Ferrari Amalfi and Purosangue tamed on SA roads

When you receive an invitation from Scuderia Ferrari South Africa to sample their two newest thoroughbreds, best to not overthink it. You simply RSVP “yes”, even as wonder if you received the invite in error. Because, of all the automotive objects out there, anything wearing the infamous Cavallino Rampante, or Prancing Horse, is probably the most admired by car lovers and laypeople alike.

A Ferrari is more than a means of transport. It is a cultural symbol of Italy, a manifestation of artistic flair and engineering prowess. And for one day only, we were given access to the new Amalfi – a front-engine, V8-powered 2+2 grand tourer. And the marque’s opinion-dividing SUV – the naturally aspirated V12, four-wheel-drive Purosangue.

FERRARI AMALFI

The day’s proceedings dictate we’ll drive the Ferrari Amalfi first. As far as styling is concerned, it breathes new life into the marque’s front-engined configuration. All smooth, simple, stretched surfaces, it’s pretty in pictures but even more arresting in the metal. Like a 365 GTB Daytona for the present day.

Power and torque from the wonderful twin-turbo V8 now hits a clavicle-crushing 470 kW and 760 Nm. Zero to 100 km/h is dispatched in a claimed 3.3 seconds. And as I carefully nose that long bonnet out the parking lot into Paarl main road, I’m immediately relieved by how easy it is to pilot at mundane speeds. The nose isn’t so low enough it requires a lift function (although one is optionally available).

There’s freedom to move in the cockpit, see out and place the car on the road between dawdling Ubers. The steering is eager, throttle response well tamed (for now) and it rides firmly but smoothly over road imperfections. On the inside, I have enough time to note the fit and finish, which treads a fine line between sophisticated and sporty. Many of the haptic feedback buttons of the Roma have been done away with in the Amalfi. Owners say they prefer hard buttons.

UNLEASH THE STALLIONS

Every new Ferrari is basically tailormade to the buyer’s specification. And this Amalfi was specified with a Manettino-festooned steering wheel, with F1-style shift lights that match the engine revs. The marque calls the steering wheel the ‘man/machine interface.’ Virtually every function from ignition, headlamps, wipers, suspension, driving modes and indicators is all controlled on the wheel. In particular, the indicators are thumb-operated buttons on either side. And why no other manufacturer has attempted to copy these, we’ll never know, because they make indicating as involving as changing gear with the paddle shifters.

The engine up front is Ferrari’s multiple Engine of the Year-winning twin-turbo V8. And like all turbo Prancing Horses, it follows a zero-lag concept. Its vocal range is characterised by boost and turbo spool low down, but once you press on to higher speed ranges, it’s got all the charisma of a naturally aspirated V8. The absolute key to this accomplishment is Variable Boost Management. A clever system that adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected, with more twisting force available as you climb the gears.

As a result, you have confidence at low rpm that you won’t overwhelm the rear tyres with torque demand. And engine pick-up increases as the revs and noise rise, encouraging you to keep chasing maximum kilowatts. This is a routine I take to with relish as we scythe up and down the stunningly beautiful mountain roads beyond Paarl. A truly memorable, spine-tingling driving experience.

FERRARI PUROSANGUE

Then at the halfway stop, I swap cars to the Ferrari Purosangue. The brand insists this isn’t an SUV but rather a Ferrari Utility Vehicle (FUV). And credit to Maranello, because as semantically challenging as this is, it’s also a pretty apt description. Everything about the Ferrari Purosangue plays into contradiction. Step inside and you’re not so much sharing a cabin as occupying four individually sculpted cockpits, for the driver and three passengers.  

Unlike the elegant Amalfi, at the helm of this you’re never allowed to forget you’re driving a rolling showcase of Ferrari’s F1-derived electronic wizardry. We’re talking latest-generation Side Slip Control, which integrates an E-Diff, F1-Traction Control and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) into one lateral-control symphony. This vehicle, like the old FF, has part-time four-wheel drive that quietly disengages the front axle once you’ve bypassed lower gears. Once up to speed, you’re back piloting a rear-wheel drive stallion.   

In brief our time behind the wheel, the FDE system felt the standout. It reaches into the hydraulic brake pressure mid-corner and trims your line as it sees fit, correcting you before you register you even need correcting. Even more impressive is none of it feels synthetic in this two-tonne-plus family hauler. You simply marvel at how a semi-high-riding SUV can punish a mountain road so effectively. All with a wailing naturally aspirated V12 as your sonic backdrop.

THE VERDICT

Forgive us, it is uncouth to discuss Rands and Cents when it comes to such one-of-a-kind items. However, the Ferrari Amalfi will set buyers back in the region of R6.15 million, give or take a few hundred thousand on extras. And the Purosangue FUV nearly double that at R11.7 million. Not that it’s a comparison, but the sleek and wantonly elegant Amalfi is the vehicle that really captured our imagination on the day. The twin-turbo punch is brutal off the line. And you lose nothing in the way of thrills as you chase speed all the way to the redline.

Much like the old FF, and perhaps oddly for a ‘utility vehicle’ aimed at everyday use, we see the appeal of Purosangue being more narrowly focused somehow. But full of thrilling, double-edged contradictions all the same. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, being given the chance to drive two thoroughbred Ferrari models for the day is something to be savored and celebrated.    

	Ferrari Amalfi	Ferrari Purosangue
Price	R6 150 000	R11 790 000
Engine	3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo	6.5-litre V12
Transmission	8-speed F1 DCT	8-speed F1 DCT
Power & Torque	470 kW & 760 Nm	533 kW & 716 Nm
0-100 km/h	3.3 seconds	3.3 seconds
Top speed	320 km/h	310 km/h
Fuel consumption	11.2 l/100 km	17.2 l/100 km