F1 tech for F430 successor

F1 tech for F430 successor

Ferrari�s F430 is perhaps one of the most focused driving machines out there and bettering its capabilities will take some doing. But, with a wealth of F1-derived technology at its disposal, Ferrari looks set to do just that.

By Gareth Dean The upcoming model has been tentatively dubbed �F450� due to strong indications that the new engine will be a V8 displacing 4,5-litres. Much of Ferrari�s F1 and GT racing know how will be ploughed into this model, including radiators ahead of the front wheels, an upgraded version of the F430 Scuderia�s traction control system, understeer-cancelling software, and a dual-clutch 7-speed transaxle transmission. Although powerplant details are somewhat thin on the ground at present, it has been suggested that the new car�s engine will develop in the region of 410 to 436 kW. The new car will not, however, incorporate any of Ferrari�s recent patents such as twin-turbo direct fuel-injection V8 engines or all-wheel drive hybrid technology. There�s no solid rationale for this decision, but it has been suggested that the company feels its buyers may not be ready to embrace an eco-friendly Ferrari just yet. Direct-injection technology could make an appearance later in the model�s life-cycle as Ferrari is confident that such technology will enable it to meet Europe�s stringent emissions regulations until 2014. In the meantime, Ferrari will rather focus on paring down the weight of its cars, and F450�s largely aluminium structure look set to ensure that such weight-saving measures will benefit both handling properties and fuel consumption without overly increasing the displacement of its powerplants. Although the yellow car pictured in these spy shots from Worldcarfans give little away in terms of styling, it�s probably safe to say that the F450 will be a more aggressive evolution of the current car�s styling. There are also hints of a wider track, more prominent air vents, and a centrally-mounted exhaust system. The F450 may make an appearance at December�s LA motor show as a concept showcasing some of the aforementioned hybrid technologies. One of the new systems being mentioned is a road-going version of the F1 team�s KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). A firm launch date has yet to materialize, but what has been gathered is that the F450 will initially be sold as a tin-top model in order to give the firm�s recent California a chance to establish itself in the marketplace. The F450 Spyder will then emerge about 18 months after the coup�. E-mail to a friend

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