Apparently the rumor is that Ferrari is building a sporty utility vehicle. Many of us are thinking why in the heck would Ferrari – who is famous for their compact sport cars – build an SUV? Unfortunately the rumor is true.
They have dubbed it the Ferrari F599 FS 599 Fuoristrada, and project an unveiling at the 2010 Geneva show. They’ve even gone so far as to predict its weight (2.2 tons dry), engine (a variation on the 599 GTB’s, itself derived from the Enzo) and output (over 600 HP), wheel and tire sizes (22″ and 315), four-wheel-drive system (2/3 rearward bias), performance (0-60 in under five, top end around 180mph) and price (over €250k).
The rumors aren’t founded at this time. Right now Ferrari execs have repeatedly refuted any such speculation – but it would make little sense for the racing-team-turned-sportscar-maker that, a couple of one-offs notwithstanding, has never made anything with more than two doors, let alone five.
The question is do we believe this? While other supercar automakers may have ventured into SUV territory we honestly don’t think that Ferrari wants to go there. For a company like Ferrari that trades on its heritage and Formula One dominance, a sport-ute would have no connection to either.