The GTC4Lusso T: Ferrari drops a turbocharged V8 in a four-seater for the first time

By Ronan Glon September 22, 2016

Ferrari is expanding its lineup with a new model named GTC4Lusso T. The four-seater will make its public debut next week during the Paris Motor Show.

As its name loosely implies, the GTC4Lusso T is the first four-seater Ferrari powered by a turbocharged V8 engine. The mill in question is a 3.9-liter unit that generates 610 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 560 pound-feet of torque from 3,000 all the way up to 5,250 rpm. To put those figures into perspective, the V12-powered GTC4Lusso that was introduced earlier this year in Geneva has 680 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of twist on tap.

Another key difference between the two models is that the GTC4Lusso T is rear-wheel drive, while the standard model only ships with all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive turns the coupe into a completely different animal, according to Ferrari. The car is lighter, and more of the weight lies on the rear axle, which makes the T more engaging to drive.

Performance specifications have not been published yet, but it is safe to assume the GTC4Lusso T will hit 60 mph from a stop in under four seconds. Not strictly about speed, the coupe offers a trick four-wheel steering system that improves handling by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front wheels at low speeds, and in the same direction at high speeds. Additionally, the Prancing Horse’s high-tech side slip control software gives drivers just enough leeway to serenely put the Lusso sideways.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

The visual differences between the V8- and the V12-powered Lusso are minor at best. The two models also share the same luxurious cabin, which features four individual seats and Ferrari’s dual-cockpit technology.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T is scheduled to go on sale in the coming months, but pricing information has not been released yet. Fans of large displacement engines do not need to worry because Ferrari has confirmed to Digital Trends the GTC4Lusso T is not a replacement for the V12-powered model. The two four-seaters will be sold side-by-side.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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