Ferrari FF 'Fast Four' Unveiled as Prancing Horse's New AWD Flagship

[AutoGuide.com]

Ferrari has just announced the official replacement for its 612 Scaglietti model, calling the new FF a revolutionary vehicle. That it certainly is, defying convention with a "shooting brake" style body, and offering both AWD and the company's HELE start-stop system.

The FF still sits four, and Ferrari claims it does so in added comfort thanks to the new body shape that's reminiscent of a BMW M Coupe. The rear seats even folds flat to give the exotic machine usable cargo room.

But the FF name stands for 'Fast Four' highlighting the brand's first ever all-wheel drive system. Called 4RM, Ferrari claims it weighs half that of a conventional system and allows for a 47:53 weight distribution. That helps keep the overall curb weigh of the FF down below 4,000 lbs., over 100 lbs less than the 612.

As for power, it comes from a direct-injection 6.3-liter V12 engine with 651-hp and 504 ft lbs of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

But that's not all, with the FF promising improved fuel economy and reduced emissions thanks to the company's HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system that cut emissions by 23 percent in the California HELE Concept. While Ferrari hasn't release full details on the extent of the system in the FF, in the California it includes a start-stop setup, electronic air conditioning, as well as different transmission controls.

Ferrari will release additional information at the car's world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show in March.

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