Ferrari unveiled its first 4-door 4-seater, the 715-horsepower V12-powered Purosangue. Think of it ... [+] as the 812 Superfast of SUVs, or a new form of vehicle, a V12 Tallboy Super Gran Turismo. Roof canopy is carbon-fiber to lower weight and also lower center of gravity.

Ferrari unveiled its first 4-door 4-seater, the 715-horsepower V12-powered Purosangue. Think of it as the 812 Superfast of SUVs, or a new form of vehicle, a V12 Tallboy Super Gran Turismo.

Purosangue builds on the many lessons-learned of Ferrari’s first venture into something resembling an SUV, the 2-door FF/Lusso. But Purosangue was designed from a clean sheet. It builds on many proven Ferrari subsystems, but is a unique vehicle, unlike any other.

Ferrari’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine is the finest available in any sports car, ... [+] anywhere—beyond comparison. As in the 812 Superfast and GTS, the big-bore V12 mounts entirely behind the front axle line, a front mid-engine design. Power peaks at 7750, somewhat lower than in the lighter 2-seat Superfast and GTS. Redline is a lofty 8250, not too far away from the Superfast and GTS.

Purosangue includes the aerodynamic and chassis control technologies expected in a Ferrari sports car.

Hanging out back is an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The “power transfer unit” located at the front ... [+] of the engine resembles in basic concept what we’ve seen in the FF and Lusso with V12. It draws power off the front of the engine and sends directly to each front wheel.

Based on specifications, and the many photos and technical illustrations shown here, Purosangue could very well become Ferrari’s best-selling vehicle, the perfect companion to sit next to any of the firm’s sports and GT cars. Ferrari’s image and reputation is built on the enduring appeal of its mid-engine V8, and its V12 sports cars and GTs. A Tallboy Super Gran Turismo will allow growth of sales and revenue without impacting the value of the firm or central importance of the sports cars.

The “power transfer unit” located at the front of the engine resembles in basic concept what we’ve ... [+] seen in the FF and Lusso with V12. It draws power off the front of the engine and sends directly to each front wheel.

For now, we have photos, illustrations, and video.

Ferrari’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine is the finest available in any sports car, anywhere—beyond comparison. As in the 812 Superfast and GTS, the big-bore V12 mounts entirely behind the front axle line, a front mid-engine design. Obviously, Ferrari can later package its exceptional twin-turbo V8 in the same underwood space.

Note the short overhangs front and rear. Also, the fender extraction vent at the base of the ... [+] windshield. Purosangue possesses all the aerodynamic tricks one expects of a Ferrari

Power peaks at 7750, somewhat lower than in the lighter 2-seat Superfast and GTS. Redline is a lofty 8250, not too far away from the Superfast and GTS.

Inside Purosangue, driver and front passenger will find the dual cockpit dash design currently ... [+] favored by Ferrari. It offers a 10.2 in. passenger display.

Torque is a healthy 528 lb. ft., but arrives at a relatively high 6250 rpm. This is after all a naturally aspirated V12. Ferrari did not provide data on how much torque is available at lower revs, but based on sheer displacement, there should be ample oomph below 4000 rpm. It’s not a German high-pressure twin-turbo V8. I’ve logged many miles on Superfast and GTS, and the power curve is classical, power rising with both revs and screams. No engine on earth bears comparison.

Purosangue has what Americans call rear suicide doors, or what the Brits call coach doors. Each rear ... [+] door rides on a single hinge formed in “hot stamped” steel, just a step away from a forged piece.

Hanging out back is an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The “power transfer unit” located at the front of the engine resembles in basic concept what we’ve seen in the FF and Lusso with V12. It draws power off the front of the engine and sends directly to each front wheel. One assumes that as with the FF/Lusso, this form of 4-wheel drive can be engaged and disengaged by the driver, and that it will work at lower speeds, like when working down a dusty road to a cabin, or climbing a mountain road to a ski resort. Otherwise, one can assume the Purosangue will be a close-coupled 4-door tallboy with rear-wheel drive.

Ferrari rightly wanted to ensure climbing in and out is smooth and easy process, not awkward. Rear ... [+] door frame is a tall slightly rounded rectangle. Minimal intrusion from the wheel arch. Should be easy to drop into the rear seats.

Purosangue should accelerate like a V12 Ferrari. Ferrari claims acceleration numbers of 0-60 mph in about 3.3 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle that weighs 4482 pounds (dry measure, with gas, oil and fluids adding maybe another 130-150 pounds), and puts it squarely up against German and Germano-Italian super-SUV 4-door coupes. It should cover the American measure of performance, the quarter-mile sprint, in the 11-second range or thereabouts. This is guesstimation based on its 0-200 kmh (0-124 mph) run of 10.6 seconds.

Purosangue’s unique stand-alone body structure is a mix of alloy and carbon-fiber, with high-strength steel utilized in critical areas.

Purosangue’s unique stand-alone body structure is a mix of alloy and carbon-fiber, with ... [+] high-strength steel utilized in critical areas. The lower structure is formed in high-strength aluminum.

The lower structure, seen above, is formed in high-strength aluminum. The roof canopy is a single-piece carbon-fiber shell. Its light weight helps lower the center of gravity—less weight up high—and incorporates insulation to keep the interior quiet. You want to hear the engine, not howling wind.

Purosangue measures 195.8 inches long, a tidy package. Shorter and lighter than other ... [+] high-performance European V8 and hybrid SUV “4-door coupes.” One of several reasons I call it a Tallboy supercar. It has a long wheelbase, which helps with rear-seat room.

Purosangue has what Americans call rear suicide doors, or what the Brits call coach doors. Each rear door rides on a single hinge formed in “hot stamped” steel, just a step away from a forged piece. Note how far the rear doors open, critically important for a smooth entrance.

Ferrari rightly wanted to ensure climbing in and out is smooth and easy, not awkward. Note in photos that the rear door frame is a tall slightly rounded rectangle.

Purosangue has all the aerodynamic sophistication of the 812 Superfast.

Ferrari recognizes that the world has shifted, with SUVs and “tallboy” 4-doors preferred by many for everyday life. They grappled with their firm’s sports car and GT heritage when developing the FF/Lusso. They have learned those lessons and the Purosangue is their well-considered answer. With a variation on the Superfast, GTS and Lusso powertrain, Purosangue should prove the most desirable 4-door on earth.