv compared to the FF, and torque reached 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm. A notable feature is that 80% of this torque was already available at just 1,750 rpm, giving the car an impressive duality: docile and responsive at low revs, but absolutely ferocious when pushed to the limit.

The major technological highlight was the 4RM-S system, which combined four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. The 4RM Evo all-wheel-drive system was an evolution of what was introduced on the FF, utilizing a compact Power Transfer Unit (PTU) at the front of the engine. This solution was 50% lighter than a conventional 4x4 system, allowing for an ideal weight distribution of 53% at the rear. For the first time, this system was integrated with rear-wheel steering, a technology inherited from the F12tdf. The result was a car that felt more agile upon entering corners and more stable at high speeds. The entire setup was managed by sophisticated electronics, including Side Slip Control 4.0 (SSC4), the electronic differential (E-Diff), and magnetic dampers (SCM-E), ensuring exceptional dynamic control in any grip conditions.

GTC4Lusso T: Turbo Agility and the Purity of Rear-Wheel Drive

Introduced in 2017, the GTC4Lusso T offered an alternative with a distinct philosophy. Instead of the V12, it featured the 3.9-liter (3855 cm3) twin-turbo V8 engine from the F154 family, awarded "International Engine of the Year". This engine produced 610 cv, but delivered a higher maximum torque of 760 Nm, available in a lower and broader rev range (3,000 to 5,250 rpm), ideal for more agile driving on a daily basis.

The most radical change, however, was in the powertrain: the GTC4Lusso T abandoned all-wheel drive in favor of traditional rear-wheel drive. This alteration, along with the smaller engine, resulted in a weight reduction of around 50 kg and shifted the weight distribution further to the rear (46% front, 54% rear). The result was a car perceived as more agile, lighter, and with a more direct and sporty response. Despite the rear-wheel drive, the model retained four-wheel steering (4WS) and electronic systems, which were recalibrated for the vehicle's new dynamics. The introduction of the T version can be seen as Ferrari's response to the complexity of the 4RM system, offering a purer and more traditional driving experience that attracted both new customers and purists who preferred the simplicity of rear-wheel drive.

Ferrari traditionally does not disclose official production numbers for its series production models, and the GTC4Lusso is no exception. However, based on market estimates and enthusiast registries, it is possible to get an idea of the model's exclusivity. Some sources point to a total production of around 2,500 units, summing both versions. Other estimates suggest between 2,000 and 2,500 units for the V12 version and between 1,000 and 1,500 for the V8 T. Although the exact numbers are uncertain, the consensus is that the GTC4Lusso is a relatively rare model, especially when compared to other luxury cars, but not as limited as Ferrari's special series.

The table below details the main technical differences between the two versions:

Beyond the production models, the GTC4Lusso served as the base for exclusive creations. In 2017, to celebrate its 70th anniversary, Ferrari launched 70 special liveries inspired by historical models, applied to the five cars in its range. The GTC4Lusso received several of these unique customizations through the Tailor Made program, such as the "White Spider" (Livery #9), inspired by the 1953 375 MM Pinin Farina Spider.

Furthermore, the GTC4Lusso V12 platform gave rise to the Ferrari BR20, a one-off model created by the brand's Special Projects program. The BR20 transformed the shooting brake silhouette into an elegant fastback coupe, removing the rear seats and completely redesigning the bodywork, with inspiration from classics like the 410 Superamerica.

Production of the GTC4Lusso and the GTC4Lusso T ended in 2020, fulfilling Ferrari's standard life cycle of approximately five years. The model did not leave a direct successor with the same body style, marking the end of the short era of the modern shooting brake in Maranello. Its place in the lineup as the most practical four-seater Ferrari was taken by the Ferrari Purosangue, the brand's first four-door vehicle, which, despite following the market trend of SUVs, inherited the GTC4Lusso's spirit of versatility.

The reception of the GTC4Lusso was overwhelmingly positive. The specialized critics praised the way the car combined the performance of a supercar with the luxury and practicality for everyday use, considering it a significant evolution over the FF. Among owners, the debate between the V12 and the V8 T is common. The V12 is revered for its intoxicating sound and the pure experience of a naturally aspirated engine, while the V8 T is frequently praised for its agility, abundant low-end torque, and higher perceived reliability, due to the absence of the complex all-wheel-drive system. Some common issues reported by owners include infotainment system failures, rapid battery drain, and, in the case of the V12, concern over potential PTU failure, a known issue from its predecessor, the FF.

The legacy of the GTC4Lusso is paradoxical. On the one hand, its discontinuation to make way for the Purosangue, a much higher-volume model, can be seen as a sign that the shooting brake concept did not achieve the expected commercial success in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs. On the other hand, it is exactly this market decision that solidifies its potential as a future classic. As the last Ferrari to combine the shooting brake body style, four seats, and, crucially, a naturally aspirated V12 engine, the GTC4Lusso possesses all the ingredients of a collector's item. It represents the apex of a niche design philosophy, an era when Ferrari still allowed itself to create a highly specialized and distinct car, before fully adapting to the dominant forces of the luxury automotive market.