“Test mule”? Yes. It's like identifying a test prototype that still doesn't bring its definitive bodywork, bringing, as a rule, a “borrowed” one. And that's precisely what we can see in this test prototype of the future. Purebred Ferrari , the unprecedented SUV of the Italian brand.
In other words, under its bodywork made up of various parts “borrowed” from the Maserati Levante — front, rear and much of the side — this test prototype already brings the platform/chassis and mechanics of the future Maranello model.
The images captured in the winter tests in Sweden and the video captured at the circuit in Fiorano, Italy, show what appears to be no more than a Levant that is shorter and wider than the original, but it gives a first idea of the general proportions of the Purosangue.
The first SUV, the first five-door
It will be the Italian brand's first SUV — or FUV, from Ferrari Utility Vehicle, as Ferrari calls it — but unlike other SUVs, it doesn't seem to us that the focus of development is even close to contemplating off-road capabilities. Have you noticed how the ground clearance is… short?
Well… Regardless of what Ferrari calls it, it's still a Ferrari, so there are some expectations about what it should and shouldn't do.
And unlike its potential rivals like the Lamborghini Urus, the Purosangue won't share anything with anyone but other Ferraris. The flexible platform that will serve Purosangue was announced a few years ago and allows for different configurations, adapting to models with different configurations — with engines in the front center position and rear center position. It will be the same that will fit all the manufacturer's models and we can already find it in the Ferrari Roma.
The Ferrari Purosangue will take the premises started by the FF and GTC4Lusso to a new level. The most familiar Ferrari ever went out of production at the end of last year, but when the testimony is passed to Purosangue, the three-door shooting brake will give way, for the first time in an Italian road model, to a more practical one. and versatile five-door.
Yes, we are talking about a Ferrari with true family vehicle attributes — however many times we say it will continue to sound strange for a long time to come…
Underneath the unique bodywork is a… Thoroughbred
In addition to its practical attributes, under its as-yet-undisclosed bodywork, we should find mechanical solutions identical to those found in the FF/GTC4Lusso and existing in the GT's: engine in front central longitudinal position and transaxle (combination of transmission, axle and differential in the rear axle).
Like the FF/GTC4Lusso, the new Purosangue will have four-wheel drive, but it remains to be confirmed how this will be done. On the FF/GTC4Lusso, traction to the front axle was guaranteed through a second gearbox, mounted in front of the engine, with two speeds and reverse gear.
Regarding the engines themselves, everything points to a version of the twin-turbo V8 (F154), the same as the F8 Tributo or the SF90 Stradale, to be used. There are several rumors that still point to a hybrid plug-in variant of Purosangue. It remains to be seen, however, which combustion engine will be associated: whether the same V8 as in the SF90 Stradale, whether the new V6 that Ferrari is currently developing.
However, the video that we have highlighted, where we can see a prototype Ferrari Purosangue tests on the Fiorano circuit, lets you hear what appears to be a V12. Hopefully so…
The new and unprecedented Ferrari Purosangue, if everything goes as planned, will be unveiled in 2022.
