It’s Ferrari’s best selling model – but even the F430 could do with some updates. So here’s a decent glimpse at its replacement, which was spied undergoing winter testing.
Codenamed F142 by Ferrari insiders, it’s likely that the finished article will carry the F450 badge, a moniker that refers to its new, larger 4.5-litre V8 engine. Likely to produce in excess of 372kW the new model will be even faster with a zero to 100km/h time of less than four seconds.
As you can see from this development prototype, significant changes will be made to the chassis with a longer wheelbase and a wider track, promoting stability and grip. Bigger side and rear air intakes will add even more drama to the styling and help cool the enlarged engine, while a modified exhaust system should provide a sublime soundtrack.
Don’t be surprised to find the F450 is a lot greener than its predecessor too with a brake energy regeneration system, similar to that fitted to the firm’s 2009 Formula One cars, increased use of carbon fibre to shed weight and lower emissions and fuel consumption as a result.
Expect to see the newcomer next year with sales starting in 2011.
Adapted from AutoExpress
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