Essen 2009: Focus RS360 From Wolf Racing
Spy shots: Test-mule for future small Ferrari

Spy shots: Test-mule for future small Ferrari

Viknesh Vijayenthiran December 16th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author December 16th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 3145
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 A mysterious Ferrari 599 Fiorano GTB has been spotted testing around Germany but a closer look reveals that this is no ordinary 599. A number of ill-fitting panels, a visibly shorter wheelbase, and makeshift exhaust pipes suggest that Ferrari is out testing a new test-mule – but for what car? The wheelbase of this vehicle makes it about the same size as the recently revealed California, and the front-engine layout means this is not a replacement for the F430 or the Enzo. This has led to speculation that the long-rumored ‘Dino’ Ferrari small car may be back on the table. Though officials from Ferrari have consistently disputed claims that an affordable Dino would be launched, the current economic climate and changing consumer preferences may have persuaded the higher ups at the Italian company. Furthermore, Ferrari has long been reported to be considering introducing a new turbocharged V6 engine to help meet upcoming environmental regulations, and a new entry-level model would be the perfect test-bed for gauging its success. At the same time, Ferrari is also running test-mules for a new mid-engine model most likely the successor to the Enzo supercar. The car is expected to feature a forced-induction V8 powerplant with a large centrally mounted exhaust pipe and an active aerodynamics package.Ferrari small car test mule spy shots
A visibly shorter wheelbase, ill-fitting panels, and makeshift exhaust pipes confirm this is no ordinary 599

A visibly shorter wheelbase, ill-fitting panels, and makeshift exhaust pipes confirm this is no ordinary 599

Enlarge Photo

A mysterious Ferrari 599 Fiorano GTB has been spotted testing around Germany but a closer look reveals that this is no ordinary 599. A number of ill-fitting panels, a visibly shorter wheelbase, and makeshift exhaust pipes suggest that Ferrari is out testing a new test-mule – but for what car?

The wheelbase of this vehicle makes it about the same size as the recently revealed California, and the front-engine layout means this is not a replacement for the F430 or the Enzo. This has led to speculation that the long-rumored ‘Dino’ Ferrari small car may be back on the table.

Though officials from Ferrari have consistently disputed claims that an affordable Dino would be launched, the current economic climate and changing consumer preferences may have persuaded the higher ups at the Italian company.

Furthermore, Ferrari has long been reported to be considering introducing a new turbocharged V6 engine to help meet upcoming environmental regulations, and a new entry-level model would be the perfect test-bed for gauging its success.

At the same time, Ferrari is also running test-mules for a new mid-engine model most likely the successor to the Enzo supercar. The car is expected to feature a forced-induction V8 powerplant with a large centrally mounted exhaust pipe and an active aerodynamics package.
Ferrari small car test mule spy shots
Gallery
  • ferrari small car test mule spy shots 005
  • ferrari small car test mule spy shots 004
  • ferrari small car test mule spy shots 003
  • ferrari small car test mule spy shots 002
  • ferrari small car test mule spy shots 001

Tags: Spy Shots, Supercars

Posted in: Ferrari, Spy Shots


Comments (5 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 12/16/2008

    Bring back the Dino

  2. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar by www.mywheelsonwalls.com #2, Posted: 12/16/2008

    What about the fact that Alfa and Maserati maybe using Ferrari mules to disguise any new model/powertrains in their pipe line. By the time Alfa hits U.S. shores full bore the 8c production run of 500 cars will be done with and they'll most likely need some sort of halo car for their U.S. relaunch, hmmm..........

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 12/16/2008

    Well, they are now saying that if Fiat does an allaince with PSA, the USA will never get Alfa other then the 8C

  4. ma_zimen avatar by zimen #4, Posted: 12/17/2008

    This is the original test mule for the california.

  5. ma_justinhk2000 avatar by justinhk2000 #5, Posted: 12/17/2008

    ^we don't know that, it can be a totally different car underneath, or it can be a coupe based on the california.

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media