2023 Purosangue SUV Revealed

    Ferrari refuses to use the American phrase SUV but they built one, called the Purosangue which means “thoroughbred.”

    They claim their four-door, four-seater uses a “completely different layout and innovative proportions compared to modern GT archetypes (so-called crossovers and SUVs)”.

    The vehicle has a V-12 engine mounted aft of the front axle while the eight-speed rear transaxle is mounted way out back. 

    This results in a weight balance of 49 front/51 rear that would be good even in a mid-front-engine sports car.

 

 

    They can’t claim a first for a V-12 in an SUV (the Lamborghini LM002 of 1986-1993 had one.) But that was more than a quarter century ago.

    The engine is based on the F140IA, used in the Ferrari 812 and FF, the Maserati Birdcage 75th and the Enzo. The alloy block has a 65-degree V, dry sump and direct injection and is rated at 715 peak hp in the Purosangue.

    Ferrari engineered it to give you that steady increase in power feeling, starting as low as 80 percent of its 528 lb. ft. of torque being available at or below 2100 rpm. Peak horsepower is reached at 7750 revs.

    Adapting the engine from present Ferraris, they made changes in intake, timing and exhaust systems with the heads right from 812 Competitzione. Ferrari told reporters at the preview that it boasts “the most powerful engine in its segment.”

        Lamborghini Urus, 641 hp.

        Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe, 670 hp.

        Aston Martin DBX 707 model, 697 hp.

        Maserati Levante, 580 hp.

    Comparing it to earlier Ferrari four-seaters, it uses a lot of lightweight materials--the lower chassis is aluminum. 

    The roof is carbon fiber, with some steel. That makes it lighter and stiffer than any previous Ferrari four-seater. And they bring back “opera” doors (so much nicer than the American nickname “suicide” for rear hinged doors).

    The active suspension technology uses Multimatic’s True Active Spool Valve (TASV) System which combines electric motor actuation with high-precision spool valve hydraulic dampers.

    They claim the electric motor ensures that the body and wheels can be controlled actively with more force authority and at higher frequencies than traditional adaptive or semi-active systems.

    So don’t worry about it not performing like a Ferrari. Plus in the areas of ”usability and comfort” they  claim it’s top of the market.

    Extensive electronics are used to control handling including the new ABS ‘evo” controller and brake-by-wire system first offered  in the 296 GTB to Electronic Stability Control, SSC (Side Slip Control) 8.0, to the 4RM-S system developed for the GTC4Lusso, which has been further developed with innovations made to the control logic originally developed for the SF90 Stradale’s 4WD system. And of course with four-wheel-steering first seen in the Ferrari lineup on the 812 Competizione.

    Inside they wanted it to look nothing like an SUV. They claim it has a “signature GT sports car aesthetic,” inspired by the SF90 Stradale, most notably the 10.2-inch display surrounded by dual-cockpit dashboard concept.

 

 

    Top speed sounds unbelievably high for an SUV that’s not an SUV-- 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds, 0-124 in 10.5, and a top end of 193 mph.

    Price exceeds the estimated $350,000 they hinted at before introduction. Remember it’s going to be limited in production so they don’t look like an SUV maker (which they imply Porsche did after 500,000 Cayennes). Sometime mid-year 2023, look for the Purosangue in showrooms with a starting price closer to $400,000.

    In sum, brilliant to offer a V-12 even though internal combustion cars are being hounded by the black cloud of EVs.,, Ferrari’s most famous engine configuration in what could be near the end of their ICE cars.