Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF: Improving on perfection?

By Stephen Edelstein Published June 15, 2017

The Ferrari FF is probably the world’s fastest four-wheel drive hatchback — but it still does what it does at a more relaxed pace than other Ferraris. Unlike the 458 Italia, the FF is supposed to be more of a grand tourer, balancing performance with luxury. Novitec Rosso, an aftermarket tuner specializing in Ferraris, apparently had other ideas. The Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF is all about power.

The Novitec treatment brings 702 horsepower and 527 pound-feet of torque, a big boost over the stock FF’s 651 hp and 504 lb-ft. That increases the Novitec FF’s top speed to 211 mph, three more than the stock FF.

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The extra power comes from some relatively minor engine tweaks. The redline is raised to 8,200 rpm, and the car’s ECU is reprogrammed. Novitec also fits a less restrictive exhaust with stainless steel pipes and new catalytic converters. The FF is powered by a 6.3-liter V12, so it didn’t need any more displacement or a turbocharger to make more power.

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For buyers who think 702 hp is too much (not everyone can drive like Sebastian Vettel), Novitec offers several levels of tune. The company will build an FF with 684, 688, or 694 hp as well.

Being a large hatchback or “shooting brake,” the FF has always had a distinctive look, but opinions were split on whether it actually looked good. So Novitec tried to enhance the FF’s body the same way it did the engine bay. The loud yellow paint was also used on the Ferrari 458 Spider, but it’s even more unexpected on this big grand tourer. The car also gets a body kit, which includes a carbon fiber front spoiler, side skirts, a rear lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser.

Like Ferrari itself, Novitec will custom design an interior to buyers’ specifications. Given what the exterior of this FF looks like, those buyers will be hard pressed to come up with an equally striking interior.

The idea of improving on a new Ferrari may sound insane, but Novitec specializes ins insanity. In addition to working its magic on the 458 Spider, the company also built an 888 hp version of the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta. Novitec offers performance upgrades for most Ferrari models, including the Enzo.

The FF is supposed to be both luxurious and sporty, but Novitec’s upgrades push its personality further into the “sport” category. Novitec did not release any pricing information, but a stock FF already costs $302,450. If you want a 702 hp hatchback, start saving now.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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