Ferrari unveils new V8-powered GTC4 Lusso T

New turbocharged engine lowers entry level point for Maranello's two-plus-two coupe.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso first drive video review
The Italian supercar maker has given its four-seater a major upgrade.

Ferrari has revealed a new V8 version of the GTC4 Lusso featuring the same 3.9-litre V8 engine fitted to the California T and 488 GTB.

Called the GTC4 Lusso T, the plush new front-engined coupe is planned to make its world premiere at next week's Paris motor show before the start of Australian sales during the latter half of 2017.

In the rear-wheel drive GTC4 Lusso T, Ferrari's turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 delivers 442kW at 7500rpm and 760Nm of torque between 3000 and 5250rpm, giving it 65kW less but 63Nm more than the naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V12 engine fitted to the standard four-wheel drive GTC4 Lusso.

The adoption of the new driveline is claimed to bring an 80kg reduction weight over the GTC4 Lusso, largely due to the absence of four-wheel drive hardware. This reduces the curb weight of the new GTC4 Lusso T to 1840kg, some 46 per cent of which is said to be concentrated over the front axle and 54 at the rear, compared with a respective 47 and 53 per cent split for its recently facelifted four-wheel drive sibling.

The addition of the new engine to the GTC4 Lusso marks the first time the hallowed Italian car maker has offered a choice of two different engines in the same model at one time. The new Ferrari is also the first to offer rear-wheel drive alongside a four-wheel drive set-up, as found in the existing V12 powered GTC4 Lusso.

As in the GT4 Lusso, the GT4 Lusso T channels drive through a standard seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Ferrari says the acceleration of it latest model has been enhanced by a so-called variable boost management system that is claimed to eliminate turbocharger lag and provide variable torque curves between third and seventh gears for more a linear delivery of power.

The electronically controlled driving aids have been recalibrated to suit the altered engine reserves, with new settings for the GTC4 Lusso T's four-wheel-steering and so-called Side Slip Control.

No performance claims for the new Ferrari model have been released. However, it is unlikely to top the heady acceleration of the GTC4 Lusso, which is claimed to hit 100km/h in 3.4sec and possess a top speed of 335km/h.