Ferrari SUV takes shape

When Ferrari launches its first-ever SUV, the 2022 Ferrari Purosangue, the Italian supercar marque will create what it claims will be the most extreme vehicle in its class.

But exactly what segment the Purosangue falls into is still to be confirmed, as Ferrari has gone to great lengths to avoid using the term ‘SUV’ when talking about the all-new model.

Indeed, there are question marks over whether the Ferrari Purosangue – which has been confirmed for Australia – will be much of a dirt-road, let alone off-road, tourer at all, and just how high it will ride.

Whatever label Ferrari decides to stick on the Purosangue, one thing’s for sure: it will turn heads. And until the Prancing Horse stumps up some official imagery, artists’ impressions will have to do, such as these latest sketches from Alessandro Capriotti via Instagram.

Featuring a hint of Ferrari FF and GTC4Lusso, the unofficial sketches certainly look sporty but don’t have the jacked-up look and feel of the Lamborghini Urus – which will be the Purosangue’s main rival.

A large grille and long bonnet are almost certain to grace the new Ferrari SU… er, let us rephrase that: the vehicle designed for “multiple occasions and passengers” (to quote the car-maker) – and the rear-end design seen here with retro horizontal slats is a nice touch too.

The guessing game surrounding the design of the higher-riding Ferrari extends to its powertrain, which is likely to get some form of electrification given the tightening emissions regulations in Europe and elsewhere.

A full EV is unlikely but not impossible and it’s unclear if the exotic car-maker will develop an all-new engine or leverage one of its current six-, eight- or 12-cylinder engines.

Whichever path it takes, expect to see a couple of electric motors backing up the high-revving petrol engine with enough power to outgun the 478kW Lamborghini Urus.

Ferrari will seek to ensure the Purosangue has the dynamic capability to bash out several hot laps at the race track but can also transport four adults in comfort with super-advanced adaptive chassis elements sure to make the cut.

Whatever moniker Ferrari decides to place on its Purosangue – crossover, high-performance wagon, shooting brake or something altogether new and inventive – the world will be watching to see how the famous Italian supercar-maker attempts to maintain its integrity by avoiding all associations with those three familiar letters, SUV.