Primarily known for its sports cars, Ferrari is venturing into SUV territory with its first offering in the segment, the Purosangue (pure blood). Ending years of speculation, the luxury automaker has released the first official teaser image of the model.
Ferrari's first SUV blends elegance and aggression
The fiery red photo shows a frontal view of the Purosangue, with both the body and background rendered in the same scarlet hue that reflects its name. A heavily sculpted hood connects to the sleek fascia that’s bordered by slim LED strips below what appear to be air vents. In contrast to the elegance of the upper half, the lower intake on the front bumper gapes widely, with the Prancing Horse emblem floating in the shadows that obscure much of the details.
The Purosangue will reportedly use the Roma GT's platform
Ferrari has not disclosed further official details about the Purosangue, other than promising it to be a “game-changer” in a category where the likes of the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Aston Martin DBX hold sway. Reports say that the upcoming Ferrari will be based on the Roma GT coupe, with leaked spy photos of the SUV showing a fastback silhouette, complete with long nose and four doors. The rear is expected to feature quad tailpipes flanking a prominent rear diffuser.
Several powertrain options will be offered on the Purosangue. Chief of these is heavily tipped to be a 6.5-liter V12 capable of 800 horsepower. The aluminum platform can also reportedly accept V6 and V8 power units, which suggests a hybrid option. Combustion models are anticipated to be paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Leaked images of the Purosangue hint at a four-door body [Image: cochespias]
Two fully electric versions codenamed F244 and F245 have been confirmed, with scheduled release dates of 2024 and 2026, respectively. The base output has been pegged at 610 horsepower, with a maximum range of more than 418 kilometers. All-wheel-drive is expected to be standard across the range.
The Purosangue has not been without controversy even before its development. Purists have slammed it as a betrayal of Ferrari’s promise at the 2016 Paris Motor Show that it would never build an SUV. The automaker is also currently locked in a legal battle with a foundation over the use of the name, raising doubts as to whether the Purosangue moniker will make it to production, scheduled for 2022 with deliveries starting by 2023.
Will the appearance of the model’s first official image be enough to quiet down the naysayers?
Get a front seat to the latest automotive previews at Philkotse.com.