Motor Authority - blog Category: Super Duty F-450

The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430.

The latest images depict the first actual prototypes for the next-generation F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that a concept... The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430. The latest images depict the first actual prototypes for the next-generation F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010. The report also claims the car will be positioned above the current F430’s placing, possibly to allow for the introduction of the aforementioned compact front-engined model. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. Some details we can gather from the spy shots include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this yellow test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions. While the styling of the new F450 is expected to remain similar to the current F430, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.2011 Ferrari F430 replacement spy shots2011 Ferrari F450 spy shots Read More

The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430.

The images depicted a test mule for the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of one of the windows showed the internal codename ‘F142’ but the actual name of the car is... The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430. The images depicted a test mule for the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of one of the windows showed the internal codename ‘F142’ but the actual name of the car is more likely to be based on the size of the engine just like the current F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Autocar is reporting that a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010, while a new hybrid version may appear in concept form at December’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The report also claims the car will be positioned above the current F430’s placing, possibly to allow for the introduction of the aforementioned compact front-engined model. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. The leap from F430 to F450 will be a significant one, with much of Ferrari’s F1 and GT racing knowledge going into the new car. Some of the rumored specs include radiators positioned ahead of the front wheels, understeer-cancelling software and an upgraded version of the F430 Scuderia’s traction control. A brand new aluminum chassis that’s said to be much more rigid - while also being lighter - than the F430’s will also feature. Some details we can gather from the spy shots include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this yellow test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics. However, according to insiders, none of these will appear initially on the F450. This is partly because buyers might not be ready for a hybrid Ferrari with eco-friendly features such as stop-start and energy recovery technology, and partly because the firm is confident it can meet European emissions standards by further developing direct-injection technologies, at least until 2014. Also being delayed is the F450 Spider, which is expected to arrive up to 18 months after next year’s launch of the Coupe. This is because Ferrari is hoping to maximize sales of its California before the arrival of the F450 drop-top.2011 Ferrari F430 replacement spy shots Read More

Staking out a very safe place as Ferrari's highest development of the production mid-engine V8 berlinetta - thus far, at least - the F430 has seen a five-year lifespan, and will soon be replaced. When the final car rolls off the line later this year, it will be auctioned off to support the people impacted by the recent earthquake at Abruzzo.

The auction will be conducted by RM Auction this Sunday, May 17, and will be for the rights to the last F430, which will be painted with a unique two-tone livery in the colors of Aquila, the city hit hardest by the earthquake. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will also include a signed certificate... Staking out a very safe place as Ferrari's highest development of the production mid-engine V8 berlinetta - thus far, at least - the F430 has seen a five-year lifespan, and will soon be replaced. When the final car rolls off the line later this year, it will be auctioned off to support the people impacted by the recent earthquake at Abruzzo. The auction will be conducted by RM Auction this Sunday, May 17, and will be for the rights to the last F430, which will be painted with a unique two-tone livery in the colors of Aquila, the city hit hardest by the earthquake. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will also include a signed certificate and a personalized dedication plate to the winning bidder. When the car is finally picked up in late 2009, the owner will also get to choose from a range of Carrozzeria Scaglietti catalogue options to personalize the car even further. The F430 line first saw production in 2004 and has since spawned a number of versions, including the Spider convertible and high-performance Scuderia, as well as countless race versions. The car was the successor to the 360 Modena, which debuted back in 1999, and it shared many of its components, including its all-aluminum chassis. In fact, both cars were referred to internally with the same F131 model code. A brand new model is in the works, however, and this successor to the F430 is expected to be substantially newer. The car, possibly dubbed the F450, has already been spied in testing, and a concept study that will likely be a thinly-veiled production version will take the show floor at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show before the car's official unveiling sometime shortly after. It will likely be powered by a 4.5L V8 engine rated at between 550 and 585hp (410-436kW) and matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and possibly even a brake energy recovery system. For more on the F430's replacement, check out the latest news here.Final Ferrari F430 livery Read More