Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T: Everything you need to know

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Ferrari has launched an entry-level turbo variant of its GTC4 Lusso shooting-brake - and it's already getting rave reviews from the critics.

The GTC4 Lusso is aimed at attracting a younger demographic who want an everyday car with a "sporty" edge, says the car company.

It's also expected to be a hit in China, reports Car, as the smaller and more economical turbo engine will avoid "heavy tax penalties" placed on vehicles with large engines.

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Ferrari has swapped-out the range-topper's naturally aspirated V12 motor with a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8. While it loses 80bhp from its V12 sibling's 682bhp power output, the V8 model boosts the torque output from 514lb-ft to 560lb-ft.

The GTC4 Lusso T also does away with the V12's all-wheel drive system in favour of a rear-wheel drive set-up, coupled to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that takes the 3,836lbs car go from zero to 62mph in 3.5secs and on to a top speed of 199mph.

It also undercuts the V12 by £30,000 - but how does it compare to its sibling on the road?

Evo says that while the GTC4 Lusso T drops four cylinders on its range-topping sibling, it "is only fractionally slower" thanks to the company's "Variable Boost Management system".

As this reduces lag, a common side effect of turbocharging, it allows the shooting-brake to rev all the way to 7,500rpm - 500rpm shy of the mid-engined Ferrari 488.

The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox gives the same "thumping" changes as the V12 model, while the rear-wheel steering makes the car feel "appreciably more agile" than the all-wheel drive layout as the range-topping GTC4, continues the magazine.

Autocar agrees, praising the car's poise and sharper steering response. However, it adds, grip at the rear-end is "somewhat less secure" and the tractional control system will often step in to prevent a skid.

Running the Lusso T in comfort mode can make it unexpectedly "float", but a "quick stab at a steering wheel button" will stiffen the springs and while the suspension isn't particularly quiet, this could be a symptom of the car's tyre width.

In its review, AutoExpress says the "compliant" ride deteriorates once driven on a motorway and that the car is not very comfortable when dealing with bumps in the road. The wheels also have "a tendency to tramline".

Nevertheless, it adds, the engine is almost silent when cruising along at 70mph and the V8 engine jumps into life when the throttle is planted.

Orders are open now for the GTC4 Lusso T, with Top Gear reporting that prices start "a whisker under £200,000".

Ferrari reveals GT4C Lusso at Geneva

2 March

Latest creation is a reworked version of the FF – and it's a big hit with the critics

Ferrari's latest creation has taken to the stage at the Geneva Motor Show.

The GT4C Lusso shooting brake is essentially a renamed and reworked Ferrari FF with a facelift, built on the practical four-wheel drive V12 curio platform of its predecessor.

Front and rear have been tidied up quite extensively. A new, 488 GTB-inspired headlamp setup flanks a redesigned front grille, while at the back, tail-light clusters replace the big, round singular modules found on the FF. There is also a new rear diffuser and subtle lip spoiler.

The revisions have been a big success with critics. Autoblog says that getting Shooting Brake designs right is hard: "The Ferrari FF might have come closer than most, but even the most dedicated of tifosi [Ferrari fans] would have to admit it was a little awkward. The new GTC4 Lusso goes a long way towards setting that right."

The interior gets a slight rethink, marked out mostly by the new infotainment system in the form of a 10ins touchscreen. But there's changes underneath the skin, too.

Ferrari has bestowed the GT4C with an extra 29bhp over the FF for a total power output of 680bhp from its naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V12. It makes 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and tops out at 208mph.

The four-wheel drive system has also received a tweak and now benefits from four-wheel steering and the addition of a slip-slide control system.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but £230,000 seems likely.

The reveal of a four-wheel-drive four-seater has begged the inevitable questions over a Ferrari SUV – but the company's top brass has been quick to dismiss the idea.

According to Car magazine, Fiat group chief executive Sergio Marchionne has unequivocally ruled out any future Ferrari SUV or crossover, despite many of the firm's rivals jumping on the bandwagon.

"Whatever we do, we must not damage Ferrari as a supercar-maker," he said

However, he did indicate that Ferrari is actively considering new directions – although none of them lead down the electric road. Marchionne has ruled that out too, says CNN.