Ferrari's F430 replacement spotted

After promptly sending their California convertible into production last year, spy shots of a 599-bodied on a shortened-platform testing in Germany last year surfaced to much speculation that Ferrari were building a smaller, front-engined model. Now, Ferrari seems to be planning a replacement for their F430 supercar.

With the F430 having fulfilled its range with the F430 Coupe, Spider, Scuderia and the 16M Scuderia Spider, automotive authorities are convinced that the test mule spotted was for the F430's replacement.

As for the engine the new car will be powered by, recent speculation has suggested that the new model will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. However, it is still too early to confirm what Ferrari has planned as the car is not expected to be launched until late next year at the earliest.

Some obvious differences gathered from the pictures include bigger side air intakes, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The shots also indicate a wider track at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window.

While the styling of the F430 replacement is expected to remain similar to the current model, the car's mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it is looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.


The last time Ferrari tried turbocharging was for their hugely successful F40 supercar that went on to hold the title of world's fastest street-legal production car from 1987 to 1989.

The new model is expected to go on sale towards the end of next year but Ferrari is rumored to be preparing an early reveal at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.