By Miles Downard
Ferrari is set to unveil the GTC4Lusso T at the Paris Motor Show, which kicks off in October. It comes hot on the heels of the ‘previous’ model which was introduced to customers back in February in Geneva. So here are four interesting facts about the GTC4Lusso T.
1. Turbo power
In keeping with the worldwide move away from naturally aspirated production cars, the GTC4Lusso T sports a turbo charged motor (as I’m sure the name gives away). It’s the Italian company’s first four seater to sport a turbo charged V8, “hailing a whole new Ferrari GT concept aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty and versatile, as well as perfect for driving on a daily basis,” they say. It comes as an option over the howling V12 of the non-T version and my, what an engine it is: 449kW and 760 torques will do just fine, thank you.
2. No turbo lag
Not sure I can do the technical geeks any justice, so here’s what Ferrari themselves say: “The feeling of longitudinal performance in this new model has been enhanced at low speeds by Variable Boost Management and underscored by throttle response with zero turbo lag. Thanks to variable torque curves (VBM) between 3rd and 7th gear, longitudinal acceleration is consistent through the ratios, increasing smoothly with engine speed, resulting in a feeling of vivid but superbly progressive acceleration.”
3. Rear drive
The above-mentioned V12 sports Ferrari’s brilliant, but controversial All-Wheel-Drive system that trickled down from the model’s predecessor, the FF. The GTC4Lusso T will however be rear wheel drive only. The aim is for better driving dynamics, retaining the four-wheel steering system but with a lighter overall weight and increased weight bias towards the rear of the car (46:54).
4. Mad cool driver aids
Right, so, the GTC4Lusso T uses dampers (shock absorbers) that have magnetorheological properties. What that means is that there’s a clever fluid floating about in the dampers oil that when subjected to a magnetic field, greatly increases its apparent viscosity. So the dampers can be infinitely adjusted depending of the magnetic field to which they’re exposed. That, in conjunction with Ferrari’s 3rd generation side slip control system will be quite something. Sensors located around the car send data to the ECU to interpret yaw, roll, and pitch. If the system senses oversteer, it automatically stiffens the front shock rate to induce some understeer and balance the car. Conversely, if understeer is detected, the front shocks are softened and the rear stiffened to get the car to rotate.
All this in a car capable of carrying four people in absolute luxury will be quite a feat. But if anyone can pull it off, I’m sure its Ferrari.
