I think it should be read like this: An F450 Spider is scheduled to arrive some 18 months (which means mid 2011) after the launch of the coupe, expected sometime early in 2010 (which is the debut for the Berlinetta).
Motorauthority.com just posted this: http://www.motorauthority.com/more-details-on-ferraris-f430-replacement.html Here is the text: The first examples of Ferraris 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 Septembers Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010, while a new hybrid version may appear in concept form at Decembers Los Angeles Auto Show. The report also claims the car will be positioned above the current F430s 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 Ferraris 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 Scuderias traction control. A brand new aluminum chassis thats said to be much more rigid - while also being lighter - than the F430s 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 its 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 years launch of the Coupe. This is because Ferrari is hoping to maximize sales of its California before the arrival of the F450 drop-top.
I think they are trying to say that the coupe will be available Jan. Feb. 2010. Then 18 months later (June 2011) the spider will be available.
Has this video surfaced somewhere before? Not completely calling out a "repost" here, because I am glad to see it again...I'm just trying to figure out where I've seen this video before. Thanks for posting.
Ehhhh... I wouldn't dismiss potential details just because Ferrari hasn't launched a vehicle like this or in this way before. Besides, I think the chop they showed might be a fairly close approximation of the front fascia. Using some design details from the Scuderia's bumper would make sense as does the headlights' similarity to the California, particularly given the similarity we've seen in the rear quarters & tail lights.
It really does sound like a lot of filler with no research done to confirm facts. There are a couple of very obvious things that everyone is missing, things that Ferrari have already described in the Technical Innovations .pdf you quoted: 1/ The red prototype doing winter testing clearly shows two rearward facing fans fed by scoops. The document describes a system for "Drag Reduction by Using Passive Blowing", i.e., air is bled into the wake to reduce drag. 2/ Also visible on the red winter testing car are openings in the diffuser (covered by a wire meshing) which is most likely the "Underbody Active Flow Control" as seen already on the 599XX.
Another I found! Did not check if it's a repost please forgive if it is. Image Unavailable, Please Login
See this prior post: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138735749&postcount=1569 http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/240841/
Unfortunately, that's the good stuff missing from all the crash-test spy photos! What's important in the Autocar posting (if true) is that the Spider will not be here for some time. From a marketing perspective, giving the California some breathing room makes perfect sense and guarantees it some time as Ferrari's drop-top du jour. Naturally, for those of you waiting to buy a 450 Spider, you've got an unfortunate wait.
Sorry if this a repost.... F450 delayed due to aero issues... http://www.4wheelsnews.com/ferrari-f450-delayed-due-to-aerodynamic-reasons/
I highlighted that before. another stupid writing...this time from worldcarfans:"The F450 will also be made of lightweight aluminum that will improve handling over the more rigid F430 while keeping weight, and hence emissions, down."...........) so they say F430 will be more rigid than f450, where every new car is made to be more rigid, that was the meaning of autocar's words.But now...from evry 2 words writed by a guy we will have 100 articles with 200 different meanings.
Saw them. I'm saying it's just another rendered speculation, not a actual picture of the final design from Modena.
With each thing I read, and as the weeks pass by I think more and more that this car is going to be ground breaking in performance. _J
If it will have a 600+hp engine(I doubt), and 1200kg(I doubt) it will fell like 14years back, when the McLaren f1 was launched. Yes, it will be superior in braking, handling.But we are in 2009!!!!!!!!!! I realy need something big to be impressed.F-cars are now heavier and heavier.From 7 cars in the range...2 are close to 1.500kg, 3 are above 1700kg!!!!!!!!!!(that's normal weight for a 4X4).Even thoes 2 scuderia's have the weight of a 360.So were is the progress? I'll bet that f450 wont have less than 360's weight. I'm expecting something big.But i'm also prepared to be disappointed
Ferrari F142 - new spy shots - last part: 8/8 http://www.czechferrari.cz/clanek/ferrari-f142-new-spy-shots-88/13760/