Beautiful. Fast. Expensive. There are any of a number of adjectives you could use to describe a Ferrari. Radical is one of them, too. But versatile? Hold on to your hats, because the FF is like no other Ferrari we've seen before.
The long-anticipated successor to the 612 Scaglietti takes the stage as Ferrari's flagship grand tourer. It carries four seats like its predecessor, but elongates the roofline for a shooting brake/hatchback body-style that offers plenty of cabin space and – with those rear seats folded down – as much cargo capacity as a small wagon.
It may be the first shooting brake to roll out of Maranello since the legendary 250 Breadvan, but that's not even the extent of the firsts pioneered in the new Ferrari Four. It also carries the company's long-in-the-making part-time all-wheel drive system: the innovation is called 4RM, and while technical details haven't been revealed, it is said to be only half as heavy as a conventional system, helping the front-engined shooting brake keep a 47:53 rearward weight bias. Coupled with a sub-4,000 lb currb weight (some 110 lbs less than the 612), the HELE stop-start system previewed in the California concept from the Paris show also helps keep emissions and fuel consumption down.
Of course nobody buys a Ferrari for its environmental credentials, so here's the info you've been waiting for: 0-62 in 3.7 seconds (a third quicker than the 612) and a top speed of 208 mph (about nine miles faster than the 612). Credit that bit to the all-new, direct-injection, 6.3-liter V12 and its 651 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, which you can read about – together with the other technical details – in the press release after the jump. Ferrari's also launched a dedicated micro-site for the new flagship, and don't forget, of course, to check out the first batch of high-resolution images of the svelte new shooting brake in the gallery below.

The new Ferrari is about to arrive
The FF unveiled on www.ferrari.com
A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility
Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company's most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.
The FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.
This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.
Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF's harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.
The FF features the company's first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.
Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model's class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF's prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello's latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.
A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.
The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type 65-degree V12
Overall displacement 6,262 cc
Maximum power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length 4907 mm
Width 1953 mm
Height 1379 mm
Dry weight* 1790 kg
Weight distribution 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio 2.7 kg/CV
Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.7 sec
Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption** 15,4 l/100 km
Emissions** 360 g/km
* European market version
** With HELE system