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Ferrari is developing a four-wheel drive system, according to reports in Autocar magazine.

But before Fezza purists begin wailing over the dilution of the world's finest sporting marque it has also been revealed that the new system is not bound for a Cayenne-esque 4x4.

If development is successful it will in fact find its way into front-engined models such as last year's 612 Scaglietti. Speculation is that the 4x4 system will also be used to tame the V12 Ferrari 600, Maserati Coupe and Maserati Quattroporte.

Autocar has based its theory on a basic patent drawing that suggests that the system will be built around a trans axel layout that appears in a Ferrari for the first time. The clutch transmits power to the front wheels making for a much simpler system than those based on rear wheel drive.

While a four wheel drive capability will be present, it is expected that instead of being used constantly, it will in fact act as part of a traction control system that directs power to the front wheels should the back end begin to step out of line when cornering.

As such it will kick in automatically for 20 to 30 second bursts to prevent overheating.

In spite of this very plausible explanation though, speculation is sure to be rife over Ferrari entering what would be a very lucrative 4x4 market.