Ferrari reveals 4WD four-seater UPDATED

Ferrari has revealed its first-ever production four-seat, four-wheel-drive model.

The front-engined FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four - uses the company's new four-wheel-drive system, 4RM. The set up weighs 50% less than conventional systems and maintains perfect weight distribution throughout the car.

It uses the car's electronic systems to push torque to the front wheels when required, but predominantly leaves the car in a more traditional rear-wheel-drive mode.

Ferrari hopes the new model will appeal to drivers who currently use four-wheel-drive saloons or 4x4s for winter driving activities, such as skiing trips. There'll be plenty of room for luggage too, with 450 litres of boot space expanding to 800 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The car is not short of Ferrari power. Its newly developed 650bhp 6.25-litre V12 engine blasts the FF from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208mph. Power is delivered to the wheels through a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, which replaces the previous six-speed manual.

The FF is no environmental dinosaur, though, with efficiency features such as engine stop-start included. its CO2 emissions are just 360g/km, down from the 470g/km of the 612 Scaglietti it will replace. Average economy is also improved from the 612's 13.8mpg to a respectable 18.3mpg

Ferrari will officially unveil the FF at next month's Geneva motor show, before it goes on sale soon after. Prices have yet to be revealed.

Photographs of the new Ferrari FF in the snow have been added to gallery below.