The "FF," short for "Ferrari Four," refers to both its four seats and four-wheel-drive system—a bold move that made it unlike anything else in the Italian automaker’s stable at the time.
Design and Styling
Strong, sculpted sides lead the eye toward the elongated roofline, which tapers subtly into a bold rear end—balancing form and function in a way few performance cars can. Subtle design elements, such as the sculpted mirrors and aerodynamic intakes, aren't just for show—they're engineered for high-speed stability and cooling performance.
Engine and Performance
Beneath the elongated hood of the 2016 Ferrari FF lies a heart that beats with pure, unfiltered power—a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, one of the largest and most powerful engines Ferrari has ever put into a production road car. This masterpiece of engineering produces an astounding 651 horsepower (485 kW) and 504 lb-ft (683 Nm) of torque, all without the aid of turbocharging.
It continues accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h), making it one of the fastest four-seat vehicles ever built. Mated to the V12 is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which delivers lightning-fast gear shifts with the smoothness expected of a luxury GT. The transmission is mounted at the rear to help achieve near-perfect weight distribution—an essential ingredient in the FF’s balanced handling dynamics.
Unlike traditional AWD setups, Ferrari's 4RM is ultra-light and designed to work only when needed, primarily in low-traction situations. Under normal conditions, the FF behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car, preserving the dynamic feel Ferrari purists crave.
The V12 emits a deep, soulful roar that rises to a thrilling crescendo as the revs climb toward the redline. It’s an auditory experience that reinforces the FF’s identity as both a high-performance machine and a true Ferrari.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the 2016 Ferrari FF, and you’re greeted by a cabin that beautifully balances high-performance minimalism with luxurious comfort. The layout is unmistakably driver-focused, with a sculpted dashboard that wraps around the cockpit. The steering wheel is a multifunction masterpiece, integrating the engine start button, drive mode selector (manettino), and shift lights—bringing race-inspired technology to the driver’s fingertips.
Front and rear seats are hand-stitched in premium leather and can be individually customized in color, material, and contrast stitching to suit the buyer’s tastes. Climate control is dual-zone (with optional four-zone), and heated seats are standard, ensuring a comfortable ride in all weather conditions.
In terms of technology, the FF features a modern infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium Bose or JBL Professional audio system, depending on configuration.
Driving Dynamics
Despite its grand touring silhouette and everyday usability, the 2016 Ferrari FF delivers the kind of razor-sharp driving experience you’d expect from a Ferrari—and then some. It’s not just fast in a straight line; it’s remarkably agile, composed, and engaging on a variety of road surfaces and in all seasons.
This layout, combined with Ferrari’s sophisticated suspension and chassis tuning, gives the FF a level of balance and responsiveness more commonly found in lighter, two-seat sports cars.
Ferrari’s 4RM (four-wheel-drive) system is another standout component of the FF’s dynamics. Unlike conventional AWD setups, the 4RM is 50% lighter and only engages the front wheels when necessary, ensuring the driving feel remains rear-biased and sporty. This system gives the FF a huge advantage in terms of grip and stability, especially on wet or slippery roads. It’s one of the few high-performance grand tourers that feels equally confident in snow as it does on dry pavement.
And then there’s the V12 soundtrack. The engine roars to life with a deep, throaty growl at low revs and rises to a high-pitched wail as you push toward the 8,000 rpm redline. The exhaust system is tuned to deliver a symphony of mechanical emotion—reminding you with every gear change that this is no ordinary GT car.
Everyday Usability
One of the most remarkable achievements of the 2016 Ferrari FF is its ability to deliver supercar thrills without sacrificing real-world usability. Ferrari, a brand historically associated with track-ready performance and weekend driving, stepped into uncharted territory with the FF—and succeeded in creating a car that could be driven, and even relied upon, every day.
While many high-performance cars struggle to accommodate more than two people comfortably, the FF provides ample room in both the front and rear seats. The shooting brake design also plays a major role in enhancing usability. Grocery runs, weekend getaways, or a full load of luggage—tasks usually off-limits in a Ferrari—become effortless in the FF. With the rear seats folded, you get nearly 800 liters (28.2 cubic feet) of storage, rivaling some SUVs in cargo space.
Another standout feature is the FF’s all-wheel-drive system, which brings peace of mind in poor weather conditions. This makes the FF one of the very few supercars that feels at home on icy mountain roads or snowy city streets.
In terms of comfort and convenience, the FF doesn’t hold back. Parking sensors and a rear-view camera are also available, helping with maneuverability in tight urban spaces—another area where typical exotics tend to struggle.
Perhaps most surprising of all is that the FF’s maintenance and reliability track record is stronger than one might expect from a high-performance V12 Ferrari. It delivers jaw-dropping performance when you want it, and practical, luxurious comfort when you need it. Few cars can claim to offer such a seamless blend of passion and practicality.
