Ferrari GTC4Lusso Speciale ruled out

FERRARI’s senior vice-president of design Flavio Manzoni has ruled out a hardcore Speciale version of the GTC4Lusso, claiming that it would not align with the four-wheel-drive four-seater’s character.

Speaking with GoAuto at the Australian reveal of the GTC4Lusso this week in Sydney, Mr Manzoni explained that the design of the FF replacement was now less “polarising” and this does not fit with the more aggressive styling treatment typical of a Speciale.

“We normally say a different Ferrari for a different Ferraristi and this (GTC4Lusso) represents the most elegant and luxury and sophisticated Ferrari,” started Mr Manzoni.

“It’s a grand tourer, so that is why we always want to have a very pure and sophisticated design, not complicated by the typical treatments of our racecars – for example, our (F12) Tour de France or 488 R.”

Asked whether this would rule out the potential for a racier version of the GTC4Lusso in the same vein as the company’s recent California T Handling Speciale and previous hardcore specials such as the 458 Speciale, the design vice president replied: “No, no, this a Grand Turismo, a GT.”“Normally we split the two family of products (and) the Grand Turismo is a very elegant, road-going car (where) the 488 and the F12 are two sportscars, so it’s normal to imagine a racing version for the track, for the competitions,” he added.

Mr Manzoni said that the priority when designing the GTC4Lusso was to appeal to a broader range of customers compared with the four-year-old FF it replaced.

“Probably the FF was polarising because of the – it’s difficult to explain – the proportions and the volume of the car,” he said. “This one (GTC4 Lusso) is completely different … I think it is not polarising anymore, I think, I hope.”

Mr Manzoni said the GTC4Lusso was not a brand-new car compared with the FF but it underwent major alterations to “visually change the size impression of the car” and also open up extra interior space.

“In reality we modified the FF quite radically even though we maintained the general dimensions.

“Practically the height is the same, there is no difference, but with this car, working on the shape of the car we could improve all the proportions especially regarding the roofline and the rear (by) just using certain secrets of the trade.

“The very fluid continuity of the skydome and the roof to the rear screen is, I think, beautifully resolved. There is very fast and dynamic movement that dives under the rear spoiler, and this helps a lot.

“The cabin or the greenhouse has been visually reduced even though the roominess inside has been improved compared with the FF. It seems impossible but there are ways to make it.”

Ferrari Australasia president and CEO Herbert Appleroth claimed the new styling and interior design of the GTC4Lusso were central reasons for the expected increase in Australian sales for the new model over the FF (see separate story).