Ferrari will unwrap its long-awaited debut SUV, the Purosangue, on 13 September – and the first version to break cover will be powered by the firm’s “most iconic engine”: a V12.
“From my and our test drives in the hills around Maranello I can tell you that it’s a true sports car, and unlike any other,” CEO Benedetto Vigna told reporters about the Aston Martin DBX rival
It will be “100% Ferrari”, he added, and pledged that “it will meet and exceed all the demands of performance, innovation and design that you would expect from us”.
On the subject of the engine choice, Vigna said previously: “We’ve tested several options. It was clear that the V12, for the performance and driving experience it could provide, was the right option for the market.”
His comments came after the sports car maker posted a video online, confirming it was creating a new V12-powered Ferrari, prompting speculation about whether it referred to the Purosangue or the unnamed successor to the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
The firm referenced “our new thoroughbred’s bloodline”, which hinted that it will be the SUV because the car’s Italian name translates as thoroughbred, before the news was confirmed by Vigna. It remains to be seen whether this will be the 6.5-litre unit deployed in the 812 Superfast.
Ferrari added: “The V12 has always been an intrinsic part of Ferrari DNA. It is a celebration of our heritage, and a symbol of our relentless quest for new heights of performance and pure driving emotion.”
You heard it here first.More will be revealed on the 13th of September.#FerrariPurosangue #Ferrari pic.twitter.com/xQOTpdJBiM
— Ferrari (@Ferrari) September 6, 2022
All future Ferrari models will be built around two bespoke architectures, giving two distinct model lines: one for mid-engined supercars, such as the Ferrari 296 GTB, and the other for front-mid-engined GT-style cars, including the new SUV.
Both architectures are able to accommodate V6, V8 and V12 engines, with or without hybrid assistance and with a transaxle dual-clutch automatic gearbox; rear or four-wheel drive; and two-, 2+2- or four-seat cabins from variable-wheelbase lengths.
From these wide-ranging parameters, the SUV will take the form of a four-seater with a length of around five metres, and its high ground clearance is likely to be achieved through height-adjustable suspension and an anti-roll system to allow for impressive on-road dynamics and some off-road ability.