By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 26, 2024) PHOENIX — The idea we'd ever see the day when the traditional image of the Prancing Horse badge would ever adorn anything other than an exotic two-seat, low-slung sports car completely defies physics and compromises to the storied heritage and practicality of the Ferrari brand of impressive, beautiful and expensive cars.

Now for the first time in its 75-year history and amid massive anticipation and caving to intense marketplace pressure, Ferrari has launched a four door, four-seat SUV, er, car called the Purosangue. According to current CEO Benedetto Vigna, "It's a Ferrari." Whether or not you want to call it an SUV or not. For the record, Ferrari has wheeled out quite a few four-seaters in the past. The lineage started with the 250 GT/E, with others being introducing being the 330 GT 2+2, 365 GT 2+2, 456, 612 Scaglietti, FF and GTC4Lusso. The Purosangue — literally translates from the Italian "pure" and "sang" to "pureblood" meaning "thoroughbred."

Powered by a front-mid-mounted 6.5-liter, 715-hp V12 typically sends torque only to the eight-speed, dual-clutch rear transaxle, ensuring a super-sporty, rear-drive character. The AWD comes by way of a power takeoff and two-speed gearbox that transfers torque to the front predictively when the dynamic controls sense slip at the rear. Notably, the AWD system does not engage the front wheel above fifth gear, which is said to keep it feeling more like a sports car than an off-roader.

Suspension technology is Ferrari's proprietary system, using those dampers, combines powerful 48-volt electric motor actuation with precise spool valve technology. Each damper is fitted with its own electric motor. The system is so powerful that the Purosangue does not feature anti-roll bars. There's also no off-road setting , rather the driver can switch between Ice, Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC OFF modes.

Inside, the Purosangue is the only Ferrari to offer legitimate room for four and kitted with a set of rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors to ease access to the back seat while retaining a coupe-like appearance. As expected the interior is finished in over-the-top opulent Ferrari-quality materials and build quality. It's also absent the seemingly obligatory center-mounted infotainment touchscreen with most all the operating controls handled through the steering wheel. A glass roof is optional.

In an ultra-luxury segment packed with High-Performance SUVS from Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston martin and others, the Purosangue is the only single-trim, bespoke model in existence.

Ferrari says only one out of every four new vehicles built will be a Purosangue. So special, expensive and coveted, it's already sold out through the 2026 model year.

VITAL STATS
2024 Ferrari Purosangue

Base Price: $402,050
Engine: 715-hp, 6.5-liter 48-valve V12
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg, combined city/highway
Seating: 4

Fab Features:
Perhaps the most exotic and exclusive SUV in existence
Performance, capability and luxury only Ferrari could build
Artful exterior design and a cabin that delights the senses