Ferrari has confirmed that its first-ever SUV, the Purosangue, will debut this September. The first version of this long-awaited SUV will come with a V12 engine.
- Ferrari Purosangue is the brand’s first-ever SUV
- First version of SUV to come with V12 engine
- Will rival Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga W12
Ferrari Purosangue drives like a true sportscar
Giving new details of the Aston Martin DBX rival at Ferrari's Capital Markets Day, CEO Benedetto Vigna told reporters: "From my and our test drives in the hills around Maranello I can tell you that it’s a true sportscar, and unlike any other". It will be "100 percent Ferrari", he added, and pledged that "it will meet and exceed all the demands of performance, innovation and design that you would expect from us".
On the subject of the engine choice, Vigna said previously: "We've tested several options. It was clear that the V12, for the performance and driving experience it could provide, was the right option for the market." His comments came after the sportscar maker posted a video online, confirming it was indeed creating a new V12-powered Ferrari, prompting speculation about whether it referred to the Purosangue or the unnamed successor to the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
The firm's reference to “our new thoroughbred’s bloodline” hinted at it being the SUV ('Purosangue' translates to 'thoroughbred' in English), before the news was confirmed by Vigna. It remains to be seen whether this will be the 6.5-litre unit deployed in the 812 Superfast.
Ferrari added: “The V12 has always been an intrinsic part of Ferrari DNA. It is a celebration of our heritage, and a symbol of our relentless quest for new heights of performance and pure driving emotion.”
Two bespoke architectures for future Ferraris
All future Ferrari models will be built around two bespoke architectures, giving two distinct model lines: one for mid-engined supercars, such as the Ferrari 296 GTB, and the other for front-mid-engined GT-style cars, including the new SUV.
Both architectures are able to accommodate V6, V8 and V12 engines, with or without hybrid assistance, paired to a transaxle dual-clutch automatic gearbox; rear- or four-wheel drive; and 2-, 2+2- or 4-seat cabins in variable wheelbase lengths.
This concept is based around Ferrari’s ability to mix a performance-focused bespoke architecture with the space, comfort and user-friendly cabin required of an SUV.
Will get completely new interior layout
All the Ferrari GT models, including the SUV, will get a completely new interior layout based around what the firm calls an ‘eyes on the road, hands on the wheel’ approach. Among the features will be a new steering wheel design, new infotainment, a head-up display, new instruments, new ways of operating the cabin controls, rear-seat entertainment and improved ingress and egress.
Ferrari Purosangue SUV to rival Bentayga W12
As mentioned above, the Aston Martin DBX and the Bentley Bentayga W12 will be the Ferrari SUV's key rivals. However, customers looking for SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus could also have the Purosangue in their shopping lists.
Also see:
Ferrari to launch 15 new cars by 2026