Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) Looks to Be Moving Closer to a Crossover-type Supercar

$RACE

Ferrari is moving closer to producing what could be considered a crossover-type Supercar after comments made by CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Although CEO Marchionne has been keen to point out that the company will seek to make a significant distinction compared to rivals in that sector.

Expect to learn about this Supercar when Ferrari announces its new strategic plan, expected in early Y 2018, which could result in its global deliveries surpassing 10,000 units annually.

CEO Marchionne at the announcement of Ferrari’s Q-2 results last week said: “I think that if we allow the Ferrari engineers to reinvent the concept of a vehicle that has some utilitarian features, I think the answer is, it will probably happen, but it will happen Ferrari style. And Ferrari has been known historically for being able to redefine and define automotive segments. But I don’t want it to be a UV [utility vehicle]– I want it to be what Ferrari thinks is appropriate. But no decision has been made yet.” He was further quoted by Dow Jones Institutional News as saying, “If there was a Ferrari-badged vehicle that looked like a BMW or even a Bentley, I think I’d deserve to be shot.” Nevertheless, he noted that market for large luxury cars could not be ignored, but that any new model would have to be something that “doesn’t sell Ferrari’s soul.”

I have learned that such a vehicle has already been given the codename F16X.

And that it will use a new aluminium architecture to be shared across its range with the flexibility for front- and mid-engine configurations.

Features that have been suggested for the next-generation FF/GTC4Lusso include a longer wheelbase to improve interior space, as well as new powertrain options.

On the powertrain front

It is thought that this may be the 1st application of some degree of electrification on a non-limited production Ferrari model combining the 3.9-litre turbocharged V-8 engine with an electric motor module between the engine and 8-speed transmission.

Using an 8kWh battery pack, it is expected to offer a power boost of around 160-bhp and 221 lb/ft of torque on top of that produced by the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE).

Though, it is not expected to be offered with a V-12 option, nor come with rear-wheel drive only.

Mr. Marchionne has said, “We won’t make an SUV. You have to shoot me 1st” when asked about the possibility during early Y 2016.

More recently, I reported in this column that Ferrari’s commercial boss Enrico Galliera said in June, “We are not producing an SUV, because an SUV is not a sports car – it can be fast, but it’s not a sports car. We are not producing a four-door because, while a four-door can be fast, it’s not a sports car.” He added, “Ferrari has to remain consistent, doing what we know to do, which is delivering cars that are able to deliver emotion. Sports cars.”

If Ferrari does enter the crossover space, it will join a number of luxury brands in doing it. T

he Volkswagen Group (OTCMKT:VLKAY)) has been leading the way with the Bentley Bentayga, followed by the Lamborghini Urus.

Rolls-Royce a unit of BMW, is close to revealing its own project in this sector although it too has been keen to distance itself from the phrase SUV, referring to Project Cullinan as an “all-terrain, high-sided vehicle” or Shooting Brake, and then Aston Martin’s  production DBX,the closest to what Ferrari may be planning if it uses its own architecture as expected.

We wait, We see, as Ferrari’s stock climbs to all time highs

Stay tuned…

  Bentley, Bullish, crossover, doors, Ferrari, FUV, race, Rolls Royce, SUV

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