GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ferrari GTC4Lusso revealed

Ferrari has revealed a more powerful, facelifted version of its FF supercar ahead of its global debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The Italian sportscar-maker says the new name for the FF -- GTC4Lusso -- pays homage to both the 1962 Ferrari 250 Berlinetta Lusso and the 1966 330 GTC that was said to be founder Enzo Ferrari’s favourite car.

Externally, Ferrari says its designers and engineers have worked hard to give the GTC4Lusso a completely new aero package. That’s why there’s a new front grille that includes integrated air intakes, deep air vents on the front wings, a subtle new roof-mounted rear spoiler and a huge ‘three-fence’ rear diffuser.

All are said to contribute to a substantially lower drag coefficient over the old FF.

Under its long bonnet, the old FF’s 6.3-litre V12 carries over but has had power and torque boosted from 486kW/683Nm to 507kW/697Nm.

The old car’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission carries over.

Weighing in at the same 1790kg dry (or 1880kg fully fuelled), the refreshed GTC4Lusso is claimed to hit 100km/h, from rest, in just 3.4 seconds - 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous FF. Top speed, meanwhile, remains unchanged at 335km/h.

Without releasing fuel consumption or emission figures it’s not known if Ferrari has managed to improve the 15.4L/100km the old FF averaged.

Like its predecessor, the new GTC4Lusso comes with all-wheel drive that’s said to have been completely overhauled for the new model and now comes with the addition of rear-wheel steer.

Called 4RM-S, the new all-wheel drive system uses the firm’s latest Side Slip Control stability control and incorporates both an electronic differential and electro-magnetic dampers.

The result, says Ferrari, is that the driver of a GTC4Lusso can handle the “extraordinary torque even on snow-covered, wet or low grip roads.”

The Italian car-maker also says the latest-generation of its electro-magnetic adaptive dampers also improve body control and provide for “superior ride comfort”.

Inside, there’s a new 10.25-inch infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay while the whole interior is claimed to be improved.

Like the previous FF, the passenger of the new GTC4Lusso also gets their very own dashboard, complete with speedo, revcounter, gear selection and, for the new model, a g-force meter.

Drivers, meanwhile, will benefit from a better sportier driving position and a significantly smaller steering wheel that features a new Manettino control and buttons that are said to be “more ergonomic”.

Pricing, emissions and fuel consumption is expected to be released following its official unveiling, but in Europe the GTC4Lusso is likely to claim a premium over the $430,000 that the FF sold for in the UK.

Expected to be on sale in the next few months, Ferrari hopes the new GTC4Lusso will continue to attract a younger client base to the brand. The Italian car-maker says that not only is the average FF owner younger, they also clock up 30 per cent higher mileage compared to typical Ferrari buyers.