How’s this for a laugh? Ferrari has released a better handling version of its Purosangue.
Haven’t heard of that one? It’s the brand’s first four-seater, released a couple of years ago as a competitor for the the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX.
Purosangue is named after the horse breed of the same name and is based on the same platform as the Roma coupe with fastback styling that reminds us believe it or not of the Mazda CX-3?
Ferrari is quick to point out it’s not an SUV, but rather an FUV or Ferrari Utility Vehicle.
A mate spotted one of these cars overseas recently and wanted to know what it was. It’s expensive, that’s what it is.
And we presume one will have to fork out even more the just released Handling Speciale, a new and exclusive version available on request.
The “ordinary” Purosangue will set you back $728,000 plus on-roads here in Oz.
The Handling Speciale has been developed to further intensify the sporting character of the first four‑door, four‑seater Ferrari in the history of the Prancing Horse.
The car’s mechanical and electronic responses have been sharpened, without compromising the everyday versatility that defines the Ferrari Purosangue.
It is intended for those seeking a set‑up with an even stronger focus on sportiness, while retaining the ability to use the car daily and in any context.
The underlying architecture of the Purosangue continues to be the highly acclaimed four‑door layout based on a transaxle architecture, with a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine in a front‑mid position and the gearbox mounted at the rear, combined with the latest‑generation vehicle dynamics systems.
It develops 533kW of power and 716Nm of torque from 3000–5750 rpm, with drive to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch F1 dual-clutch transmission.
The new configuration significantly revises several key elements of dynamic response, including the calibration of the active suspension, designed to reduce body movements by 10 per cent and deliver a distinctly more compact feel.
As a result, the Ferrari Purosangue in Handling Speciale configuration reacts more directly to driver inputs, enhancing the sensation of control through successive corners and during rapid changes of direction.
The dash from 0-100km/h is dispatched in 3.3 seconds, but it’s the way it does it that matters.
Shift strategies have also been revised, with quicker response times and more decisive gear changes, particularly in the Manettino ‘Race’ and ‘ESC‑Off’ modes.
The effect is especially evident during acceleration manoeuvres, where the system prioritises a sharper sensation of thrust.
In manual mode, shifts become more sporting at medium‑to‑high engine speeds (above 5500 rpm), increasing driver engagement.
The in‑cabin sound has likewise been optimised through a dedicated setting, more pronounced at start‑up and under acceleration, further highlighting the character of the naturally-aspirated V12.
The Ferrari Purosangue in Handling Speciale configuration also introduces a number of exclusive styling elements that make it instantly recognisable without altering its proportions.
These include wheels with a dedicated design and new diamond‑cut finish, carbon‑fibre side shields, matt black exhaust tips, a black rear Prancing Horse emblem, a satin‑finished Ferrari script and a dedicated interior plaque identifying the configuration.
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