Ferrari is just months away from introducing one of the most important models it has yet produced, the Purosangue SUV, fresh off the back of an all-time record year for sales and with a new-look leadership team in place.
The Italian supercar maker is in rude health as it prepares to unwrap its long-awaited Aston Martin DBX rival, having sold 11,155 cars worldwide last year - a 10.1% hike on pre-pandemic 2019 - for a 20.6% increase in pre-tax earnings compared with two years ago.
Recently appointed CEO Benedetto Vigna said the double-digit growth exceeded the firm's own guidance and gives it “strong momentum" to "seize the opportunities ahead" - details of which are expected to be given as part of a long-term strategy announcement on 16 June.
One of those opportunities will be capitalising on the meteoric surge in popularity of super-fast luxury SUVs in the vein of the Purosangue. The similarly conceived Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Aston Martin DBX have each become a mainstay of their manufacturer's line-up, in some cases regularly outselling their more traditional sports car stablemates.
But Ferrari's take on the formula will be overtly related - in terms of its technical make-up, design and positioning - to its sports cars. Its classic front-midengined proportions and squat, coupé-esque silhouette will make the Purosangue, claims its manufacturer, a Ferrari utility vehicle', rather than a conventional SUV.
Recent spy shots showing the Purosangue in its production bodywork suggest there will be a concerted effort to link the new arrival stylistically with the Roma grand tourer (which will be a close technical relation) with a low, sweeping bonnet, heavily raked glasshouse and swollen haunches.
Denne historien er fra February 16, 2022-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 16, 2022-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal