Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2014 Ferrari FF

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-...photo-1606400/


Engine:6.3L V12
Power:651 HP / 504 LB-FT
Transmission:7-Speed DCT
0-60 Time:3.5 Seconds (est.)
Top Speed:205 MPH
Drivetrain:Four-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:4,145 LBS
Seating:2+2
MPG:11 City / 17 HWY
Base Price:$295,000
As-Tested Price:$367,265

Ferrari announced a panoramic roof option for its all-wheel drive FF at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, promising the new full-length glass panel would offer its well-heeled clientele "a genuine open-air driving feeling, while providing thermal and acoustic insulation." That statement was intriguing, as my experience with glass roofs usually ends abruptly after I close the opaque shade - as a Southern Californian, I always find tinted glass panels too hot during the day and too cold at night.

While the FF I reviewed in August was fitted with a solid aluminum roof, I was fortunate to catch up with a brand-new silver Ferrari FF (it only had about 160 miles on the odometer) with the optional panoramic roof (a $17,666 upgrade) at the Formula One race at Circuit of the Americas just last month. It was my lucky day, as I was about to spend about six hours with the four-place Italian, blissfully enjoying it during the warm day until long after the sun had set on the Texas horizon.

Driving Notes

• Unlike the electrochromatic sunroof Ferrari offered on its 612 Scaglietti a few years ago (which was able to vary the amount of light coming through its panel into the cabin with an electronically reactive color-changing gel sandwiched between its panels), the large glass roof on the FF does not utilize an electrical current to work. Instead, it employs a special reflective glass (LowE) that is coated during manufacturing to permanently minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through. While the special glass blocks the invisible light that heats your skin and warms the cabin uncomfortably on hot summer days, it still allows visible light to pass through so the cabin stays bright. As an added benefit, the LowE glass has insulating properties, keeping temperatures from passing from one side to the other in extreme climates.
• While most automakers split their panoramic roofs into two or more panels, Ferrari has elected to go with one very large single piece of glass. The glass is fixed, meaning it does not pop-up or slide back, and it extends from the edge of the glass windshield rearward to the end of the roof. A small aluminum panel, about five inches wide and serving as a base for the satellite radio antennae, separates it from the glass rear window. The panel is offered in both body colors (as was the case on my silver test car) or painted black (as we saw in the first press release). After seeing both, I prefer it painted black, as the panel visually disappears and blends into the glass on either side.
• The FF's panoramic roof appears slightly reflective and dark from the outside, but the view from the inside is much lighter both day and night. The driver and front passenger enjoy the open cabin (the glass panel actually provides more head clearance), but their forward seating position means a glance upward still means looking at the opaque windshield header. Interestingly enough, the panoramic roof is actually better taken in the from the rear seats, where the view is unrestricted, expansive and rather dramatic. The clear roof visually opens up the cabin, giving the illusion that it is larger inside. After experiencing it during the day, evening and night, I couldn't find any faults. The new panoramic roof is not just a no-compromise improvement - it's a must-have upgrade.
• Thankfully, swapping a large aluminum panel for glass doesn't noticeably affect performance. The spectacular hand-assembled 6.3-liter V12 screams every bit as loudly, maybe even a bit more, with the new roof. The all-wheel drive FF remains a driver's car, with wickedly quick steering, strong brakes and more cornering grip than most passengers will tolerate. Only a short list of vehicles can best its exotic acceleration, and none of those will offer as much comfort when stuck in gridlock traffic.
• My car was loaded to the sills with more than $70,000 worth of options, which isn't uncommon on a Ferrari. The list including the aforementioned roof, range-topping carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED tach, diamond-quilted leather and the carbon interior package.
• One final observation: A single afternoon with Ferrari's unusual FF is simply too short.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/06/2...ew-quick-spin/

Blackraven

For me,
The FF is a quantum leap over its predecessor. Indeed, a worthy successor and replacement to the 612 Scaglietti

Also IMHO:
Ferrari FF > 458 Italia

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

the v12 in the FF maybe better than the v8 for the 458, but the 458 is a better looker IMO

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I have a soft spot in my heart for the FF. An answer to a question no one really asked, but I'm damn glad it was answered

Blackraven

In terms of design, then yeah, the 458 may have the upper hand.

But in terms of power, performance, engineering, uniqueness and everything else, the FF trumps the 458.

And with this panoramic roof option (which should be recommended cost option for any FF buyer), then the level of awesomeness of this vehicle just went up a notch.

Epic

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Power obviously and uniqueness yes, but the 458 is also a performance and engineering marvel. But then both are such different cars that it's hard to say which is better other than by a subjective opinion. If someone held keys to both I'd honestly close my eyes and choose one because I love both

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The coolest truck on sale today!

s4play

iTrader: (2)

Cool review, how did you end up being able to drive this car?

I've driven most F-cars aside from the ultra rare ones. Have you driven the 458 back to back with the FF? I have a buddy who wants one but I told him for me, it would be the 458 but of course I have not driven the FF.

I equate this car to the Z4M coupe's rareness factor. It's a niche Ferrari if there was ever such a word for any Ferrari.

Most of your observations was about the glass top, what about the driving position, motor revs, shift points, and interior overall? Is the engine exhaust note pretty aggressive?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Hey Rick, this review is from Autoblog. My review's are tagged "Hoovey Review"

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I drove the 458 and FF back to back, the 458 is way more exciting since it is a mid engine aggressively tuned sports car, the FF is a more relax GT, but obviously the V12 have more power, smoother and sounds way cooler. Best of both world is have this V12 in a mid engine chassis.........aka LaFerrari

Is dead on.

OMG

Dead on.

Interior is exquisite as you can expect from a V12 GT Ferrari, leather wrapped every inch. Ergonomics are great. But the seats are on the hard side, it is not plush like a Bentley or S-Class.

It is crazy loud for a family wagon, it sounds amazing.

s4play

iTrader: (2)

^thanks for that!

So now if I can just convince my wife to look past the price tag! haha j/k

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

If you got it, do it, Ferrari is definitely worth their price, nothing else is that exciting to drive.

s4play

iTrader: (2)

here's a picture of my friend's 458 ~ only car I would ever own with a dual clutch tranny!

TangoRed

I never warmed up to the FF.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

looks like large Z4 but better... liking that rear exhaust and brakes...