those lines get grey. doesn't help that Ferrari has never been consistent with its naming standards and often reverting back. everyone would agree the major changes happened between TR/512/M, 550/575, 599, and the F12. Sounds like the F12M isn't a major change like there was between the 599 and F12. Also become confusing some updates are more drastic mechanical or looks.
5 years seems a little bit long indeed; although we do not have recent experience on V12 M versions since neither the 599 nor the 612 had some. I guess it will also depend on how close to the F12 the new model will be perceived; for the V8s typically two consecutive models have the same platform but the evolution is identified as a new model so it can have a full life (348-355, 360-430 and now 458-488).
It is still the same basic architecture with the same hardpoints so I see it as still being based on the F12? A real model change is 599-F12, 430-458. McLaren will be building warp speed cars at their rate of progress by then!
I am just leaving the factory now and one of the speakers confirmed the name and photos will be released tomorrow. Most of the details have been debated at length on here so not much benefit in me commenting on those. Personally I think it looks spectacular and all those present agreed including the current F12B owners who were pleased the car looks quite different to theirs. The design includes a lot of subtle details so the car may be sensitive to colour choice. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Let's play a game. I suggest to perform a TOTAL embargo on this thread until the first picture pops up. I mean nobody posts anything until that. So the next time there's a post, it will mean the beast is there.
Sorry but I don't see the point Let the hype hype up as such a release deserves! Plus, I wanted to comment on sthg since a few days ago: do I recall correctly that the LaF was effectively unveiled in the Geneva stand? Every other model I can recall there was some press release and pictures some weeks before the corresponding show where it was formally and properly introduced. For a brief time I thought they might hold it completely to the Geneva stand, but now that I read the latest "official rumours" it makes sense as it follows their most usual procedure. DC, relax, now you know when and its not long! Tomorrow by 12:00 pm surely it's everywhere! What's more, chances of a leak grow exponentially higher from now, so you might even get lucky tonight or early morning tomorrow!
Even though 90% of M's parts are said to be new, the F12B to M change will look a lot closer to the 550-575 change than the 599-F12 change. I recall a similar situation when going from Testarossa to 512TR where Ferrari went to lengths to point out that it was a different car. The market said otherwise. Agree - I cannot see them dining out on the M for 5 years - just look at the competition.
Let's remember McLaren has the same architecture on ALL their models, same look and same engine. Eventually speed isn't everything. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Agreed. I was just trying to make the point that in this aggressive market and speed of technological change, no way will Ferrari rely on the 2012 F12 architecture for 10 years..
I will definitely agree with Scraggy on this one. I'll even go further and compare the B vs. M to the 575 vs. 599 and 458 vs. 488. The M sounds like a very different car compared to the B.
Correct. I was at the preview today and understand we'll know the name tomorrow too.. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I think that is not a great comparison. 575 to 599 was a monumental change, an all new model with different chassis, body engine, everything. 458 to 488 was a mid life, same basic body and architecture. The M is based on the same body, chassis and hardpoints as the b, it is not an all new model.
It will be interesting to see if they release the name along with the images. What if they make us wait a little longer for the name? My guess- they will intend a 4 year model run with a LE for the final year but if the demand remains strong they will find a way to squeak out some 5th year production to satisfy demand. So we will hear 4-5 years for production and both could be true. The surprise would be if its above or below. Traveller is right about the hard points etc. I think the question is whether the degree of change on the F12b-> F12M is the same or different from FF->GTC4. They showed what's possible on this platform with the F12tdf. They have said the new car will be not as sporty as the tdf, but more sporty than the F12b. So my guess is this change could actually be bigger than the FF-GTC4. Where they basically refined the looks, the infotainment, and the drive experience. They seem to be putting further distance between the 4 and 2 seaters. 4 seater even more GT and 2 seater a bit more sports car. If its true that this would be the last unassisted NA V12 production model from Ferrari, then I am sure they will make sure it is even more spectacular than the F12b. And thats a big challenge! Can't wait to see pictures and discover the name and more details. Hopefully tomorrow! Oliver, I like your idea for a variation of the "silent game"- but I'm not good at that!
Agreed and honestly not sure why it's so difficult to understand for some. Mid-life vs all-new. No mid-life refresh is comparable to all-new models.
The 575 to 599 is a stretch I'll agree. But from what we currently know, the F12B to F12M transformation could very well be as big as the 458 to 488 change - and that's substantial.
