Pic LinkAutoblog wrote:The long lenses over at Team Lehmann have just uncovered what looks to be the Ferrari F450, successor to the Italian marque's already legendary F430.
While just a prototype and not caught with full production bodywork, the mule does give us our best look yet at the coming V8 supercar, and while it looks evolutionary, the folks at AutoExpress also have a rendering that forecasts a markedly different Mille Chili/Enzo-esque appearance for the mid-engined coupe.
The F450 is widely expected to ring in with a larger 4.5-liter eight-cylinder packing upwards of 500 horsepower (hence its name), and the car is pegged to get the stonking seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox first offered in the company's California folding hardtop model, and AutoExpress figures it may even be the first production Ferrari to employ the company's Kenetic Energy Recovery System used in its F1 cars. The system takes advantage of energy stored under braking and translates it into extra power.
While Modena has yet to confirm when the car will make its debut, AE reckons it is due for the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall. If the F450 follows company protocol, European sales will follow shortly thereafter, with U.S. sales commencing sometime in calendar 2010.
to my eyes the 599 is only OK and the California looks like a Ferrari rip-off, not a real Ferrari. this F450 "test mule" looks fantastic. it has the powerful, purposeful look of the F430 and the graceful, flowing lines of the F360. I'll take 2!
