It was five years ago that the current Ferrari F430 debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and the storied Italian sports and racing car manufacturer is currently hard at work creating a successor designed to both increase power while decreasing emissions and fuel consumption at the same time. Dubbed the F450 by virtue of its enlarged 4.5L V-8 reportedly based on the present 4.3L unit, speculation has power surpassing that of the 430 Scuderia at 500 horses or more.
While the mule our spy shooters caught undergoing winter testing is still wearing modified F430 bodywork, the larger fenders, air scoops, and exhaust system all hint at the need for a wider stance and increased breathing -- no doubt, for a car that will be creating more power. The F450 will also reportedly receive Ferrari's new dual-clutch gearbox that debuted in the California. The new gearbox features quicker, smoother shift action than the automated manual presently used in the F430.
Spycam: 2011 Ferrari F450
2008 Paris Motor Show: Ferrari California in the flesh
It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new sportscar. And when it does, it's almost invariably billed as a successor to the one that came before, or a version of something already on the market. But the Ferrari California is an entirely different beast, expanding the Prancing Horse's line-up into a new segment, and it certainly looks the part when viewed up close. We'll have to reserve our judgment for the time being on the California's driving dynamics, but the Italians promise it'll keep up its end and then some with its new direct-inject, 460-hp version of the company's 4.3L V8. In the meantime, today was a big day for Ferrari, and we've got the pictures to prove it.
It's Ferrari's new 'Scud' missile
Ex-F1 champ Michael Schumacher's had a huge input into making Ferrari's latest missile.
When Ferrari’s latest Formula One-inspired supercar is unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, you might recognise the man who pulls off the covers. His name is Michael Schumacher, and he’s had a big input into making his new F430 one of the prancing horse’s biggest-ever thrillers.
The ex-F1 world champ is the most qualified person to reveal what will probably become his next company car. Feast your eyes on the F430 Scuderia, which is soon set to be Ferrari’s most hardcore V8 model.
Due to go on sale alongside the existing F430 Coupé and Spider, the newcomer follows in the tracks of the stripped-out 360 Challenge Stradale. However, while that was a last-of-the-line track-day special, the Scuderia debuts several new technologies.The mid-mounted V8 has been tuned to deliver an extra 20bhp, taking the total to a huge 503bhp. Acceleration is aided even further by a 100kg drop in kerbweight.
But there’s more to the Scuderia’s abilities than straight-line speed. Engineers have adapted features from Ferrari flagships as well as the firm’s grand prix cars. The F1 Superfast automated manual gearbox has been improved to provide breathtakingly fast shifts; changes in the Scuderia take only 60 milliseconds – on a par with those in Ferrari’s 1999 F1 racer.
Other technological treats include reworked versions of the brand’s electronic driver aids. The traction control now combines the E-Diff electronic differential and stability system in a single set-up. This gives the driver a greater degree of adjustability, with the option of disabling the traction control altogether, while leaving the oversteer correction on. Of course, the most extreme setting still allows all the gadgets to be disengaged.
To complement its enhanced driver appeal, the Scuderia gets plenty of styling extras, too. Unique wheels join the grey stripes running up the bonnet and over the roof, while new aerodynamic features at the rear add to the aggressive look while reducing lift. Inside, the stripped-out cabin boasts thin racing seats. Luxuries are sparse, although the designers have added a series of change-up lights in the top of the steering wheel.
The new model goes on sale here in right-hand-drive form at the end of the year. While prices have yet to be announced, there will be a substantial premium over the standard £122,775 F430 Coupé.
