We review the Ferrari FF (2013) from price to economy and all its features
IT’S Scotland’s perfect mix of ice cream and ice cool. This is the sensational FF — the four-wheel-drive supercar that can still deliver all the go, go, go even in the snow.
For once Scotland’s weather didn’t let us down, serving up a blanket of the cold white stuff to help prove what this FF can really do.
Bizarrely, the snow had melted on the way down to Ferrari’s Scottish ‘Little Italy’ spiritual home in Largs, Ayrshire.
This is where the world’s most famous and powerful brand meets the home of Scotland’s most famous cafe and ice cream parlour, Nardinis, and restaurant, Tony Macaroni.
The Nardini family arrived in Scotland in 1890 but this café opened in 1935 — the same year Enzo Ferrari and engineer Luigi Bazzi developed the Alfa Romeo Bimotore racing car.
It was the first ever car to carry the now famous prancing horse Scuderia Ferrari on its flanks — and has been dubbed the first ever Ferrari.
And ever since 1935, this seafront corner has oozed more Azzurri than Ayrshire.
Largs is also the home of Colin and Chris Weir, the UK’s biggest-ever lottery winners of £161million back in July 2011. Indeed, you’ll need to hit the lotto jackpot to afford this FF at £227,000.
But this is something very special. It could be phew. On paper it just doesn’t sound right — a four-seat Ferrari 4x4.
But the world’s favourite supercar firm turned the motoring world upside down with this shock merchant.
Driving the Ferrari is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience, whether you are on snow or Tarmac. This is the Ferrari for all seasons.
The highly talented engineers have clearly relished the challenge of developing an all-wheel-drive system, in the same way they enjoy bringing the technology of the racetrack to their road-going supercars.
How the system works is a seriously complex affair — you need to be Stephen Hawking to understand it.
All you really need to know is that it works brilliantly and gives the FF phenomenal grip in all conditions.
Unlike the permanent heavyweight all-wheel-drive systems on the average 4x4, the sophisticated Ferrari package is half the weight and only operates grip on all four wheels when it is necessary.
But, being a Ferrari, having a hi-tech 4x4 system would be irrelevant if the FF couldn’t also perform with the firm’s legendary handling and performance.
The latest version of the 6.3litre V12 engine hits 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds, 0-125mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of 208mph. That guarantees it instant access to the supercar elite.
Even the fuel economy is a reasonable 19mpg and CO2 is down to 360g/km.
Climbing into the cockpit feels like being planted into the soul of supercars.
You are greeted by a steering wheel that looks more PlayStation than Prancing Horse. All the controls are on this wheel.
One firm press on the most important ‘Start’ button and there is a brief delay.
Then all hell breaks loose.
The ignition kicks in with a ripping crackle that goes up through your feet, spleen, spine and into your eardrums and dreams.
It’s pure horsepower with a huge dash of Hollywood.
The steering is ultra-responsive and pin sharp, while the F1-style paddles deliver razor-sharp gear changes from the seven-speed gearbox.
There is also the Manettino control panel, which has settings for comfort, sport, wet, ice/snow and an electronic stability control. This means you can dial in the setting to suit the conditions — or your mood.
There is even a launch control button for instant lift-off.
But the FF’s final trick is to allow four people to enjoy the amazing Ferrari experience and in a degree of comfort. In the back, I had good leg and head room and even my 6ft 3in nephew fitted in snugly.
The luggage space is also remarkable for a supercar — 450litres. That is enough for golf bags and luggage cases.
With the rear seats folded flat, it increases to 800litres. That is close to estate-car levels of versatility.
All this is packaged in first-class levels of luxury, from the figure-hugging soft leather seats to the extensive executive equipment like satnav and entertainment system with rear-seat DVD players.
Despite a price tag of £227,000, the FF has been a big sell-out — and exclusivity guaranteed with less than 50 coming to the UK.
In this meeting of Nardinis ice cream of North Ayrshire and sheer power, these legendary Italians certainly know how to serve up something ultra cool — whether FF stands for four-wheel-drive or fast food.
One thing is for sure, though, this Ferrari is simply phenomenal with a capital FF.