Here's a story with a lot of specifics, even a model name. I wonder how much of this is true ......
They missed the fact that the 612 uses a tuned up version of the 575's engine. Plus, the performance should be much closer to the Enzo's while retaining the GT luxury. They can achieve both because of the aluminum frame and the Enzo's engine. These pics are clearly an early mule. I believe Ferrari's plan, since the 355/456/550 models, is to use similar mechanicals and distinct bodies and driving sensations throughout their range. This will prevent the cloned look and feel that afflicts most other multi-model makes, Toyota, BMW, MB etc. I would be very surprised if the looks aren't significantly more stunning and aggressive than the 612s and the 575s. This market is very different than it was in 1997. There are more options, more edgy alternatives, and Ferrari needs to retain its timeless yet avant-garde mystique and reputation. At the time of its release, the 550 was the only sports/super car cum GT combination. Nothing was even close until the Vanquish. Today it's a very different story. The 600 should fall somewhere between the Enzo's extreme and the 575s tailored aggression, while obviously echoing the marque's heritage. 250 GTO anyone? Forza, Cavallini
I wish they would keep the weight down a bit. This should *not* be a 4000 lb car. Even the current 3700 or whatever is too much. Honestly, they should be targeting ~3500 lbs. Cool new aluminum spaceframes and crap like that should make it LIGHTER. Not give them an excuse to make it heavier. --Dan
Read the article ... it is apparently wearing a cut and shut 612 body (that IMO looks 1000% better than the looooooooong original). Pete
I've seen this mule up close, a test pilot and an engineer came by at the Fiorano track yesterday. There are indeed taped-up scoops on the sides and on the hood. Overall the proportions are a lot less bizarre than the 612. The mule's interior is very scaglietish in terms of design (vents, instrument combo) and the rear deck beind the seats seems much shorter than in a Maranello. The car was of course stuffed with telemetry data loggers. The engine sounds like it really hasn't much inertia.
Nope, pictures strictly forbidden while at the Fiorano facilities, we had to sign an agreement on the 'security' restrictions. All I can say is that the car looks identical to the pics shown below.
Btw rumours of an SL-like fold top or even soft top may not be founded (they are more applicable to the Maserati 4200 GT replacement), all we can expect is a barchetta-like special at some point in time.
why do you say that about the drop top, shark? the rumors i've heard are that not only is it coming, but a US dealer has sold the car that's going to be the unveiling of the car here in the US in a matter of months. that said, i was told by another US dealer that while a mule absolutely exists, and is WAY cool, as recently as a few weeks ago the factory had not committed to bringing it into production. doody.
Don't get excited,it's only a mule to test the chassis and other mechanicals. Since it will share a lot of components with the 612,it is logical that they put a shortened 612 body on it. The final ,ready for production car will have it's own ,original styling,surely improved over the 612's.(Ferrari people are listening too and they are stung a little bit by the criticisms of the Scaglietti's styling)
Well rumours being rumours, the ones I hear (from the dealer network) are maybe just as good or bad as yours ;-) I enquired about what's to be expected and how it would fit my stable, and the long story short is: - Modena replacement (aka 420/420 Monza) presentation Oct/Nov (about same timing as 612 last year). Not taking 360 coupe orders anymore. - Spider version of that 18 months later - Maranello replacement (aka 600 Imola) will be a coupe, no plan for a real convertible except for a possible Barchetta sequel (with pricing and practicality to match)
Btw, I'd love to be wrong because the ideal replacement for my 550 would be a foldable hard top V12 with 550hp. In that case, trading in the 355 for a 997 GT3 or 420CS would be a good plan (unless I get reasonable and start planning for retirement instead of fooling around with cars)
Thats probably in case you get stuck in bad weather....you don't want to get the interiour of ur $275,000 to rained in.
Thats in case you get stuck in bad weather...you don't want to ruin the interior of your $300,000 toy.
Werner of Miller Motorcars told me the Japanese designer of the Enzo is gone & Pininfarina has a new American star designer. The new "Maranello" will be based on the 612 chasis with a detuned Enzo engine & it will have a very aggressive body. Also look for a 575 Barchetta maybe for 05 or 06
I can see it already - Chris Bangle and his "flame-styling" body sculpturing ala Z4........... Guess I'd better hurry up and get a 550/575 while it's still one sexy shark!
I have a good feeling about this replacement,dynamically superior to almost any other car and great looking too.(Ferrari is not blind and deaf to all the recent criticisms of the 612)
Quote:The new "Maranello" will be based on the 612 chasis with a detuned Enzo engine & it will have a very aggressive body. Great news!
