In a resplendent fusion of luxury and exploration, Ferrari orchestrates yet another awe-inspiring automotive saga, this time immersing itself in the pristine landscapes of New Zealand. Building upon its legacy of remarkable expeditions through terrains as diverse as the Himalayas and the United States, this latest escapade spotlights Ferrari’s newest masterpiece—the Purosangue, in an enthralling Grand Tour across New Zealand’s unique terrain.
Spanning an impressive 3000 kilometers across the North and South Islands, this three-week odyssey unfolds in five distinct legs, revealing a rich tapestry of landscapes and mesmerizing vistas. Our journey commenced in the picturesque Queenstown nestled amidst the majestic peaks of South Island—a fitting prelude to the splendor awaiting our discerning travelers.
We joined the epic adventure on its fifth and final leg. Our destination, the enchanting Milford Sound. It was a two-day sojourn covering 600 km, interspersed with pauses for repose and a window to wallow in the meticulously crafted culinary indulgences hosted by Ferrari.
At the heart of this expedition lies the Purosangue, Ferrari’s groundbreaking four-door sports vehicle — an icon of innovation and artistry. Departing from conventional SUV norms, it ascends to a realm of distinction, rivaling its esteemed counterparts like the Rolls Royce Cullinan, eclipsing the Lamborghini Urus or Bentley’s Bentayga with an audacious exclusivity and style in abundance.
Drawn under the watchful eye of styling virtuoso Flavio Manzoni, the Purosangue embodies Ferrari’s quintessential allure. Its contours, purposeful, sleek, and exquisitely sporty. Its unique rear-hinged passenger door not only makes a bold statement but also offers enhanced practicality, truly a standing testament to Ferrari’s legacy amidst the pantheon of automotive rivals.
Powering this marvel is a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine — a rarity in an era dominated by turbocharging and electrification. Delivering an impressive 725 horsepower at 7750 rpm, with a crescendo reaching 8000 rpm, this engine beckons purists and aficionados to its raw power, evidenced by the swift booking of the entire V12 Purosangue production run even before the first delivery was completed.
Beyond its impressive powertrain, the symphony orchestrated by this V12 engine renders pure music, albeit restrained by the need to comply with increasingly stringent regulations. Coupled with Ferrari’s seven-speed F1 DCT and proprietary AWD system, the Purosangue storms from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.3 seconds, and has a claimed top speed of over 310 km/h.
Despite its stature and weight (2033 kg), the Purosangue defies past its bulkiness, courtesy to its remarkably sharp steering and nimble handling. Ferrari’s active suspension technology, enabled by Multimatic’s True Active Spool Valve (TASV) System, elevates the driving experience to another plane, punctuated by stability and poise. This was made blatantly evident when I covered the same route in a different rented SUV later that week.
Amidst an array of controls and switchgear, the Purosangue’s Manettino steering wheel offers fingertip precision, captivating tech enthusiasts with its intricate electronics. Yet, amidst this complexity, seating comfort reigns supreme—a novelty for Ferrari, augmented by outstanding outward visibility more than any current Prancing Horse in production at this time.
The V12 Purosangue will remain highly exclusive, mainly because the entire production is limited by just how many can be made during its production lifespan. Commanding a price hovering around $2.5 million when optioned and registered (in Singapore), it stands as a testament to rarity and allure in the discerning world of collectible cars.
As whispers circulate within the aficionado circles, there’s a glimmer of hope that, akin to their grand touring coupes (GTC4Lusso and GTC4Lusso T), Ferrari will craft a turbocharged V8 variation of the Purosangue, extending the opportunity for more enthusiasts to experience the beauty that is this automotive jewel.
Ferrari Purosangue
- ENGINE : 6.5-litre V12 NA
- POWER : 725 HP @ 7750 rpm
- TORQUE : 716 Nm @ 6250 rpm
- ACCELERATION : 0 – 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds ; 0 – 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds
- TOP SPEED : over 310 km/h
- GEARBOX : 8-speed F1 DCT
