In advance of its highly anticipated unveiling at this year's Paris Motor Show, Ferrari has reportedly given some of its best customers and biggest dealers a sneak preview of its upcoming front-engined entry-level GT. Keeping that kind of information secret would be like trying to drink out of a colander, but with all its leaks we suspect that some of the details may have gotten a little distorted.

According to the information, Project F149 (known tentatively as the GT California) will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing around 480-500 horsepower. The engine would likely be based on the one found in the Alfa 8C and Maserati GranTurismo S, but the output projections suggest the engine would be retuned for Maranello's application, possibly with the aid of direct injection. The information also points towards a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, however the new model is more likely to stick with Ferrari's quick-shifting paddle-shifter. The folding hardtop suggested by the hunch-backed test mule is confirmed in the leaked details, and the F149 is also expected to come with a long list of extra equipment, including all manner of multimedia connectivity and a new Becker satnav system.

The bigger picture painted is that of a "baby 599", which would seem an odd reversal of policy for Ferrari since the brand has tried to distinguish each model since the 550 Maranello and F355 took different directions from the previous Testarossa and 348. We'll just have to wait as Paris inches closer to see exactly what Ferrari has in store for us.

 

That will be very interesting car to have

 

looks good. The front wheels look a little to sunken to me. I need an in person view

 

Especially if its price at F430 MSRP and looks identical to a 599.

 

The manufacturers are getting much much better at hiding their cars. The front of this car will be much smaller. They basically grafted on a 599 front shell, and made it work. Ferrari doesn't have to road test their designs, but they do have to road test the engines, suspensions, brakes, and everything else. Expect it to be closer to the rendering DJ posted in the Ferrari News section.

 

thats exactly what I was thinking, that shell looks a bit off for that wheelbase