Ferrari Purosangue Review: An FUV With Five Doors and a V12

Ferrari began building cars with back seats in the 1960s with the 250 GT 2+2, Ars Technica reports. The second row was intended more for occasional use, a trait that continued through the 612 in the early 2000s. Ferrari then introduced its first true four-seater, the all-wheel-drive FF, which adopted "Breadvan" styling. Its first hatchback was still a three-door and slightly more practical for carrying cargo than rear passengers, as was the GTC4 that followed.

With the Purosangue, rear passengers get an upgrade. There is an extra pair of rear-hinged doors that provide direct access to the two rear bucket seats. A rear hatch remains, so the car is technically a five-door. But an immovable firewall separates the cargo area from the passenger cabin, and the rear seats do not fold flat. Unlike the 21st century breadvans Ars Technica has previously reviewed, a Costco run in the Purosangue might be possible, but a roof rack would probably be needed for skiing, cycling or other bulky equipment.

Under the long hood is a 6.5 L naturally aspirated V12, mounted back in the chassis so that the layout is technically front-mid engined, according to the review. That contributes to a 49:51 front-to-rear weight ratio, as does the use of a transaxle gearbox for the rear wheels, an eight-speed dual-clutch box. A separate power transfer unit at the front of the engine drives the front wheels, making this an all-wheel-drive Ferrari.

The review describes the Purosangue as substantial, befitting its 715 hp (533 kW) and 528 lb-ft (716 Nm) engine. It measures 195.8 inches (4,973 mm) long, 79.8 inches (2,028 mm) wide and 62.6 inches (1,589 mm) tall, with a 118.1-inch (3,018 mm) wheelbase and a 4,784 lb (2,170 kg) curb weight.