● Possibility of keeping a naturally aspirated V12.. Performance upgrade expected for a 715-hp SUV
● Limits SUV output to 20% of annual production.. Strategy to protect brand value
● Ferrari’s ultra-high-performance SUV approach differs from the Lamborghini Urus and DBX
Hello.
I’m Yunji (Yuka Post), an automotive influencer.
How long can a naturally aspirated V12 survive as the EV transition accelerates? Rumors that Ferrari is preparing a high-performance version of its first SUV, the Purosangue, have refocused attention on strategy shifts in the supercar market. Although the current Purosangue already uses a potent V12, reports suggest Ferrari may push its performance even further. That could reshape competition in the high-performance SUV segment. We should watch whether this is simply a model expansion or a deliberate effort to preserve the V12’s presence into the electrified era.
Ferrari’s first SUV prepares another evolution
Ferrari is weighing a high-performance version of the Purosangue. Bloomberg reports the model could enter production in the second half of this year and may be one of five new cars Ferrari plans to unveil this year.
The Purosangue, revealed in 2022, is Ferrari’s first SUV. It introduced the brand’s first four-door, four-seat layout and sparked major debate simply because Ferrari built an SUV.
Market reaction after launch proved more positive than many expected. Ferrari has emphasized that the Purosangue is “another form of a Ferrari sports car,” not just a conventional SUV, as a way to protect its brand image.
6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 remains the core powertrain
The current Purosangue is powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that puts out 715 hp and accelerates the SUV from 0–62 mph in about 3.3 seconds. Top speed is reported near 310 km/h (about 193 mph). Looking at Ferrari’s other V12 models shows the platform can deliver even higher outputs.
For example, some Ferrari 12-cylinder models reach about 819 hp, and the ultra-rare Daytona SP3 produces roughly 829 hp. Given those benchmarks, a high-performance Purosangue could see increased power or more aggressive performance tuning.
Possible Assetto Fiorano package
Industry observers say Ferrari may offer the Assetto Fiorano package—named for the marque’s test track—on the Purosangue. The package uses extensive carbon fiber to cut weight and revises suspension and aerodynamics for a more aggressive driving setup. If applied to the Purosangue, it could transform the model from a high-output SUV into a track-capable performance SUV.
Production remains limited.. Ferrari’s SUV strategy
Notably, Ferrari has chosen to limit Purosangue output rather than scale SUV sales aggressively. Since launch, the Purosangue has represented only about 20% of Ferrari’s total production. The company is concerned that too many SUV sales could dilute brand cachet.
By contrast, rivals have taken different approaches. The Lamborghini Urus accounts for a large share of Lamborghini’s sales and is produced in volume. Competitors such as the Aston Martin DBX, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga sell without strict limits. Ferrari, however, prefers to preserve rarity and brand value even within the SUV segment.
Keeping the V12 in the electrification era
Ferrari is also pursuing electrification. It expects its lineup by 2030 to include roughly 40% pure internal-combustion vehicles, about 40% plug-in hybrids and around 20% pure electric cars. Ferrari continues developing V12 engines that meet Euro 7 emissions standards. In short, the company intends to preserve its traditional high-performance engines even as electrification advances.
Price could exceed 700 million KRW (approximately $525,000)
The Purosangue currently starts at about $400,000 in the U.S., which converts roughly to the high 500 million–600 million KRW range (approximately $375,000–$450,000). With a high-performance version and added options, the price could top 700 million KRW (approximately $525,000). Most of the 2026 production is already sold, and a large portion of 2027 production is pre-ordered, so demand will likely remain strong even if prices rise.
Even as most supercar brands build SUVs, Ferrari has opted to protect brand value rather than chase volume. Its decision to retain a naturally aspirated V12 into the electrification era carries symbolic weight for enthusiasts. Whether a high-performance Purosangue will be the V12 era’s last notable SUV or a new turning point amid electrification remains to be seen. Please share your thoughts in the comments.
