New Ferrari FF: Just the Thing For Growing Rodeo Drive Families
All that web traffic headed for the just-released photos of Ferrari's new Ferrari FF model is probably generated by the usual car-porn enthusiasts. But soccer moms and dads may soon follow.
Ferrari, which is part of Italy's Fiat (FIATY.PK), makes a stir whenever it announces a new model. But this Ferrari FF (which stands for four seats and four-wheel drive) is a major departure. In a word, this car is made to be comfortable. Not only that, it's made to be comfortable not only for the driver, but for up to three passengers -- and their luggage. Ferrari isn't the first sports-car company to break down and provide more mainstream models, but Ferrari loyalists may well take it as a blow to Ferrari sports-car purity.
The Ferrari FF isn't the first-ever Ferrari four-seater, but the name is synonymous with two-seat sports cars that drive fast and look it. Sure, Ferraris come with GQ style creature comforts, like leather interiors, matched luggage (designed for the typically tiny trunk) and in the last several years, automatic transmissions. Stick shifts are traditionally more macho, but Ferrari borrows its automatic-transmission technology from Formula 1 racing, so that makes it OK.
The Ferrari FF is also the brand's first four-wheel-drive car. Ferrari has been a holdout, even as four-wheel drive became relatively common in high-end luxury cars. Rear-wheel drive is traditionally considered the ultimate sporty set-up. For years, Bentley, Porsche, Audi (VLKAY.PK), Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz (DDAIF.PK) have offered high-end cars with all-wheel drive. In Audi's case, its Quattro all-wheel-drive system has been an important part of its brand image for decades.
The Ferrari FF gets its official unveiling at the Geneva auto show in March. And it won't be the only four-door luxury exotic at the show. Those include the Porsche Panamera sedan, which was introduced in 2009; the Maserati Quattroporte sedan, which has been around since 2004; and the Porsche Cayenne SUV (2002).
The go-fast purists may worry that the minivan set are bad for the brand's image. But the trend makes sense for the extreme high-performance companies that want to diversify their portfolios. A lot of Ferraris get driven only on weekends and in good weather. It's hard to sustain a business on such narrow appeal, especially in this economy. Ferrari needs to provide customers with a place to go within the brand if they've outgrown a two-seater, whether they're new to the brand or if they're seasoned Ferraristi.
Related:
Porsche Cajun: A Smaller, Less-Expensive SUV That Will Tick Off Purists
Wiedeking Leaves Big Shoes to Fill at Porsche
Audi E-tron Joins Growing Ranks of Go-Fast Electric Vehicles
Photo: Ferrari