Insiders Say the V8 Ferrari GTC4Lusso T Is Better Than the V12 - Can It Be True?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@alancrisp1582]

😱 I am only here for the annoying porn - Bots ! ⚠

[@Shmee150]

V8T is a great car, but it can't hold a candle to the V12. Exactly as you concluded, the 12-cylinder Ferrari engines are to die for and surprisingly with the right timing you actually don't end up spending as much as cars that on the face of it seem more regular. After owning 2x V12 Lussos, I hold it very highly in my favourite car list.

[@AnthonyRosbottom]

Lol I read this comment, thought "who is this guy with 2 Lussos under his belt?!" and then finally looked at the YT handle 😁.

[@andrewholt3849]

One of your mates, Yianimise did a video last week borrowing your Ferrari 296 GTB from HR Owen whilst his Lamborghini Vuelto is repaired. He has has rear wheel drive Ferrari F355 I think before and I tagged him in Tiff (Timothy) Needell's 'Love Cars' Feb 2020 GTC-4 Lusso and Ferrari FF 2011 launch for Fifth Gear, as these were Ferrari's 4 wheel drive that you've had both of. The FF looks the best car, but the GTC-4 Lusso had torque vectoring on all 4 wheels.

[@vgit5578]

What the about the reliability factor and depreciation factor...v12 bit sluggish??

[@RobertRedford77]

Ur an annoying knob

[@DolleHengst]

One of the reasons why I've always felt Ferrari F50 > F40

[@curiousoffice]

Ferrari FF owner here with (arguably) the most serviced FF in the USA. Don’t ask. Long list and so many learnings! Anyway, this review nailed most aspects. Two things to add. First, the PTU gets talked about a lot but the DCT needs service and repair too and no, Ferrari doesn’t sell a repair kit. They will sell you a whole new Getrag. You don’t escape that with the V8. Secondly, the Lusso uses the FF rear axles which weren’t engineered for four-wheel steering and the passing of time has shown that they break and eventually need servicing. Point is, I love these things but there is no guarantee that the V8 will be meaningfully less expensive to run. Which was basically inferred in this great review.

[@CTP1111]

wonder if you're is "more serviced" than mine haha... I've done the PTU, DCT and now top end (valve covers, injectors, and more) all within a year

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Learnings ? No such word .

[@curiousoffice]

@@Carrera-gp9od thanks professor

[@curiousoffice]

@@CTP1111 both transmissions, rotors, brakes, injectors, belts, accumulator, new exhaust, battery relocated to rear, custom aluminum radiator, Dodson street clutch and more.

[@NuvoVision]

You just saved me a super deep habit hole...thank you.

[@MarkB4444]

V12 Lusso owner here…. V8 is great but you’d feel like the dude who got the not quite as hot sister…😁

[@3v3rhard]

Only V12 owners care :). Greetings from V8 owner.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

@@3v3rhard True.

[@BUMHEAD1100]

How often do you managed to slide the v12 ? Is it controllable ?

[@MarkB4444]

@@BUMHEAD1100 in sport mode it’s pretty loose and will slide fairly easily… it doesn’t drive like an awd much 👍 But it’s a big thing to be sliding around on a public road 😁

[@MarkB4444]

@@3v3rhard I have a Roma at the moment and have to say the turbo engine is unbelievable 💪👍

[@Black-Villain]

I always preferred the styling of the FF to the GTC4Lusso

[@keirbourne5323]

Same. FF is beautiful, this is not. I don’t really get how/why because they are virtually the same.

[@xx-----------xx873]

@@keirbourne5323 The front end is too close to a Portofino.

[@ardweaden]

@@keirbourne5323 FF's design is just a lot cleaner. With GTC4Lusso they tried to improve on perfection, so one can only make it worse.

[@johnnyboy1586]

Me too

[@Mike-sg9tl]

@Black-Villain the FF is prettier but the interior of the Lusso outclasses the FF by a long mile.

[@somerandomfella]

The V12 with a set of Novitec pipes 😎👌

[@alexbooth1982]

That’s what I have, and I can say it is one of the best sounding cars (not biased lol)

[@Mike-sg9tl]

what set-up do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Do you need to go full de-cat? ​@@alexbooth1982

[@adrianbennett3761]

@@somerandomfella Heard them on an 812 and they sounded epic

[@Mike-sg9tl]

@alexbooth1982 Thinking about getting on my V12 Lusso. Is it necessary to go full decat, considering the insurance/road legal implications? Or is the Back boxes and X pipe enough to make it sound truly awesome?

[@alexbooth1982]

@@Mike-sg9tl the back box and x pipe is all you need. I’ve just taken mine off as the car is being sold and replaced for an 812. You could buy mine if you wanted to!

[@dubski_01]

I was very disappointed when they discontinued the GTC4 Lusso.

[@alidaraie]

...and replaced it with the BLOB

[@lbnewell23]

@@alidaraiesilver lining of the blob is it has a V12 that I will say sounds lovely after hearing it at Goodwood

[@Brian.Jones.310]

@@alidaraieAnd it's been sold out till 2026, so those who can purchase doesn't think like you.

[@markwalton8644]

​@@alidaraie I agree the looks are awful

[@alidaraie]

@@Brian.Jones.310 I know that, and Taylor Swift is the most successful musician these last few years... blandness is what sells apparently

[@noteimporta4656]

Gracias James. Big fan here. You’ve made life relaxing, interesting, educational and fun for many episodes. Una cerveza y un abrazo. Don

[@benodie02760]

Very nice review, USA new subscriber who has come to the conclusion you Brits do the reviews better than anyone! Cheers.

[@carolneumann2860]

I just took delivery of my 6 yr old 8400 mile cpo 12cyl Lusso. I bought it without driving one first. I had sat in one and knew immediately that I’d need a slight booster seat. Bought one before the delivery. Came off the delivery truck in pristine condition, I tossed that booster onto the drivers seat got in and I felt immediately at home. Took it for a nice little drive and I’m in love with the car. It joins my 488 spider, which I also love. I’m prepared to continue the warranty for as long as I own the car. I know about the PTU issues and DCT issues, and I only have my cars serviced by Ferrari.

[@I999-g2s]

“For less than £150,000” Am I the only one who wasn’t ‘inspired’ by that? Where is everyone getting all this money from…

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Loans

[@Carrera90]

Finance companies…..these are not owned by them they are owned by finance companies….

[@o0julek0o]

Working way too hard in some cases

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

I do sell drugs to kids.... I mean who cares in the end you are the rich man of someone and the poor guy of someone else...

[@marksheridan9228]

As an owner of the v8 I do like it but I should have paid the extra £20k for the V12

[@vaneakatok]

i wonder if you have a mental account for that 20k and what did you spend it on. and i bet those things also made you just as happy as the V12 would have

[@8draco8]

Buy Italian V8s and V12s instead of EVs, that's a conclusion I can stand behind

[@R15-HWD]

Surely the most subdued shirt in James’ wardrobe? We need a side channel, JayEmm on shirts!

[@AntoniusTyas]

I'll be fair to Purosangue, it is actually a better-looking car in real-life especially when finished in elegant colours like Nero Purosangue or Blu Scozia. The interior is also a very nice place to sit in. But compared with GTC4Lusso, it does lack elegance and flair. This, even in Giallo Triplo Strato with blue interior, still looks handsome. EDIT: Wait, you bought a Vantage?

[@Nickoboss29]

Absolutely not, the GTC4 Lusso looks way better than that stupid SUV

[@dans4316]

James hello 👋 from across the pond in Carmel, Ca. I like the direction you’re going with the comparison videos, thank you!

[@larriebee]

I was daydreaming of owning one until you said to set aside £10,000/year.

[@tfunkhou88]

He was including depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc in that amount

[@aeromotive2]

seems optimistic at 10k

[@tfunkhou88]

@@aeromotive2oh, I agree…I’d think depreciation alone would be $10k per year. I was just clarifying what he said 👍

[@o0julek0o]

The good thing is that this would be a forever car for me. Depreciation doesn’t matter

[@KSL12]

I loved my Lusso T. I would not hesitate to buy another if I needed another four seater Ferrari. I have an F12 which I love but the Lusso T was better on petrol when used daily as is the Portofino.

[@jonnowocky8179]

Having driven both, the T is the one. Only thing I’d trade my 348 for (would need a couple bags of sand on top but suspect that might change in a few years). The early iteration of the turbo V8 (pre F8) really is a marvel, and the simplification and more centred mass of this version make it up there with a 488 to drive imo. So good

[@InternationalBalling]

I have a LussoT which i bought after trading in my 599 GTB. There’s no question the V12 sounds more epic, and frankly if one were available when i traded the 599 i would have certainly gone for it, however I truly love the V8. With the quality of the car and the fact that performance is nearly identical, it’s splitting hairs between the two. I love the huge amount of torque the V8 has, it’s extremely smooth to drive, and as silly as it may sound, it’s significantly more environmentally friendly (I’m not saving the world, but i feel slightly better about it), the rear wheel drive and lighter weight gives it a more sports car feel yet retains all the practically of the V12. It’s a perfect car.

[@Nickoboss29]

Why would a V8 GT car feel environmentally friendly??? 😂😂 the V12 is the must have engine in this. If you want something "light" get a 488-F8

[@InternationalBalling]

I said “significantly more” I didn’t say it was friendly period. I also said I would have bought the V12 if it were available but I don’t regret the V8. Further, I bought a 4 seater on purpose, the suggestion of a 488 or F8 is silly. And I have a 355 spider so that itch is scratched. Which Ferrari do you drive again?

[@Nickoboss29]

@@InternationalBalling now it's explained better

[@vaneakatok]

i wonder if i will be so defensive about my choice when and if I get where you are but perhaps it’s a risk to be so transparent on the net about such big purchasing decisions where as you implied every Golf owner can mock you. I hope I would spent less time justifying my choices, but most of all I hope I would be just as fortunate as you are to have the choice of posting or not about my Ferrari online. I hope

[@joetoal8563]

I do think the T wheels are lots nicer than v12 ones

[@TabishHassan-kz8kf]

weird how every time you accelerated i expected a v12 symphony since i have never watched any review of the T

[@seanjamesmacleod241]

Both great engines don’t get me wrong. But a Ferrari and that v12 sound is unbeatable. It’s like you are on a track with Formula 1 sound.

[@duvalvillegas8232]

Love the reviews. Hopefully market is still nice to me when ready lol

[@arjenwennekes]

Hello James, Said it before, say it again: I love your video’s, love your accent and love your humour ! And I love supercars of course 😁, but I can‘t help also loving your recent video’s about the Lada and Alfa Sud. Your Style just makes it watching and learning about these ‚interesting classics‘ very entertaining; in my opinion anyway. Would love to see more of That in the future. Keep making content! Cheers!

[@juanpablocorreiaecheverria2857]

The V12 sounds much better. But still, if you’re looking for a family supercar, the GTC4 Lusso is the best.

[@jonathansquires3114]

A really good case for the "T" - great video!!!👍👍

[@darkmatter6714]

Every time JayEmm does a piece on a second hand gem, prices go up.

[@BEN-zy1eo]

Another excellent video. Well done!

[@joelsmith9311]

I had no idea they even made this car with a V8! Thanks for educating me!

[@hexgraphica]

I want to make a case for Ferrari 308 and 208 models to be the same car offered with different engines even if they're named differently. They have some differences in mechanicals and cosmetics but also a much more powerful trim of a regular car can have them

[@RedC220]

I may be wrong, but I think the "T" was designed for the Asian market where there's a punitive tax on vehicles with an engine capacity exceeding 4000cc.

[@farishanafiah8461]

You're not wrong about the tax count. Asian countries like Malaysia and Japan are still imposing road tax calculation based on engine capacity.

[@ruk2023--]

14:30 that's a very good point. All the interesting specs are T's on Autotrader.

[@51madmitch]

A V12 Ferrari road car sounds just like a V12 Ferrari F1 car, but quieter 🎶😁 brilliant.

[@ninesix8]

17:07 '...you can drive it like a Golf R, which is an achievement...'. quite a compliment for the VW :-)

[@driverjay8613]

Is Ferrari calling it a 4by4 (4×4), cause if they are, they are wrong. A 4×4 is a locking drive, for mud, rock crawling, or dragging something heavy like a tree stump. The Ferrari is an AWD system, no lockers. There is 4×4, and AWD, they are different. AWD is every SAV's, and a lot of SUV's these days also have no locking ability. Yeah I know, the SAV term on the American market is gone, insurance wiped it out, every tall wagon is not an SUV, SUV's are giant wagons sitting on truck chases, and a few of them are the tall wagons that might have a locker, No SAV's have a locker unless Rover has one, and are you guys (Euros) calling the Ford 😊Bronco an SAV ! America does not, it's a real SUV, not an insurance SUV 🤗 varying clutch actuated, with some type of limited slip, or multiple clutch actuated AWD systems.

[@jonathanstamp]

They are not

[@vanperski]

This is the question on everyone's mind im sure. We can all really relate to this.

[@lbnewell23]

I think I’d still take the V12 just because of sound. I’ll stick with my 1.6 diesel for now though 😂

[@Mike-sg9tl]

Spot on review as always James 👌 funny, funny guy. PS I like my Bianco Avus with Sterling Blue 😅 how rude!

[@ktwei]

The wrap makes it looks like it's sun damaged.

[@neilmacdonald2207]

Was fortunate enough to drive the V8T at Millbrook on a Ferrari day, unbelievable machine. 0-170 and back to 0 again in the blink of an eye

[@pierredebug17]

With the V12 you can go to ski. Even it is only once, it is worth it

[@computerhelpcc]

with 1999 911 RWD manual cab one can go ski. Winter tires. Hmm, Lexus GS F (v8 rwd) that might be bad.

[@nigelha3699]

agreed V12 any day...the sound it makes!!!

[@addj7093]

I am looking forward to the JayEmm Purosangue review 👍

[@mlhmedia987]

Not a huge V12 person myself so the T would be preferred. And yes, the specs for sale on AutoTrader are far superior (imo). A lovely white exterior with blue leather interior would be lovely. Also, props to the owner for daily driving a NSX - barely see any on UK roads - underrated car!

[@Brian_Patrick]

On the one hand I like the idea of the AWD setup in the V12... on the other, I like the idea of having a lot less weight over the nose in the V8 setup.... but man oh man, if I were in the market for one of these, I'd probably pay the extra 40 or 50 grand or whatever for that V12 exhaust note alone.

[@adamwhite9304]

Got to drive the v12 version of the gtc4lusso two weeks ago what a car 👌🏻

[@greengabe5]

As someone who drives a 2019 Charger R/T in Plum Crazy Purple… cool shirt🙂

[@TheD4VR0S]

That's a groovy shirt James - Im here all week

[@FF-qv8en]

As someone whose had both (More Ts than V12s), the insiders are wrong. V12 all the way.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Not a fan of matte finishes but that's a beautiful car! Thanks as always James.

[@Scorpio1075]

Rear-wheel steering seems to consistently be the reason people have luck warm feelings about a cars handling. Even with the new AMG GT 55/63, people constantly comment how the car just isn't as engaging, and they're not sure why... It's always the RWS affecting natural-feeling handling. Same with Porsche, the new 911 ST doesn't have it, and people LOVE that car, in part for not having RWS.

[@BigLebowski1337]

Having driven this car (a mate had one) I can attest it being amazing.. absolute dream to drive. It was the V12 though.. I have no reference to the V8T but surely it will be nothing shy of amazing.

[@jamesengland7461]

On this episode of "On Cars," James says "very, " James says "very, and an man covered in purple says "very. "

[@dadcars]

Masterclass road test yet again 🙌

[@psircos]

As an aside, you 'could' point viewers to a channel to try and understand Torque and what it actually is. Took me years to get my head around it! The Croatian guy on Driving4answers does a great job of getting the info across. It'll explain why less BHP but more torque, will even out somewhat, in everyday driving

[@TJWCars]

Thanks for the birthday present that is this video 😎

[@steadfastandyx4947]

Great video made perfection by your EV cost content.

[@gavinhalm3016]

Along with the F12 Berlinetta, the Lusso T is one of the most under-appreciated "modern" Ferraris of all (and a solid investment for the future, TBH)...Sure, the V12 may sound "better", but if you actually want to Grand Tour the car, I'd go with the V8 T all day long...Hands down probably the best "first Ferrari" one could purchase to get into the brand.

[@tomthompson7400]

Thats how cars should look , its stunning.

[@wimdepril6920]

Great review. I bet it’s just as good as you say it is. I just can’t get on board with the looks of the thing.

[@farishanafiah8461]

In pretty much all the time, I always prefer V12 in a Ferrari. But considering the main priority of GTC4Lusso as a long distance grand tourer, I'm more than happy to sacrifice the V12 for the turbo V8 version.

[@bjwhitegti]

They did a 308 GT4 and a 208 GT4. They also did a 308 and 208 GTS/GTB. And the 328 and GTS Turbo. So, not quite V8 vs V12 difference, but at least different.

[@AlexdouHFM]

V12's are soemthing else, after I got an FF I now added an Aston Martin Rapide and a Bentley Bentayga w12 as direct consequence after having Driven v8 TT engines for years before that 😊

[@PhanTimo01]

Well in terms of maintenance, I'd go for this. Less of a headache in the long run.

[@zippy963]

Would be mice to see them compared back to back for a more relevant comparison.

[@MH-fb5kr]

beauty is in eye of beholder… this buggy makes me want to look away…

[@zzhughesd]

Yes. Thought this the consensus. Actually thought v12 where it’s at but v8 nigh on equal. All those Ferraris driven same week James. Very jealous obviously went wrong way not getting into YT and working hard , great stuff James

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's never too late!

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Morris Minor traveller + flask coffee + sandwiches = Nirvana

[@axela9282]

Lusso T + 812 GTS would be my perfect garage

[@colinmeechan587]

At least they’ve fixed the road a bit there I fancy that 740i but the grass is growing up round the wheels which is a worry (about the 13 min mark)

[@hunteraaa2666]

Had a brief drive in a v12 Lusso, was not impressed with the sound track tbh. But the real standout was the ride, it is so well balanced and comfortable.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

A valve controller does them a big favour

[@MrFlyingguy]

thank you for a great 20min

[@igordesapacheco1576]

I guess this is the first youtube review of GTC4 lusso V8

[@RedC220]

^FF owner (2014), two years and counting now on 38,000 miles of which I've covered 17,000. Still on the original PTU (touch wood). My car has been very reliable in 24 months. One ECU went pear shaped and I'm about to get a seat heating switch replaced becuase it keeps telling me the seat heater is on when it isn't. But that's it other than regualr maintenance.

[@Spenny909]

The PTUs are fine. Don't let the thought distract from the joy. Just replace the oil every 2 years (or every 20k miles, I think).

[@curiousoffice]

@@Spenny909 This is not true. The manufacturer design flaws are too lengthy of a discussion for a comment thread but no long term owner of an FF will escape PTU service no matter what you do. Long term means 5-10 years. Many go bad as low as 8k miles. Same for GTC4Lusso. Why? It’s a long story but first hand knowledge with PTU kit builders confirms it. Doesn’t mean I don’t love mine but it does mean there are loads of inaccurate information sources and incorrect opinions on this matter.

[@JC-tz8ls]

Much prefer the look of the FF and the sound of the v12 of course. Personal preference though.

[@lbnewell23]

What’s the hate with white on blue. I really liked the last lusso on the channel 😂

[@luisguillermoguerreroulate4915]

I would go for the 12 not only for the engine, because of the PTU, You could be on a trip to the Alps or every oth r place in winter

[@cobra1010]

Comparing a Ferrari with an Audi does not make sense to me at all. These Ferrari GT versions are all fantastic. I went for the FF and I love it madly, I am actually obsessed with it. Try one!

[@vladimirmihnev9702]

TLDR Its great but not a V12

[@Andrew-vx2ls]

I'll probably get a rap on the knuckles for writing this, by "wrap" looks like wrap from any distance.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Never having driven either one my take is the 600hp V8 is more than enough power and I don't see the need for the AWD since it'd never see snow. Also the reported fragility of the PTU is scary.

[@xkimopye]

Need ford to do something like this with the Mustang, 2 door V8 wagon.

[@lowspark68]

The only problem for me is that in profile it looks like a very fancy hearse.

[@WhiteMouse77]

Since FF appeared this car with all its followers and variants created absolutely unique line up that is a CLASS of its own: The modern supersport shooting break. In terms of technology and driving experience there's nothing else like that in the car market. Yes there are cars like Maserati saloons and AMG estates but.... they only share some of features which FF lineup is by default + wrapped into Ferrati prestige, heritage and garnished with peppers of F1 technology. You want it for what it is and from that POV anything else just slightly similar is uncomparable anyway. You must be man of THAT TASTE and STYLE trully appreciating its qualities over everythign else. Would I buy one being in that club? Even with Italian encestors a few gens back I have?...No... I am too rational, practical and common sense-based mouse who prefers different values... my "budget" equivalent to this road rocket by Maranelo is Germanish Audi RS5 Sportsback..... ....and it would be pretty interesting winter test comparison of these two on some Alpine twisty spaghetti road full of ice and snow....

[@noobymcnoobs]

Fantastic real world consumer advice in this one, I need to swap my E class estate for this as the sensible companion for my 996.

[@ShaunRoberts1]

Dead right about the V12 James🙌

[@ScottJordanSeVCEO]

I don’t think the T has 4 wheel steering like the V12. Also, surprised to see a snow mode on it, as I thought that was just for the v12

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY 🙏🙏

[@davebjones1]

Sounds like you’ve got a hole in that exhaust somewhere!!!

[@oploupe]

If you want to never get let out of junctions and don't mind every other driver silently judging you, these are unrivalled.

[@y0udefeated738]

I love this car. Went to the Leeds Ferrari showroom recently to sit in one. Absolutely stunning!

[@ruk2023--]

I am someone who is at the stage in life where I can afford a single very nice car that can do everything I need and I'm umming and ahhing over the T or the V12 and the only thing I care about is which will be more reliable and cost less to run (obviously those are relative, it won't be a Ford Fiesta to run). EDIT: I'll probably go for a T because I can get a nicer one of those vs the cheapest V12 with my budget.

[@carlb123]

poor mans v12.... its like buying a 996 turbo... you'll forever want the turbo s.

[@shadquirk607]

Always hated shooting brakes, just hate the shit outta them.

[@Spenny909]

James, the Purosangue drives beautifully, you should try one. I would enjoy your review of one, especially given that you show some amount of dislike towards the concept. The interior is wow, and the drive is wow. Still lifeless versus the FF, but it has enough going for it to enjoy.

[@bartoszmiki6774]

Wow for you is screens everywhere? The screens make the interior cheap + the haptic feedback is unacceptable. The center column is a disaster. It looks exactly like it was made to cut costs + the they didn't have to put any effort to design.

[@londonman8688]

4wd makes the car more useable for the UK

[@GuagoFruit]

That side profile has got to be one of the worst of any car ever. It's like some malformed chimera of a sports car and a family wagon that didn't want to decide which one it properly wants to be.

[@kaischmidt730]

great sound, no embarrassing farts and crackles.

[@theotherchannel2028]

don't know about insiders but I always liked gtc4 more

[@mrflippant]

Performance: Much of a muchness. 😁