Ferrari launches first SUV
Ferrari has unveiled its first SUV, the 12-cylinder Purosangue, and it is defying the growing trend for electric vehicles with the model targeting rich drivers who want an internal combustion engine.
The marque’s four-door, four-seater car has a price tag of €390,000 (about NZ$650,000), making it one of the most expensive SUVs on the market. Only the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV comes in at a similar price level.
Despite its size and weight, the Italian carmaker is describing the Purosangue – Italian for thoroughbred – as a versatile sports car, rather than an SUV.
Ferrari claims to have been inundated with pre-orders since announcing the car, which has a top speed of more than 310kph, would be a V12 in May.
Executives have not given any details about possible future plug-in or battery electric versions of the Purosangue.
Ferrari adds the SUV’s sales will be kept below 20 per cent of total group shipments over the car's life cycle, which is expected to be four to five years. That means an expected total production of just over 11,000 vehicles, reports Reuters.
Deliveries are due to start in the second quarter of 2023 and other key features include new architecture designed to give the car improved balance, rear-hinged passenger doors, independent four-wheel steering, a 6.5-litre, 725-horsepower engine.
