Ferrari could finally unveil its much-rumoured SUV, known as the Purosangue, next month. The news stems from a recent earnings conference call with Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri.
According to a recent Motor1 report, the Ferrari CEO has confirmed two new models will be unveiled in September. One such model is expected to be the 812 Spider, as previously reported. This will basically be a drop-top version of the company’s grand touring two-door, featuring a similar 6.5-litre V12 from the coupe. In the coupe the unit belts out a monstrous 588kW.
The other model is the more interesting one. Set to adopt the name Purosangue (Italian for thoroughbred), it will be Ferrari’s first foray in the increasingly-popular SUV market. No specs or anything have been uncovered as yet, but it will no doubt rival the likes of the Lamborghini Urus.
In that respect, it will feature four doors and at least four seats. There is some talk of a twin-turbo V8 powertrain potentially incorporating hybrid technology, with power expected to top the Lamborghini’s 478kW output.
Speculations suggest it will feature a transaxle setup, with the gearbox mounted at the rear axle, with a front-mounted engine. This should leave room for an electric motor system to drive the front wheels. We suspect the SUV will be one of the first new models in Ferrari’s showroom to adopt a hybrid setup.
During a 2018 Capital Markets Day Agenda meeting (as pictured), Ferrari openly said that it wants a “full hybrid range by 2021″. It was then when we first saw the ‘official’ name Purosangue. Ferrari hasn’t ever really called it an SUV, but describes it as a model that offers “Ferrari driving emotions to multiple occasions and passengers”, suggesting multiple terrain types and cabin space.
Ferrari also says it will offer comfort and “accessibility” that is revolutionary. We suspect this is in comparison to its usual fleet of supercars, which are low-slung and difficult to get in and out of. There also seems to be the opportunity for product extensions, which suggests a hardcore or faster or lighter weight variant for the future. Let’s see.
