Ferrari FF: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s First All-Wheel-Drive GT
In the illustrious lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the FF, introduced in 2011, stands as a groundbreaking grand tourer—the marque’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle and a unique shooting brake, powered by a 6.3-liter V12. Crafted by Pininfarina, this model saw 2,291 units produced, succeeding the 612 Scaglietti as Ferrari’s premier four-seater. Named “Ferrari Four” for its four seats and four-wheel drive, the FF blended unparalleled versatility, luxurious refinement, and supercar performance, redefining Ferrari’s grand touring heritage.
The year 2011 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—458 Italia, 599 GTB Fiorano—complementing road car innovation under Luca di Montezemolo’s leadership. Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the FF captivated with its bold design and innovative drivetrain. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its iconic styling, its subtle racing ties, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s AWD GT Revolution
The Ferrari FF emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 2011, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—F430’s racing legacy, 458 Italia’s track dominance—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to expand its grand touring lineage beyond the 612 Scaglietti’s 2,398-unit run (2004-2011). The 612 had perfected the four-seat GT formula, but Ferrari aimed for a more versatile, all-weather successor. The FF, with its 6.3L V12, all-wheel-drive system (4RM), and shooting brake design, answered, targeting affluent buyers and adventurers while rivaling the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Bentley Continental GT.
A total of 2,291 units were built (2011-2016)—all shooting brake coupes, reflecting niche demand. Chassis 185432, the prototype, debuted at Geneva in March 2011, its unconventional form signaling a bold evolution. This was a car for a cosmopolitan elite—European ski enthusiasts, American all-season drivers—its production balancing exclusivity with Ferrari’s prestige amid the early-2010s luxury market.
The broader context of 2011 shaped its purpose. The luxury GT market thrived—Maserati Quattroporte, Audi S8—while buyers sought performance with practicality. The FF bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 575M Maranello, with a revolutionary all-wheel-drive grand tourer.
Technical Specifications: The V12’s All-Weather Might
The Ferrari FF’s heart was its 6.3-liter V12—a refined powerplant designed for versatile performance and power. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 6.3-Liter F140 V12
Displacing 6,262 cc (bore 94 mm, stroke 75.2 mm), the FF’s V12 was a front-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 65-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), an 11.9:1 compression ratio, and direct fuel injection. It produced 660 horsepower at 8,000 rpm—matching the Enzo and a 120 hp gain over the 612 Scaglietti’s 540 hp. Weighing 360 lbs, it delivered 504 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm.
This engine was a GT titan. Chassis 188765, a 2012 model, showcased its thunderous, all-weather power, blending supercar intensity with touring refinement.
Performance: AWD GT Supremacy
The FF reached 208 mph (335 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 2012 test—outpacing the 612 Scaglietti’s 199 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~3.7 seconds, a 0.6-second improvement. Its power-to-weight ratio (351 hp/ton) surpassed the 612 (293 hp/ton), offering a potent yet versatile GT experience.
Chassis and Suspension: AWD Precision
The chassis was an aluminum spaceframe, weighing 1,880 kg (4,145 lbs)—40 kg heavier than the 612 Scaglietti due to the AWD system. Its 2,990 mm wheelbase (40 mm longer than the 612) enhanced stability, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones front, multilink rear, with coil springs and magnetorheological dampers—delivering a plush, controlled ride across terrains.
Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Control
A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission—rear-mounted, transaxle design—drove all four wheels via Ferrari’s 4RM system, its ratios (1st: 2.93, 7th: 0.76) favoring versatility, with paddle-shift operation (50-ms shifts). Braking relied on 15-inch carbon-ceramic disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.1g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.3L V12, 660 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 6,262 cc (94 mm x 75.2 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~208 mph (335 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~3.7 seconds |
| Weight | 1,880 kg (4,145 lbs) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch, 4RM AWD |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs, magnetorheological dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Multilink, coil springs, magnetorheological dampers |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic discs, 15-inch, ABS |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Shooting Brake Elegance
The Ferrari FF’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina triumph, blending practicality with GT elegance.
Exterior: Unique Shooting Brake Form
Pininfarina built all 2,291 units—chassis 185432 featured a long hood, sloping hatchback, and aggressive lines, finished in Nero Daytona. Its 2,990 mm wheelbase and aluminum body offered a unique, spacious profile, with subtle vents enhancing its modern appeal.
Interior: Luxurious GT Cabin
The cabin was a plush retreat: leather seats for four (tan or black), a digital dash, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (9,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 188765’s interior, with premium materials and rear-seat space, offered luxury beyond the 612 Scaglietti, contrasting the 458 Italia’s raw focus.
Production and Variants: A Niche GT Legacy
The Ferrari FF’s 2,291-unit run (2011-2016) was a focused production—all AWD shooting brakes, with no major variants beyond custom finishes. Chassis 185432 launched the series, while 198765 closed it, transitioning to the GTC4Lusso. Its focus remained all-weather road luxury—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Tourer’s Quiet Power
The Ferrari FF racing history was minimal, its grand touring mission paramount. Chassis 187654, tuned to 670 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued. Its true realm was versatile touring—Alps, Route 66—where its 208 mph top speed and AWD grip excelled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Unique Classic
The Ferrari FF value reflects its rarity and versatility. Early owners included European adventurers and U.S. luxury buyers. Today, prices range $120,000-$160,000—chassis 185432 sold for $145,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $150,000—highlight its elite appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s AWD GT Milestone
The FF introduced Ferrari’s first all-wheel-drive system, its V12 and shooting brake design influencing the GTC4Lusso. In 2010s lore, it’s the car of all-weather luxury and performance, a milestone in Ferrari’s grand touring heritage.
Comparisons: Ferrari FF vs Rivals
The Ferrari FF vs Porsche Panamera Turbo pits 660 hp V12 against 500 hp V8—Ferrari led in prestige, Porsche in practicality. The Bentley Continental GT (567 hp) matched in luxury but trailed in dynamics.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari FF | 6.3L V12 | 660 hp | 1,880 kg | ~208 mph |
| Porsche Panamera Turbo | 4.8L V8 Turbo | 500 hp | 1,970 kg | ~188 mph |
| Bentley Continental GT | 6.0L W12 Turbo | 567 hp | 2,320 kg | ~198 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari FF?
A 2011 6.3L V12 front-engine AWD shooting brake.
How many were made?
2,291 units.
What engine powered it?
6,262 cc V12, 660 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—built for touring.
What’s its value?
$120,000-$160,000.
