T is for Turbocharged

The 2018 GTC4Lusso T is the unofficial driver's edition of Ferrari's family grand tourer

Ferrari is known to build ultra-exclusive track weapons like the 488 GTB, but they are no strangers to grand tourers either. The first of the lot, the 166, was introduced way back in 1948, then came the 250 GT/E, their first large-production 4-seater. And then, the 330 GT, the 365 GTC4, the 456 GT and so on. Now, they've added the GTC4Lusso T to the GTC4Lusso range. To explore its ins and outs, we drove one from Palm Jumeirah all the way to Ras Al Khaimah, then up Jabal Jais... in speed and back!

DESIGN & AESTHETICS
In 2011, they rolled out the Ferrari FF, a 4-seater, 4-wheel drive Ferrari with a 'Shooting Brake' profile - a hatchback with a spearheaded front end. This was later replaced in 2016 with the GTC4Lusso, a car of similar character. Though the new name may seem like an unlikely combination of characters, it actually rolls off the tongue fabulously.
The GTC4Lusso T, like the FF, isn't your quintessential Ferrari and perhaps not the best- looking. Yet, with its distinctive profile and sharp front end - characterised by a gaping grille and up-stretched headlamps - it has a certain appeal. The form, up to the A-pillars, reminds one of the beautiful F12 Belinetta. The rear haunches are broad and give a sense of power. If you think it looks a lot like the FF, well, they've switched it up completely in the rear: where the FF has single round lamps, this one has two on either side like a traditional Ferrari. All this adds up to a shape which, when backed by the 'Prancing Horse' badge and a sonorous exhaust note, makes for a very appealing car. This is also one of the few Ferraris that will look good in a sober exterior colour like dark blue, steel grey, silver or even white. It's the Ferrari for the less ostentatious.
A simple glance at the interiors and you'd know that Ferrari has moved on from being simplistic: from cabins with a sporty thin-rimmed wooden steering, exposed shift gates and panelled leather benches to something of a high-tech cockpit - there is so much detail!
The familiar, flat-bottom steering with the visual effect of a multitude of buttons, including the 'Manettino' switch, a heavy dose of carbon-fibre and leather wrappings, make it a truly special steering tool. And by incorporating all those buttons, they have completely eliminated stalks for a cleaner look.
Behind the wheel is an instrument cluster that centres around a large white dial tachometer, flanked by a couple of digital screens. Cool-looking jet diffusers are used as air vents and its multi-direction adjustability adds functionality too. In terms of technology, Ferrari's 'Jurassic' days are over. The 'T' gets a large HD capacitive infotainment screen elegantly embedded in the centre console, a 10.25-inch diagonal that responds to touch. The grab handles below it are finished in carbon-fibre that houses buttons for the hazard, 'reverse', 'auto' and 'launch control' mode - all easily readable and reachable! This isn't an MPV, yet there is a fair amount of stowage space too.
The GTC4Lusso was created to accommodate more. That explains its near full-size dimensions that stretch 4,922mm lengthwise and 1,980mm breadthwise. Up front, the highly contoured sports seats have supple leather upholstery held together with contrast stitching, with red inserts for that little extra. It's an easy fit for most, thanks to the power adjustable steering column and seats. The rear seats have a cocoon-like effect, but getting into them requires some compromise of poise; an extra set of doors would've helped.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The original GTC4Lusso - also available in the market - is powered by a 6.3-litre V12, which is coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that distributes power to all four wheels. This one comes with a different powertrain altogether. Motivating this sporting hatch is a de-tuned version of the magnificent turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 found on the 488 GTB. And power goes to the rear wheels only. It also does away with the all-wheel drive system but keeps the four-wheel steering. It makes 601 horsepower. That is a lot of grunt - 80 shy of the V12's output. But at 760Nm, it makes a heck of a lot more torque. Ferrari claim that the 'T' can get from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, achieved through the magic of launch control. This may make it the slowest Ferrari, yet it's faster than the Aston Martin Rapide, the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Bentley Continental GT. And everyone knows that's a tough crowd to beat.
The turbocharged V8 came to life with an authentic Ferrari growl. But there's a world of difference between this and the noise the V12 makes. On our way out of Palm Jumeirah, we kept to speed limit and came across a whole lot of cobblestone surfaces which the MagneRide SCM-E damper control system and the relatively longer wheelbase soaked up easily.
En route to RAK, we squeezed the gas pedal so many times it was almost like we were playing the harmonium. In any case, we were here to have fun and not achieve the 11.6 L/100km fuel economy figure - a 30 per cent improvement on the V12. Sure, switching to 'Sport' mode kept the right gear ready, the power high and the noise amplified, but even without, there's a bucket load of torque at your disposal. The urgency has also to be credited to the 7-speed transmission which provided lightning-quick shifts whenever necessary.
We climbed Jabal Jais - the tallest point in the UAE - driving up the winding roads that were blocked for us, a party of several fast-moving Ferraris. The experience was mind-blowing; and with each hairpin bend, came confidence that the 'T' inspired. With over 600 horses going to the rear wheels, I was expecting sliding and screeching, but it stuck to the ground like a train on rails, thanks to the E-Diff and the four-wheel steering that quietly works away in the background. This is what Ferraris are made for. This is also an easy way to empty that 91-litre tank.
If there was anything more remarkable, it would be the brakes, with 398mm rotors up front and 360mm rotors at the rear. The sensitivity, response and braking effect that it offers is second to none but requires some grace to operate. If I had to niggle, it would be about the thinly padded seats. The first few hours of driving, I was comfy and upbeat. Some 4-5 hours later, I knew the seats were too thin to have a positive effect on my vertebrae!

FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
This is the Ferrari that was built to be functional; besides seating four adults, it can also accommodate 450 litres of cargo, extendable up to 800 litres with rear seats down. According to their website, you can fit a bicycle, kitesurf, stroller, snowboard, ski equipment or even a guitar and amplifier back there.
The air conditioner worked fine and although this drive was only last week and the Jabal Jais elevation wasn't testing its cooling performance, we think it will do fine in summer too. We also liked that the jet diffuser-shaped air vents are available in the rear as well.

VERDICT
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is by no means your typical Ferrari. It is the largest of the lot and most intriguing, visually. Some may not like its hatchback profile, but everyone will love it for its relentless turbo power, its thunderous exhaust note, confidence-inspiring dynamics and added functionality.
FUN FACT
Flavio Manzoni, the designer of the GTC4Lusso, is an Italian architect and automobile designer who has also worked with Ferrari, Lancia, Volkswagen and SEAT

SPECIFICATIONS
Body type: 4-seater; 3-door premium, high-performance shooting brake
Engine: Front-engine; turbocharged 3.9-litre V8; rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed F1 DCT (automated manual)
Peak output: 601bhp @ 7,500rpm; 760Nm @ 3,000-5,250rpm
0 to 100km/h: 3.5 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 320 km/h (drag limited; claimed)
Price: Starting at Dh1,150,000

RATING
Pros: Power; sonorous exhaust note that amplifies with speed; road holding and dynamics; customisation options
Cons: Not the best-looking Ferrari; seats get uncomfortable, but only after hours of driving
Author's rating: 8/10 stars
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

• On The Road