2020 Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

What is the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, exactly? Ferrari has described it as a grand tourer, the rear hatch would make it a hatchback, but the side profile screams shooting-brake. Whatever it is, it's hard to ignore. The GTC4Lusso T gets a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 with 602 horsepower and will hit 62 mph in only 3.5 seconds. Despite the proportions that are not what one would typically associate with a supercar, Ferrari has managed to make the GTC4Lusso look truly glamorous, both inside and out. The body style also affords the GTC4Lusso T with a much more practical cabin (finished in swathes of leather and carbon-fiber trim) than the marque's mid-engine supercars, and yet, this remains an exceptionally agile and engaging driver's car. Unlike the V12 GTC4Lusso we review separately, this one sends power to the rear wheels only. If you happen to be shopping around for a high-powered, exotic, two-door, RWD grand tourer, you won't find anything else to directly compete with the unconventional GTC4Lusso.

The 2020 model year was the final one for the GTC4Lusso T and it did not receive any notable changes in terms of specification or trim and remains the same as the 2019 model.

For the 2019 model year, the GTC4Lusso T remains unchanged over the previous year's launch model.

A year after the launch of the V12-powered Ferrari GTC4Lusso, which we review separately, the GTC4Lusso T is launched as a 2018 model. The main difference between the two is that, instead of a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine with 680 hp and all-wheel drive, the GTC4Lusso T uses Ferrari's twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 with 602 hp and drives the rear wheels only. Both models use the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTC4Lusso T is $40,000 cheaper than the V12 and also 121 lbs lighter, but it retains that model's four-wheel-steering system. The T is hardly any slower than the V12, reaching 62 mph 0.1 seconds later (3.5 seconds) and topping out 9 mph lower at 199 mph.

With a long hood and muscular shoulders, the GTC4Lusso T certainly cuts a distinctive figure. Slim LED lights, the wide grille, circular ring-like taillights, and the quad exhaust outlets are all styling features that remind you that this is a proper Ferrari, though. 20-inch alloy wheels do a good job of filling out the arches, while you can also get a glass panoramic roof and a front parking camera.

At 193.8 inches long, the GTC4Lusso T is quite lengthy despite its chopped off rear. Width works out to 80 inches and height is 54.5 inches. The wheelbase measures 117.7 inches. At 4,112 pounds, the RWD GTC4Lusso T is 121 lbs lighter than the AWD, V12-engined model.

The powerful 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine develops 602 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and power goes to the rear wheels exclusively. Although it can't quite match the free-revving nature of a Ferrari V12, this V8 is a potent and super responsive engine in its own right. With a flat-plane crankshaft and compact turbines with twin-scroll technology, throttle response is instantaneous and turbo lag is notable only by its absence. Acceleration is brutal off the line (0-62 mph takes just 3.5 seconds) and the gearbox flicks through its ratios expertly. There's also a discernable duality to the powertrain depending on the driving mode, with a docile nature at lower speeds that is quite uncanny for a Ferrari, quickly replaced by a howling and assertive sports car personality with the flick of a switch.

With an increased weight bias towards the rear (46/54 percent front/rear), lighter overall weight than the V12, and rear-wheel-drive, Ferrari set out to give the GTC4Lusso T sportier handling characteristics. The V8 does, however, maintain the V12's rear-wheel steering although with unique tuning for the RWD layout. It also features the latest generation of Ferrari's Side Slip Control system which controls a host of parameters like the throttle, transmission, and traction control system. There are five drive modes to choose from using the Manettino selector: Ice, Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC OFF.

In Sport mode, you can feel the effect of the rear steering as the GTC4Lusso T reacts instantly to any steering input. The steering feels overly darty at first but once you adjust, you'll appreciate its feedback and precision. Driven in anger, it's a deeply engaging experience and gives little away to its mid-engine counterparts through the twisties. In Comfort mode, it's genuinely comfortable and surprisingly refined. The ride isn't quite cushy, but it isolates occupants from the worst road imperfections. Only some tire noise occasionally permeates the cabin. All in all, the GTC4Lusso T provides a remarkable blend of entertainment and comfort and the chassis is one of the most impressive in any production car.

The GTC4Lusso T's lighter weight and smaller turbocharged engine see it returning much better economy figures than the GTC4Lusso V12. The V8's EPA-rated figures are 15/21/17 mpg city/highway/combined, easily bettering the V12's figures of 12/17/13 mpg. On a 24-gallon tankful of premium unleaded fuel, the V8 should manage a combined cruising range of 408 miles, which is around 96 miles further than you can travel in the V12 model.

The GTC4Lusso T is a genuine four-seater, with occupants cocooned in a sporty and premium-feeling cabin trimmed in attractive materials like finely stitched leather. There's good legroom and headroom up front, and the seats strike a great balance between comfort and support. Most people should be able to find a comfortable driving position, but it can be challenging to get a clear idea of the car's extremities - the GTC4Lusso T is wide indeed. The rear window also lacks a standard wiper, so dirt and grime tend to reduce a clear view out the back, too. Seated in the rear, while there isn't quite stretch-out space, an average-sized adult will have little trouble back there. Of course, a bit of twisting and turning will be necessary to get into and out of the back seats through the front doors.

With 15.9 cubic feet of space behind the front seats, the GTC4Lusso T is a genuinely practical Ferrari and, in the realm of supercars, you'll battle to find anything with this much space for your luggage. Plus, you can fold down the seats to increase cargo capacity even further. With the seats up, there's more than enough space for the weekly shop.

In-cabin storage space is also much better than in other Ferraris, with front and rear center storage compartments and cupholders.

On the features list for the GTC4Lusso T are climate control, power-adjustable seats, a multi-function steering wheel with controls for driving mode and much more, a rearview camera, push-button start, cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. There are plenty of goodies on the options list as well, including a panoramic roof, front parking camera, a rear wiper, and a sport exhaust system. The safety specification isn't especially generous as you don't have access to modern driver aids like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic monitoring.

The GTC4Lusso T uses a 10.25-inch HD central touchscreen to control various infotainment functions. The system is fairly easy to fathom, even if it's some way behind the best that the Germans can offer. You get features like Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input, and MP3 compatibility to go with the standard audio system. A more powerful HiFi system is available as an option, as is Apple CarPlay. A second infotainment screen can be optioned that is positioned ahead of the front-seat passenger, which also displays engine and road speeds so they don't perennially peer over your shoulder at the gauge cluster. Navigation, meanwhile, is standard fitment.

The 2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso T was recalled three times by the NHTSA. The first of these recalls was for a fuel vapor separator that could crack and leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. In another recall, there was an issue where tension on the door lock mechanism could result in the door not opening from the outside. The 2018 model was also recalled for an airbag replacement as part of the international Takata airbag recall. The 2019 model was not recalled for the airbag issue, although the other two problems also affected it.

Ferrari's basic warranty runs for three years with unlimited miles and this extends to the drivetrain as well. Complimentary maintenance runs for seven years, also with unlimited mileage.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T hasn't undergone testing by local authorities, although if it ever did, we see no reason why the car's structure wouldn't hold up well in the event of an accident. Along with the expected front and side airbags, there's also stability/traction control, a rearview camera (with an available front camera), front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring and brake assist.

There's a lot to like about the oddball Ferrari GTC4Lusso T. Offering the best of both worlds, it entertains like we expect a supercar should but can also do so while carrying four occupants and a trunkful of luggage. By sending power to the rear wheels, the GTC4Lusso T is perhaps even more fun to drive than the V12 and has a dynamic character all of its own. The twin-turbo V8 plays its part too, with its 602 horsepower and snarling acoustics keeping you on the edge of your seat. The car's sharp steering responses are also combined with a ride that makes it suitable for extended trips. Then, there's the sporty cabin clad in fine materials and with actual space to store your odds and ends. In fact, we battled to find fault with the GTCLusso T. Yes, it's extremely expensive, but there's nothing quite like it on the road and, should Lamborghini or Aston Martin decide to build something similar, those cars would have their work cut out trying to match another exceptional effort from Ferrari.

At $260,750, the GTC4Lusso T is around $40,000 less expensive than the V12 model. Of course, this price excludes options that could easily see you creeping past the V12 model's base price - it also excludes tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $3,750. How expensive are those options? Well, Apple CarPlay goes for over $4,000 and the panoramic roof will set you back $20,249, while a triple-layer paint treatment asks $26,998.

You only get one trim to choose from, so your bespoke GTC4Lusso T will come down to the colors and materials you prefer. We'll get ours in the red-hued Rosso Corsa with the insanely expensive panoramic roof - it really does fill the cabin with welcome light and especially helps to make the rear seats feel less claustrophobic. Inside, we'll go for the diamond pattern style seats which add another touch of luxury to the cabin. Using Ferrari's online configurator, you can spend all day changing colors and trims, but beware of the soaring price - cheekily, Ferrari doesn't immediately tell you how much your upgrades cost on their website. You'll have to wait for your dealer to deliver the shocking news; but as they say, if you're concerned about the price, you really aren't Ferrari's type of client.

At almost exactly $100,000 less expensive than the GTC4Lusso, you can get two extra doors and 550 horsepower from the 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo, which uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. With launch control, the Panamera and Ferrari are similarly quick. Of course, the Panamera is a different beast: it's got a more spacious and refined cabin and can seat up to five. The Porsche is not only an adept handler for such a heavy machine, but it rides with a reassurance and smoothness that's even more comfortable than the GTC4Lusso T. You also get more equipment in the Porsche and the availability of modern driver aids like lane-keeping assist. But, it's in the desirability stakes that the Ferrari triumphs. Its V8 engine is more emotive, its alluring lines leave the Panamera looking dumpy, and the lively chassis encourages you to drive it hard. The Panamera is a better luxury car, but we crave the Ferrari more.

Further up the GT pecking order in the Ferrari lineup is the 812 Superfast. Exclusively fitted with a glorious 6.5-liter V12 engine with 789 horsepower, it's a lot quicker than the V8-engined GTC4Lusso T and takes just 2.9 seconds to hit 62 mph. That said, at well over $300,000, it's also a lot more expensive and doesn't have the benefit of rear seats. The 812 Superfast also lacks a central infotainment display, by instead relying on a display directly in front of the driver, but we're not sure it's a successful substitute. Both cars deliver crushing handling capability combined with a comfortable ride in the softer driving modes, but as ever, the Superfast's V12 wins the engine battle. Considering the price differential, we're inclined to go for the V12-engined GTC4Lusso instead - it has the benefit of that gorgeous naturally aspirated engine, but you can also take a few friends along for the ride.