The Ferrari Purosangue was rather controversial for the Italian marque, as few could have predicted that a mid-sized SUV would be added to its portfolio. But it was a needed addition as it was Ferrari's first production 4-door vehicle and sport utility vehicle, and their answer to other high-performance SUVs, such as the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX.
Related: Ferrari Purosangue (2023) South African Reveal - The Anti-Ferrari Ferrari
Now, a few years later, Ferrari has further developed the handling and suspension to create a Handling Speciale package. But before we get into the details, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here. You can also start your search for new or used Ferrari Purosangue models on AutoTrader here.
Ferrari upgrades
Ferrari is no stranger to upgrading specific areas of their production cars and offering them either as end-of-run vehicles or special packages that can be added. Take, for instance, the prominent "M" you will find behind model designations such as the 512M, 575M, and Portofino M. This indicates "Modificata" or "modified," which usually involves changes across many areas of the vehicle to improve dynamics or performance.
As alluded to, these upgrades aren't solely focused on suspension or handling. However, Ferrari offered the Fiorano Package on certain models throughout its history, which focused on improving overall handling performance, bringing the driving experience closer to that of a racecar than just adding performance.
The first example of this was on the F355, where the Fiorano Handling Package was primarily available in the European markets from around 1997 onwards. It was an extremely rare addition as it was fitted to only around 2% of the total 11,273 units built. It included an uprated suspension ECU and geometry derived from the F355 Challenge Evo race car, stiffer springs, lowered ride height, and a wider track, thicker Challenge-spec anti-roll bars, quicker steering rack and pump and upgraded brake pads with red callipers and cross-drilled rotors.
As an end-of-run special, Ferrari even unveiled the F355 Serie Fiorano limited edition at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show alongside the new 360 Modena. While Ferrari planned to produce only 100 units, 104 were ultimately produced, with 100 going to the US, 3 to Europe, and just 1 to South Africa. But this was far from the end of these Handling Packages, as it was seen on models such as the 550 Maranello, 575M Maranello, 599 GTB Fiorano, and later applied to the SF90 and 296 derivatives as the Assetto Fiorano Package.
So what exactly does the Handling Speciale package do for the Ferrari Purosanque?
Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale
Let us start with what remains the same. Firstly, the Purosangue retains the naturally aspirated V12 in a front-mid position, with the rear-mounted gearbox. But beneath the smooth body, the engineers have recalibrated the active suspension to reduce body movements by 10%, which, for the driver, should translate into a more compact, direct feel.
The suspension updates will also result in sharper responses to the driver's inputs, especially through corners and rapid direction changes. To complement this, Ferrari has adapted the automatic transmission's shift strategies for quicker, more decisive gear changes, particularly in "Race" and "ESC-Off" Manettino modes. Ferrari also ensures the engine's sound is more pronounced inside the cabin during start-up and under acceleration, emphasising the V12's character.
What about the styling? Ferrari Purosangue models fitted with the Handling Speciale package stand apart from the rest through a variety of enhancements to the exterior, including a new dedicated wheel design with diamond-cut finish, carbon-fibre side shields, matt black exhaust tips, black rear Prancing Horse emblem, satin-finished Ferrari script and a dedicated interior plaque identifying the Handling Speciale configuration.
Overall, Ferrari made available a package that will transform the Purosangue's feel and improve dynamics during spirited driving, while retaining all your warranties and maintenance plans. Owners will also qualify for the extended seven-year maintenance programme, which covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. Thus, giving the car regular maintenance, at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year, with no mileage restrictions, using only original spares and getting meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello.
Pricing for the package and/or models configured with this package has not yet been confirmed.
