“Ferrari used to be the car that you kept in your garage, took out to polish and show, and put back into the garage.” – Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, former Chairman of Ferrari
Well, not on this occasion…
A damp autumnal weekend saw the AGLAIA Team take to the leafy lined roads of the English countryside to test drive Ferrari’s first four-seater V8 car, the new GTC4Lusso T.
Alluring in electric blue with a cream leather interior, Ferrari’s GTC4Lusso T doesn’t look like your normal Ferrari. It’s, well, rather long nosed and a little bell bottomed if I’m being honest. When one imagines a Ferrari you can’t help but think of a lean, toned body that’s been sculpted within an inch of its aerodynamic life and then shrink wrapped to show off its attractive Italian goddess silhouette for good measure.
Whilst the GTC4Lusso T does not initially fall into this category, one shouldn’t let that lure you into a shallow sense of sorrow. You need only drive it through the intimate roads of your local high street to see what pulling power this curvaceous, long bodied grand tourer can generate.
Peacocking with the prancing horse, Ferrari’s famous logo will still turn heads, generate grins and warrant a perfunctory photo as it growls its way past your regular Saturday morning shoppers. Furthermore, once on the open road a mere look in the rear view mirror will reinforce the thoughts of your fellow motorists as you see them smiling at the sight of the GTC4Lusso T roaring past them.
As for the GTC4Lusso T’s interior, the biggest surprise is how big it is whilst still maintaining that super sports car feel. Like a family car on steroids, the GTC4Lusso T’s interior was remarkably spacious. You’d have expected the four seats to actually be two with two ‘token’ backseats just large enough to house your gym kit and a tennis racket, space for a tube of tennis balls an added bonus. Quite the opposite. All four seats were comfortable, roomy, luxurious and welcoming. The optional extra panoramic roof, a cost of £11,520, heightened the sense of space inside the car, whilst the privacy rear windows offered an intimacy one may need as the prying eyes turn to grab a glimpse of Ferrari’s latest firepower.
Aesthetics aside for a moment, what about under the bonnet. What makes this car kick?
Firstly, its V8 petrol engine. The latest evolution to emerge from the Ferrari engine family that was named the 2016 International Engine of the Year. The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T has a maximum torque to 760 Nm between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm, a 7-speed dual clutch and a four-wheel steering system that propels the car to a top speed of 208 mph (335km/h), achieving the milestone marker of 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Quite simply, this car can move and move fast, very fast.
With all this muscle you could be forgiven for wondering if you needed to drive with a safety helmet and fire proof overalls. But what makes this car so wonderful is all its safety features. The GTC4Lusso T comes equipped with five Manettino dial positions (Ice, Wet, Comfort, Sport and ESC OFF). All of which can be adjusted from the steering wheel dial to suit the conditions of the road.
With adaptive cruise control that slows down and speeds up in tune with the traffic ahead and the blind spot assist system, you feel completely safe, especially when you’re unleashing the twin-turbocharged V8 engine through the English countryside. What’s more, in the unlikely event that you were to experience any technical difficulties, Ferrari have a ‘Ferrari Genuine Maintenance’ programme that covers all the scheduled maintenance for the first 7 years, regardless of the vehicle’s mileage.
This car is destined to be driven. You can’t help but smile every time you turn on the engine and are greeted with the throaty roar of the car’s formidable horsepower. But its practicality and performance make this Ferrari an everyday car. Yes, the price point, with all the added extras make for a mouth watering prospect, but if you can afford it then why shouldn’t you put the fun back into your everyday driving. This car is not meant for the garage, it is meant to be driven, it’s most at home on the open road, providing enjoyment not just for those lucky enough to be inside the car, but also those who manage to get a glimpse of it as it roars on by.
As for the AGLAIA Team, all we can say is that autumn driving has never been so much fun.
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T pictured costs £202,955 with an additional optional £91,741 worth of equipment. For further information visit the Ferrari website.
Thanks also to Bignor Park for the shoot location. Bignor Park is a prestigious Sussex wedding/events venue. For more information about Bignor Park please contact louise@bignorpark.co.uk.
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Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
