Test Driving The Ferrari FF – A Female Perspective

While writing, my husband offered his introductory sentences:

“From the moment I first laid eyes on her…” or  “From the instant I hit the start button and almost left one in my pants…”  Um no, neither of those would be my viewpoint.The new Ferrari FF, a four wheel drive, respectable four seater with over 65o hp of excitement is not what I would call a looker.  Far from sexy or even all that attractive compared to previous automotive sculpture to come out of Maranello, the FF would be more a utilitarian Ferrari, a very sophisticated one. But, it isn’t always about looks… A Lamborghini Gallardo is hot to look at, but underwhelming and uncomfortable to drive.  For me a car has to be enjoyable to drive, relevant on the street and supportive on the track.  I mean seriously, unless you are a track hag,  most of us – the 99.995% buy a car to drive out of our driveway and possibly toss in a bag of groceries.  This is where the FF rules. The interior is stylish and well appointed, always love a diamond pattern and contrast stitching.  Once seated in driving position, everything is within reach.  No yoga stretching or head turning necessary, all is at hand or in view as it should be.  The shape and girth of the steering wheel disallows any flash-in-the-pan rapper one-handed street cruising, seducing you to grab on with both hands.  Turn the key, push the start button and the gurgling rumble of the 6.3 litre V-12 engine sends an invigorating rush of adrenaline through your veins.As a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti (RIP) with the same front engine configuration, this didn’t feel as huge and beefy in the front end, like something one has to manage in order to drive.  I did not test the 0-60 in 3.7 seconds precisely but while trying not to be the asshole driver weaving in and out of traffic or practicing hole shots at stoplights – it drives exactly how you want it to.  It moves, it performs all while cradling you in safety and confidence.  I was particularly giddy on snake-like semi-burmed curves.  This feels good. There is no perceivable lag as in some previous automatic transmissions.  It calmly moves through all seven gears while providing audible ear-candy to keep up the thrill factor.  However, as much as the stocky little shooting brake will do exactly what you want – it is not for the cell-phone wielding driver.  The FF requires your attention, all of it.

All this and it holds four adults and luggage too!  As someone known to shop while on a driving trip, the fold down rear seats are of particular interest.

For those making a habit of rationalizing their stable it goes something like this:

1. The Ferrari FF will provide all the fun, comfort and all weather driving requirements of perhaps 3 separate cars.
2. The Ferrari FF ($300,000+) is much more cost effective than having a Land Rover Range Rover ($80,000+), Bentley Flying Spur ($215,000+) and a Ferrari 458 Italia ($225,000+).
3. Or simply the Ferrari FF is a unassuming sports car with sedan-like accoutrements one can drive in the winter.

Many thanks to Budd Root at Ferrari of Palm Beach for indulging me. 😉