Ferrari's £200k, 600bhp GTC4Lusso T comes to Paris

Ferrari has used the Paris motor show to reveal its new GTC4Lusso T, a rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged V8 version of Ferrari’s rather good all-wheel drive V12-engined grand tourer.

It becomes the entry-level Lusso, then, but Ferrari is at pains to explain it’s a different car, not just a GTC4 with a smaller engine. Or one that’s designed to take advantage of Chinese tax breaks.

Commercial director Enrico Galliera told TG.com “It’s targeted at a different client, all over the world. Four-wheel drive isn’t necessary if you live somewhere where you don’t need four-wheel drive. The side benefit is the smaller engine and educed CO2 reduces taxes in several countries, including Asia. But this is not the reason why we made the car.”

Be that as it may, under its lengthy bonnet is an engine that sits under the magic 4.0 mark that cuts taxes in China, namely the 3.9-litre V8 also seen in the California T, here producing 602bhp and 561lb ft of torque. Ferrari claims 0-62mph in 3.5seconds (a tenth slower than the V12) and a top speed in excess of 200mph. It’s slower around Ferrari’s Fiorana test track, for what that’s worth.

Geared towards everyday, urban driving, Ferrari boasts that the V8 has a “rich powerful soundtrack”, but one which will become at lower speeds and on long haul journeys. It also says the V8 Lusso T has 30 per cent better mpg than the V12 Lusso.

Weight is down by 50kg to 1740kg dry, split 46/54 in favour of the rear, which should make it more agile than the V12. And while the more senior model’s AWD system is no more, four-wheel steering remains. It’s paired with the latest version of Side Slip Control, which is a deeply impressive bit of kit that lets you slither about like an absolute hero with minimal risk of looking rather foolish. 

Inside and out you’re looking at a normal GTC4Lusso, which means you get four seats, a 10.25in screen and a surprisingly capacious boot. Ferrari says it’ll be around 15 per cent cheaper than the (£230,430) V12 Lusso, so figure on paying a smidge over £200k. Before options, obviously.

Sales will be split 50/50 across the globe, but some parts of the world – those blessed with nicer weather, like the US west coast – will snap up more Lusso Ts, caring not for all-wheel drive.

It’s aimed at the young, too, namely 30-45 year olds. Ferrari’s V12 four-seaters traditionally find the same buyers over and over again, we’re told, and they’re always familiar to the brand. The V8 Lusso T should attract some newbies to the brand.

The geeks among you will know this isn't the first time Ferrari's offered one of its cars with a choice of engines; emissions concerns forced the company to stick a 2.0-litre V8 in the old 308, creating the 208 for specific markets. But this is the first time a series production Ferrari has come with two powertrain options across the world, and it’s the only model that will do so, we’re assured.

Which would you have: the cheaper, lighter turbo, or the all-wheel drive V12?