[i]evo[/i] review of the GTC4 Lusso

ScuderiaWithStickPlease · Jul 1, 2016

Technical highlights?

As before, the 4RM Evo works with the E-Diff, the F1-Trac the latest Side Slip Control (SSC4) and the SCM-E Magnaride suspension. However, the GTC4Lusso also adds 4RM-S rear-wheel steering into the mix. Unlike the F12 tdf where it was used to improve stability, the 4RM-S in the GTC4Lusso is designed to increase the cars agility on the way into corners.

The other big technical highlight advances are in the cabin. There is a new steering wheel, which has a slightly smaller centre boss and improves the accessibility to the indicator and headlight buttons. There is also a rotary switch for the windscreen wipers, which makes more sense.

Dominating the centre of the cabin is a huge 10.25-inch touch screen (although it can also be navigated by a neat pod of buttons). It is a vast improvement on the old system and is nicely intuitive to use. There are still two smaller screens either side of the analogue rev counter (each with their own set of controls) and you can also spec an extra 8.8-inch touch screen to go directly in front of the passenger. This seems like one screen too many really, as the main central screen is easily accessible by the passenger anyway.

What is it like to drive?

On the beautiful (but crowded) hairpins of the Sella Ronda in the Dolomites, the GTC4Lusso felt surprisingly nimble for such a big car. The bonnet still feels long and the front wheels a little remote, but there is precious little lock or effort required to guide it round the bends. While you cant specifically feel the 4RM-S working, you would have to attribute at least some of this agility to the activities of the rear wheels.

Weve been amazed at the ride of Ferraris sportscars over the last few years, so its no surprise that its more GT-orientated offering is incredibly refined over rough tarmac. Even without the bumpy road button activated the wheels have this wonderfully relaxed feel in the arches as they track the road in a beautifully supple way. Arguably comfort levels have also been improved by the creation of a quieter cabin, however the engine felt rather muted as a result and even twisting the Manettino up through the levels didnt make any appreciable difference. It sounded a little as though you were hearing the big V12 on a radio in another room. The only option is to drop the double-glazed windows and find a tunnel, at which point the V12 reveals itself to be as spine-tingling as youd hope with a wonderfully sharp yowl at the top end.

As you push the pace the GTC4Lusso shows incredible traction. Through anything other than tight first gear corners the big Ferrari simply grips and grips when you get on the throttle. Perhaps the ability of the 4RM-S is slightly flattered by the rather torque-lite feel of the engine lower down in the rev range, because you do feel like you need to stay on top of the gears to get the sort of urge nearly 700bhp would suggest.

Turn the ESP off and you can undoubtedly get the GTC4Lusso to move around. You need a heavy right foot and in the dry any slides are quickly and neatly stabilised, but they feel good. In the wet you can find yourself with some big angles if you are aggressive with the throttle, the front axle not always coming to the rescue quite as quickly as you expect.

Despite this talk of oversteer, the GTC4Lusso is not a nuanced minutely adjustable sportscar like the best Ferraris. You can certainly cover ground quickly and it feels remarkably agile, but with the extra motion that a 1920kg kerb weight brings and a lack of feel from the front end theres a slight sense of remoteness about the driving experience that ultimately tempers your enthusiasm on a good road.

Of course many would say thats not what the GTC4Lusso is about, with long journeys and more prosaic roads its natural habit. And thats fine, its certainly very good at that. But I think there is a dynamic expectation of anything with a Ferrari badge, and the increased agility of the rear-wheel steer encourages you to push on and scrutinise the cars ability at the limit. The fact that it doesnt feel quite as good as you hoped when you get there perhaps isnt surprising, but theres still a shred of disappointment. Compared to other Ferraris, GTC4Lusso is more impressive than involving. (Bold added.)

Anything else I should know?

The optional panoramic glass roof gives the interior a wonderfully airy feel, particularly for rear seat passengers. [...] Its also technologically advanced, with the Low-E glass reflecting solar rays when its hot outside to keep the interior cool. However, when its cold outside the glass reflects the heat inside the car to keep the cabin warmer. This also helps reduce the stress on the air-conditioning system (which itself has been improved to be quieter and deliver the required temperature 25 per cent faster).
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Ferrari GTC4Lusso review - the ultimate in practicality and performance? | Evo
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[i]evo[/i] review of the GTC4 Lusso

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