The styling is pure genius, and the proportions of the car are nigh on perfect. It looks neither like an adapted Ferrari coupe nor a clumsy SUV. The Purosangue is styled by the Centro Stile design team under the watchful eye of Flavio Manzoni and deserves its spot amongst the rest of the Ferrari family.

Dictated primarily by aerodynamic requirements, the styling possesses a clear familial resemblance. Manzoni explains, “There are many recognisable elements, but this is merely down to design language or lexicon of Ferrari and while it looks familiar, it is actually quite unique upon closer inspection”.

There are many flow-through vents that either help reduce drag, exit strategically to reduce turbulence or just help keep surfaces clean, apart from the obvious cooling and intake requirements. Even the 22- and 23-inch wheels are designed with aerodynamic details to lower drag. The way the wheels are styled as mirror images of the opposite side, and the fact that 22- and 23-inch sizes available, mean that there are actually four unique wheels on each Purosangue.

The design team painstakingly fettered each exterior surface to blend in the right amount of sensuality, while abiding with the aerodynamics and accommodation of passengers and mechanicals. It looks elegantly styled all around and is especially gorgeous in profile. Clearly, it will be an object of desire.

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That is before even knowing the specifications of the Purosangue. Ferrari has decided to begin production with the normal aspirated V12 in keeping with the thoroughbred theme. Of course, it is inconceivable that it remains the only engine choice for the six or seven years that it will remain in production, but Ferrari have been tight-lipped about any future variants.

The naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 produces 725 hp at 7750 rpm, and 716 Nm at 6250 rpm with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from just 2100 rpm giving it more of a Grand Touring state of tune. The front midship V12 is mated to an eight-speed F1 DCT, which is mounted at the rear axle to give it a 49:51 weight balance in favour of the rear.

It will have a top speed of 310 km/h, sprint to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and reach 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. Fuel consumption was not revealed, except to say it has been improved.

This nearly 5m (4973 mm) Purosangue, while heavy for a Ferrari at 2033 kg (dry), is surprisingly light for such a large looking car with a height of just under 1.6m. The spaceframe and most of the bodywork are aluminium topped with a carbon fibre roof. A panoramic glass roof along with some carbon-fibre, extra-cost options will be available. It will not have a tow hook facility, but there are bespoke accessories to help carry bicycles or skis.

The pièce de résistance are the rear-hinged rear doors, chosen primarily for easy egress and ingress. They open like coach doors and have a panoramic effect as they reveal the superbly sculptured cabin. Seating capacity is strictly for four adult-sized passengers, with good legroom for the rear passengers. Rear headroom is also adequate, given the styling and aerodynamic considerations. Sports seats are fitted all around with lots of opportunity for customising.

Ferrari has developed a first of its kind suspension system for the Purosangue that offers variable ride height without the need of air-springs. It also offers variable roll control without the need of anti-roll bars. It will be interesting to see how well it works on real roads. The actual test drives will commence sometime early next year, so more on that later.

In Italy, the Purosangue will begin deliveries in Q2 2023 with a base price of €390,000. There is already a long wait list even though Ferrari expects the Purosangue alone to increase total production by another 20 percent over current numbers.

DETAILS

Price from: TBC
Engine: 6.5-litre V12, naturally aspirated
Power: 725 hp at 7750 rpm
Torque: 716 Nm at 6250 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.3 seconds
0-100 km/h: 10.6 seconds
Gearbox: Eight-Speed F1 DCT
Agent: Ital Auto Pte Ltd

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