Automotive
Ferrari's Purosangue Redefines the Brand's Utility Vehicle with Five Doors and a V12
The Italian automaker's newest model challenges the SUV label with rear-hinged doors, a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, and a practical interior focused on passenger comfort.
Ars Technica
Ferrari has long blended its iconic sports-car heritage with multi-passenger capability. From the 250 GT 2+2 in the 1960s through the early-2000s 612, the automaker gradually expanded its lineup to accommodate more travelers. The introduction of the all-wheel drive FF marked a shift toward genuine four-seater practicality, adopting distinctive "Breadvan" proportions. Later models like the GTC4 Lusso refined this formula further, though they remained three-door hatchbacks. The Purosangue now pushes that evolution forward in a meaningful way.
A New Door Strategy#
The standout feature of this latest model is its set of rear-hinged doors that grant proper access to the back pair of bucket seats. Combined with a functional rear hatch, the vehicle qualifies as a true five-door configuration. However, Ferrari has engineered a fixed barrier between cargo and passenger zones, and the rear seats don't fold flat—limiting bulk-cargo capacity compared to earlier grand tourers. The company itself sidesteps the SUV label entirely, preferring to call it an FUV, or Ferrari Utility Vehicle.
Powerhouse Engineering#
Beneath the extended hood sits a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 positioned in a front-mid engine layout. This configuration, paired with a transaxle-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for the rear wheels and a separate power transfer unit driving the front wheels, yields a balanced 49:51 front-to-rear weight distribution. The engine produces 715 horsepower and 528 pound-feet of torque, reflecting Ferrari's commitment to performance even in its most practical offering.
The Purosangue itself is a substantial machine: nearly 196 inches long, 80 inches wide, 63 inches tall, with a 118-inch wheelbase and a curb weight approaching 4,800 pounds. This scale underscores how far the brand has traveled from its pure sports-car roots.

