4 Seat Ferrari Evolution

A Brief History of the Four-Seat Ferrari

While Ferrari is celebrated for its track-bred supercars, the brand has a long and storied history of four-seat grand tourers. These models deliver Ferrari’s hallmark performance while accommodating families or offering greater practicality.

The lineage began in earnest with the Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, Ferrari’s first production four-seater in the early 1960s. This was followed by the 330 GT 2+2, 365 GT 2+2, 365 GTC/4, 365 GT4 2+2, the 400 (and 412) series and the Mondial.

Perhaps often less loved by the Ferrari fans these early four seaters evolved into a sophisticated modern era lineup that started with the Luca Di Montezemolo era Ferrari 456 GT in 1992, a return of the four seat Ferrari after almost a decade’s absence.

Its notable successors, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari FF, and Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T continued to blend practicality, luxury and performance. Each of these cars represents a step forward in technology, design, and versatility.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (2004–2011)

Named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary coachbuilder who designed some of Ferrari’s most iconic models, the 612 Scaglietti was introduced in 2004 as the successor to the Ferrari 456M. It was a groundbreaking car for its time, offering a unique blend of performance and comfort.
The design of the 612 includes a subtle nod to 1954 Ferrari 375MM “Ingrid Bergman” built for th actress and filmmaker Roberto Rossellini – the flowing lines, teardrop lights and side scallop echo the classic Ferrari.

The 612 featured a 5.7-liter V12 engine, producing 533 horsepower, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in just 4 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. With its long wheelbase, lightweight aluminium body and spaceframe (a first for Ferrari), the 612 offered exceptional handling while accommodating four passengers in relative luxury. Inside, it featured hand-stitched leather, modern infotainment systems, and enough room for adults in the rear seats. The 612 was not only a high-performance vehicle but also a true long-distance cruiser.

A little known fact about the 612 is that Ferrari developed a specifically designed and tuned Bose Audio system for the car to enhance interior acoustics. This level of audio engineering was rare as Ferrari typically prioritized engine sound, and showcased their effort to balance luxury with performance!

This Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ‘One to One’ is for sale – view more here

Ferrari FF (2011–2016)

The Ferrari FF (Ferrari Four) marked a radical departure from its predecessors, introducing a shooting brake design and clever yet complex all-wheel drive. The FF was Ferrari’s first car to feature this drivetrain configuration, providing unparalleled traction and versatility for a Ferrari grand tourer.

Dubbed 4RM (Ruote Motrici), Ferrari’s drive system was unique in that it uses two transmissions: one powering the rear wheels (as in traditional Ferraris) and a secondary gearbox up front for the front wheels. This lightweight and innovative design ensured a 53:47 weight distribution for optimal handling.

Under the bonnet, the FF houses a 6.3-liter V12 engine producing 651 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful four-seat Ferraris ever made. It could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph. Despite its sporty credentials, the FF was practical, with ample cargo space and rear seats that could fold down for added versatility.

Thanks to the AWD system and adaptive suspension, the FF was specifically designed to tackle snowy and icy conditions. At launch Ferrari even demonstrated its capabilities on frozen lakes in Sweden, showcasing a Ferrari that could perform in extreme climates—a rarity for the brand, which is usually associated with sun-drenched racetracks.

The FF combines Ferrari’s racing DNA with everyday usability, making it a favourite for customers seeking a high-performance family car.

This Ferrari FF is for sale – view more here

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T (2016–2020)

The GTC4 Lusso T built upon the FF’s foundation (and its immediate predecessor the V12 powered GTC4Lusso) but introduced a significant change: a twin-turbocharged V8 engine instead of a naturally aspirated V12. The 3.9-liter V8 delivered 602 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque.
The Lusso T was rear-wheel drive, in contrast to the all-wheel-drive V12 Lusso, which made it lighter and more agile. It retained the FF’s shooting brake design, blending sporty aesthetics with practicality.

The Lusso T features Ferrari’s Virtual Short Wheelbase system (rear-wheel steering) for enhanced manoeuvrability. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning radius. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction for greater stability, giving the car nimbleness that belies its size.

Inside, the GTC4 Lusso T featured Ferrari’s advanced dual cockpit setup and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, catering to driver and passenger alike. While purists may have missed the V12, the Lusso T’s turbocharged engine offered a thrilling yet refined driving experience.

Given its relatively square, shooting brake shape, the GTC4 Lusso is a genuinely practical car. There’s a 450-litre boot on offer, with space rising to 800 litres if you fold the rear seats down, which are split 40:20:40 to include a central ski hatch.

The Ferrari GTC4 Lusso is mesmerizingly good to drive, brilliantly usable, and all the performance you’d expect of a car with the famous prancing horse on its’ nose.

This Ferrari GTC4 Lusso is for sale – view more here

From the elegant Ferrari 612 Scaglietti to the innovative FF and the dynamic GTC4 Lusso T, Ferrari’s four-seat grand tourers showcase the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Each model has brought something unique to the table, blending Ferrari’s iconic performance with practicality and luxury. Whether cruising across continents or carving through mountain roads, these cars prove that Ferrari’s spirit of innovation is as alive in its four-seaters as in its iconic supercars.