A new prancing horse is about to bolt! As Auto Express closed for press, Ferrari was set to take the wraps off a much anticipated replacement for the hugely popular F430. With a new name, fresh 4.5-litre V8 engine complete with a KERS-style set-up from the firm’s F1 cars, and active aerodynamics, too, it’ll be a technological tour de force.Official pictures of the next model will be released this week, but to make sure you’ve got the inside line on the eagerly awaited machine, we have produced this preview image. Boasting similar proportions to the outgoing F430, the newcomer will be instantly recognisable. But following on from curvier additions to the range such as the front-engined California, the latest car will boast an even sleeker shape. Now traditional details such the high-mounted circular tail-lights and long headlights will remain but, as our spy shots have revealed, Ferrari will update this look. Just check out the front end shown here – it gets a host of LEDs that run up towards the windscreen, while at the rear will be a trio of central exhaust pipes.Carrying on a long heritage of compact V8-engined Ferraris – a history that started when the 308 arrived in 1975 – the new model will get a redeveloped version of the F430’s unit. Measuring 4.5 litres, it’ll feature direct injection, which will help increase its fuel efficiency and lower its CO2 emissions, while producing more power at the same time. With in excess of 500bhp and benefiting from the super-fast-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox from the California, the new Ferrari will be able to do 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds (about 0.5 seconds quicker than the F430) and accelerate on to a top speed of nearly 200mph. It will also benefit from a KERS-style energy-recovery set-up, which will use heat energy generated from the brakes to provide a burst of power for overtaking. Expect this to be available via a steering wheel button – just like on an F1 car. As well as providing faster shifts, that twin-clutch box will help trim CO2 emissions and improve economy, as it’ll select a higher gear when cruising. The car’s weight should go down, too, thanks to increased use of carbon fibre for suspension components. The brakes will be the very latest lightweight ceramic discs from Brembo.A major development area will be in aerodynamics. The new Ferrari will feature an active system that has small openings underneath its rear which open and close to change airflow. They can either reduce drag to boost speed and efficiency, or increase it to improve braking. There will also be a complex array of electrical systems designed to maximise traction, along with a steering wheel-mounted switch to adjust the driving characteristics according to road conditions. The hard-top F430 replacement will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with an open-top Spider version due in 2011.
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