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 F430’s chassis was heavily based on the 360 Modena whose parts dated back to 1999. The new Ferrari F450 will also be the first production Ferrari to reflect the ethos of green materials and weight reduction first seen on the Ferrari Mille Chili eco-concept (pictured) in 2007. Production of F430s has slowed recently, ahead of the F450’s 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 F430’s 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 Ferrari’s 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 Alcoa’s 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.

 

And good luck getting one...

 

Sounds like it'll be a beast!!! I wonder what it'll weigh in comparison to the Scud...

 

I don't know if this is true. Only going from a 4.3L to a 4.5L would be disappointing. My bet will be 4.7L

 

Why? It's the mid-range model between the California and the 599, why does it need any more than 500hp or more than 4.5L? It's not supposed to be the Enzo replacement or anything.

 

what happened to the rumored V8TT? maybe the next scud variant will get it?

 

That engine will most likely end up in the successor to the Enzo. Like a rebirth of the F40!!!

 

yes, you're right. i thought i read the mille chili's motor would be in the successor to the 430 but it would make more sense to put it in an upcoming supercar. if there is any way they could stick to their weight goals of 1000kg (2200lbs) can you imagine what sort of performance could be had with that V8TT? staggering stuff.

 

Sounds like an incredible car. Hope the styling is as good as reported.

 

It better be, because at the moment I'm far more in love with the LP-560 than I am with the Scud/430... And I am die-hard Ferrari. That LP-560 is just sooo hot, can't wait for the Superleggera edition