Ferrari FF

The Ferrari Four- Accessible and functional

Two words connected to a brand that rarely hears them- The Ferrari FF- or Ferrari Four, as it were, is a revolutionary car in its own way. Despite its brand name, it can hold four 6' adults comfortably, with four wheel options, and a comfortable interior. That said, with a growling V12 under the hood, you will not lose the feeling you expect when driving a Ferrari. For further details on all the parts and pieces of the car, read on!

2014 FF- what should I notice?

Well- In comparison to most Ferraris, remember that this is one of their most accessible models. It doesn't handle like a sports car forced to be a four wheel drive family vehicle. It handles like a sports car, and has the functionality of a family car. You have cup holders, you have cruise control, you have plenty of cargo space. This car is unique among its peers for that, in many ways.

The four wheel drive is automatic, handled by the car's internal computer, in such a way as to make it still feel like a rear-wheel drive Ferrari that traditionalists will recognize. That said, it handles hills, bad weather, and other such sub-par conditions the way you'd expect a four-wheel drive car to handle them- comfortably, while maintaining traction.

New features to check since the car's release include full Apple integration- for your iPad, your phone, Siri, etc. etc- and a panoramic sunroof. The transmission is semi-automatic. It has no clutch, but you can still shift manually with the large paddle shifters on either side of the wheel. The buttons around the wheel control the lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers- as opposed to normal sticks on either side.

Choices- what are yours?

While most options are stocked up in every Ferrari, here you do have a few customization options. Color, trim, and interior decorations are all your options, as well as upgrades to this part of the body or that- grill pieces, window tints, the aforementioned panoramic sunroof. You have customization as wide ranging as adding carbon fiber inserts to your dash, a passenger side display, and the pattern and trim of your seat. You also have options as simple as the color of your floor and your center console.

There are no other variations on the model other than the customization options you have that were outlined in the last paragraph, but don't underestimate them. To list everything would take several more articles, but you should have a good idea of what choices and customization options Ferrari gives you from the previous paragraph. Most of the options are aesthetic, so do keep that in mind.

She's stocked with features- but is she still a Ferrari?

Well, in short, yes. With a 6.3 liter V12 sitting just behind the rear axle and rear wheel drive that feels just as responsive and powerful as any other Ferrari, you can bet your last dollar that you will quickly forget that you picked this car for all its options inside the cabin. Because on the open road she still growls like a true Ferrari and has all the power  and speed you would expect.

With 651 horsepower and 504 foot-pounds of torque, it becomes quick to forget the weird wagon-like lines the car has, and easier to forget your three buddies in the car with you and all the stuff they forced into your trunk. What you'll remember is the 208 mph top speed, and the 4150 pounds of sleek power under you.

Direct fuel injection and 382 cubic inches of displacement lend it much of that power. The dynamic manipulation of power distribution- that is to say, where the computer decides to put the power, between the front and rear wheels- gives the feeling that you're driving that dreamy sports car. And the ability to drive that dreamy sports car where many other cars could only wish they could go.

What's the catch?

It still understeers from time to time, and the center console boasts a Chevrolet's worth of tech. A basic Garmin navigation machine and a generally sub-par system all through the center is the biggest let-down this car offers, and most everyone agrees on that detail.

11mpg city and 17 mpg freeway are numbers that are unheard of for Ferrari- quite high, at least for a sports car boasting this much power. Anti-lock brakes, front and side impact airbags, and modern seatbelts will keep you safe if you have the bad luck to get into an accident in this car. It also comes standard with ignition disablers and other safety basics that are expected in modern cars, meaning it's not an easy car to steal. Which is good. Because a lot of people want this car.

The final verdict: Closing thoughts

As one of the only Ferraris to boast this much functionality, I think if you want a sports car, but have a family or just don't want to NEED two cars for basic shopping trips or vacations, then this is the car for you. You can also drive this in the rain and snow without worrying as much, although it still requires the normal caution and care. It's a beautiful car, and fairly priced for a Ferrari like this.

The final word here is that this is a car that, if you can, is very worth buying. Still in production, with all the features you need to keep this as your main car. There are few other cars that can boast that kind of day-to-day usefulness while maintaining the deep-seated power and throaty growl everyone asks for when buying a car with the name Ferrari. This is a purchase that will last you a long time, and with maintenance, the value  will always be high. Don't let the cost dissuade you; cars like these are worth every penny- and you will agree the moment you drive it down a highway, or into your driveway.