Shortly after Ferrari introduced the GTC4 Lusso, the guys at Maranello have went on to unveil the entry level variant for the four-seater Ferrari, dubbed the GTC4 Lusso T. It will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.
Ferrari has made a number of significant changes to the mechanics of the GTC4 Lusso T by optimising power and daily drivability. The biggest changes take place in the engine bay and the drivetrain. Fret not because this entry-level Prancing Horse is no less exciting than the standard variant.
As the T badge denotes, the GTC4 Lusso T will be turbocharged, powered by Ferrari’s award winning 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 602 hp and a maximum torque of 760 Nm which peaks at 3,000 rpm. These figures are good for a 3.5 seconds 0-100km/h time and will take it all the way to a top speed of over 320km/h. There’s no word on the type of gearbox used, but expect the same seven-speed F1 dual clutch automatic to be carried over.
In the standard GTC4 Lusso, the 6.2-litre V12 churns out 680 hp and 697 Nm of torque. Although the output is much larger, the naturally aspirated V12’s max torque only kicks in at a high 5,750 rpm. Therefore, the turbocharged GTC4 Lusso is able to closely match the 3.4 seconds century sprint time of the V12.
Suppose the biggest merits in downsizing and turbocharging are better fuel consumption and emissions. In the 6.2-litre V12, the Lusso consumes 15 litres of fuel per 100km and emits 350g of C02 per km. With the turbocharged mill, the Lusso T is expected to consume 11.6 litres per 100km and emits just 265g CO2 per km.
Besides a new engine, the number ‘4’ on the badge no longer signifies four-wheel drive as the new GTC4 Lusso T is now a rear-wheel drive grand tourer. By omitting the four-wheel drive system, it shaves off 50kg compared to the four-wheel drive twin (1740 kg vs 1790kg). Thanks to the rear-drive configuration, weight distribution is slightly rear biased – 46:54 front to rear, compared to the 47:53 of the AWD V12 variant.
Ferrari’s innovative 4WS or rear-wheel steering and Side Slip Control (SSC3) will also be present in this four-seater turbocharged prancing horse. The systems provide better control of the car around corners as the rear-wheels steers in the same direction as the front-wheels to provide extra grip.
Over in Malaysia, the GTC4 Lusso T makes for a very interesting proposition, especially benefitting from the road tax structure. However, the biggest trade-off would be the unmistakable naturally aspirated V12 roar. Maybe GC can demonstrate just how good a turbocharged Ferrari can sound in his review of the California T.
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