Ferrari today unveils a new model that takes the Prancing Stallion to territories previously uncharted. Its new FF — as in, Ferrari Four — is not only a 4-seater, but it’s also the first four-wheel car in Ferrari’s history. Usually channeling all of its power to the rear wheels, the AWD (all-wheel drive) system is a response to its competitors who’ve all been steadily switching to AWD (Audi R8, Mercedes CL, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Bentley Continental GT, Nissan GT-R, et al), as well as a concession to AWD’s added benefits of driving comfort and control. Of course, no one buys a Ferrari for “ride comfort” but that’s not stopping Maranello from slowly de-clawing aspects of its brand to make it more marketable. The driving world went into collective mourning when Ferrari announced it would no longer make any more manual transmission cars (booooo!), and the FF is no exception — it’ll have a dual-clutch automated manual across the board. But fret not Ferrari fans, the FF is no pussycat: its 6.3L direct fuel injection V12 generates an asphalt churning 651 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 504 lb-ft of torque, all 48 valves powering the FF from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds… and it won’t stop till it hits 208 mph. That’s blazingly fast, especially for a hatchback.

The FF is Ferrari’s replacement for its 612 Scaglietti Grand Tourer, but it raises the stakes from its predecessor in almost every parameter. Its engine is 500cc’s larger, pumps out 118 more horses, and in total weighs in 110 lbs lighter than the 612. It also features something called “Predictive Torque Distribution”, Magnetorheological shock absorbers and Brembo’s most advanced carbon/ceramic brake system. Plus its “shooting brake” silhouette provides ample more room — a perenial complaint of all Ferraris. Sure, the fastback design does ape Alfa Romeo’s TZ3 Corsa Concept a bit, but this sort of cross-brand borrowing is nothing new (FIAT owns both Alfa and Ferrari). Still, the all important question in today’s automotive metrics remains: Can it hold a golf bag?

The profile shot below, plus one more shot of the Ferrari FF’s beautiful derriere after the Jump…