Ferrari guns for Urus with potent GT-aping Purosangue

Ferrari's landmark SUV will arrive this year with supercar performance, four-wheel drive and new tech

- FELIX PAGE

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.