From Autocar: Ferrari will unveil its F430 replacement at Frankfurt in October, giving its biggest-selling model a life of just five years. Code-named Ferrari F142 and expected to be christened Ferrari F450 in production, the new V8-powered car will be largely new, with few carryover components in the chassis or bodywork. While it was only released in 2004, the Ferrari F430s chassis was heavily based on the 360 Modena whose parts dated back to 1999. Production of F430s has slowed recently, ahead of the F450s start-of-production in July. Insiders who have seen the F450 insist it is one of the most beautiful Ferraris in years. While details on the car are scant, it will run an enlarged version of the F430s V8, equipped with direct injection giving an output of more than 500bhp from its 4.5-litre capacity, hence the F450 moniker. The transmission will be a variant of the seven-speed dual-clutch system shared with the new California. Linked to Ferraris steering-wheel mounted manettino control, the dual-clutch transmission promises drivers a choice between quick sporty changes and relaxed automatic operation. Ferrari has been working hard on weight reduction with its suppliers and the F450 is expected to take Alcoas advances in aluminium chassis technology to new heights. Sources also suggest the F450 is already as fast around the Fiorano test track as the compromise-free F430 Scuderia. But it will also ride more firmly than the Ferrari California, leaving buyers in no doubt about the focus of either car. European Ferrari F450 sales are expected to begin late this year or early in 2010. Michael Taylor
Sounds awesome, of course. I didnt expect anything less than awesome! Whoever gets one of them is going to have the ride of their lives!!
Lol!! Sounds good! Im sure the people that can afford the F450 will have no problems blowing $7K on dual clutch in the new 7 speed box. Cant wait to see how much the clutch change will be at the dealer. Apparently the new 7 speed box is VERY tough and can handle ****loads of torque. (dual plates and all) Will be interesting to see how long the clutch will last in the California. Also, be good to see if this new gearbox can handle some steep reversing without frying the clutch. Dual plates can handle more grunt, we will see.
At least early 2011 I reckon. Leave your deposit now though mate. Who knows?? You may be 200th on the 'list'.
Yeah, me too mate!! Saw a thread in the 360/430 section where an Fchatter said he actually saw some pics of it and he said it is the most beautiful Ferrari he has seen in many years!! Lets hope he is right!
Sounds fantastic (naturally)! I do wonder though if the focus on the brilliance of the seven speed gearbox means that a manual option is not on the cards?
The word is that the 430 replacement will be called a 450 and will have over 500hp. I was always hoping it would be a 520! anyway..it doesn't sound like it's going to be much of a performance increase over the 430 unless they find a way to reduce weight significantly, which is something they've been talking about. if it doesn't have huge weight savings, is it being left behind in performance terms by the competition? http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090226.034/ferrari-f142-mule-spied-showing-some-body-changes-and-gestures Image Unavailable, Please Login
i'm sure you're right....... but if you look at the big numbers from porsche, audi, lamborghini etc, will it still keep them at the pointy end? i guess we just need blind faith.
I hope that it is faster than the scud, but I will be more excited if they can put together a design that is both aggressive and beautiful to look at. It's been a long time since we last saw one like that..
