Photo: SB-Medien
Rumors from Maranello suggested last year that Ferrari had already begun working on the mid-life facelift for the FF 3-door shooting brake. They weren't unfounded, as the supercar turned AWD grand tourer has been spotted in Sweden, where the crucial winter testing session will take place over the coming months.
The FF is due to reveal its mid-life facelift in 2016, so it's not surprising that the prototype has no design changes visible yet. Only the front bumper has been camouflaged, and beneath that, everything looks the same.
If we take a look at the huge design changes the California T underwent, it's pretty clear that these are early days for the car. But unlike the convertible, the FF's engine will not be downsized. We expect them to keep the current 6.3-liter V12 as it is and maybe add an electric motor to increase total output to around 700 horsepower.
The current 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also to be replaced by a newer unit with 8 cogs. This will improve the economy and emissions numbers while also improving acceleration off the line (better ratios for first gears).
Rumor has it that in order to attract more customers, an entry-level FF model will also be launched, powered by the twin-turbo 3.9-liter of the California T. Of course, it's just a rumor, but the Bentley Continental GT V8 proves such a formula works really well. But until we actually hear a turbo, don't get excited.
Beyond that, we expect the overall ownership experience to change. More design details will be placed in the hands of the customer. For example, he will be able to choose from a luxurious full-glass roof (already on sale) and a carbon fiber one with racing pedigree.
According to the investment strategy Fiat outlined last year, every Ferrari will last 4 years on the market before getting a major tech upgrade. Maranello has decided against turbocharging its V12 cars because it says 4 turbos would be needed, making the system heavy and complicated. As you can see, the FF is a year late (launched in 2011, it should have been ready in 2015) and it's also bending the rules a bit.
If we take a look at the huge design changes the California T underwent, it's pretty clear that these are early days for the car. But unlike the convertible, the FF's engine will not be downsized. We expect them to keep the current 6.3-liter V12 as it is and maybe add an electric motor to increase total output to around 700 horsepower.
The current 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also to be replaced by a newer unit with 8 cogs. This will improve the economy and emissions numbers while also improving acceleration off the line (better ratios for first gears).
Rumor has it that in order to attract more customers, an entry-level FF model will also be launched, powered by the twin-turbo 3.9-liter of the California T. Of course, it's just a rumor, but the Bentley Continental GT V8 proves such a formula works really well. But until we actually hear a turbo, don't get excited.
Beyond that, we expect the overall ownership experience to change. More design details will be placed in the hands of the customer. For example, he will be able to choose from a luxurious full-glass roof (already on sale) and a carbon fiber one with racing pedigree.
According to the investment strategy Fiat outlined last year, every Ferrari will last 4 years on the market before getting a major tech upgrade. Maranello has decided against turbocharging its V12 cars because it says 4 turbos would be needed, making the system heavy and complicated. As you can see, the FF is a year late (launched in 2011, it should have been ready in 2015) and it's also bending the rules a bit.
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