The engine
Make no mistake about it, the FF has the DNA of a thoroughbred Ferrari. It is not only sporty in the extreme, but also comfortable and easy to drive. It brings a wealth of technology to the mix, starting with a completely new mid-front-mounted 6,262 cc GDI V12 that delivers unprecedented performance and responsiveness at all engine speeds: 660 CV at 8,000 rpm, a specific output of 105 CV/l (77 kW/ cu in), a weight-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV. The torque is also blistering: 683 Nm at 6, 000 rpm, with over 500 Nm available from 1,000 rpm up to 8,000 rpm (virtually across the entire range), guaranteeing unparalleled flexibility. The FF has a top speed of 335 km/h and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.
Those impressive figures are the result of a host of technical solutions which include high pressure GDI (200 bar) and Split Injection Control that guarantee perfect fuel pulverisation and an optimal air-fuel mix up to 8,000 rpm. The FF also has the highest compression ratio (12.3:1) in its segment and a reed valve scavenge system that reduces losses due to windage caused by the pumping action of the pistons. Leading-edge materials have been adopted for the pistons, piston rings and camshaft to minimise friction. The FF has a combustion control system that uses ionisation currents – this boosts the engine’s power output whilst reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to levels previously unheard of in a car with these characteristics.
This impressive result is attributable to a whole series of factors affecting every area of the car. They include the introduction of the HELE (High Emotions-Low Emissions) system -with Stop&Start, which cuts out the engine during short stops and then restarts it in 230 ms - which includes optimised gear shift pattern, intelligent engine fan control, constant fuel pump capacity control, and electronic air-conditioning compressor displacement control. All of these solutions combine to cut fuel consumption to just 15.4 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions to 360 g/km, a 25 per cent reduction on the previous Ferrari V12s.
The engine’s geometries and materials were also developed to harmonise intake and exhaust sounds to underscore the car’s extremely sporty character without impinging on acoustic comfort. To the ears of the driver and passengers, the FF’s engine sound is seductively clear and powerful because the intake noise is channelled from the filter casings into the cabin. The Ferrari orchestra playing in this V12 never misses a note regardless of speed or conditions. It is also designed to ensure that anyone who hears an FF go by will instantly recognise its unmistakable Ferrari sound without finding it loud. This isn’t noise: it’s music to the ears.