Spy shots: First Ferrari F450 prototypes

In previous report, we got the upcoming Ferrari F450 test mules using an F430 body. But now here are the very first spy shots of the Ferrari F450 prototype. The F450 will replace the current F430. According to Auto Motor und Sport, a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010.

The F450 will have a 4.5L V8 engine. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. Spy photographers reported that during in town driving the engine sounded very quiet but when the throttle was tickled it blurted out the familiar Ferrari roar.

Some of the first details to catch the eye include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions.

While the styling of the new F450 is expected to remain similar to the current F430, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.

Expect more details to be released.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M tuned by Novitec Rosso

After tuning the Ferrari's extreme 430 Scuderia, NOVITEC ROSSO has now taken on a F430 Scuderia Spider 16M.

Novitec Russo has bolted on a couple of superchargers to the car’s 4.3L V8 engine. The final power output was rated at 696hp (519kW), up from the standard car's 510hp (380kW).

While the standard 16M will demolish the sprint to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 196mph, there's little doubt that all the additional horsepower will help push the Novitec Rosso Scuderia Spider 16M well beyond the 200mph mark, and possibly even come close to the tuned 430 Scuderia which tops out at 215mph.

Sportier springs have been fitted to lower the centre of gravity and improve handling while a hydraulic lift system is installed at the front end to lift the car by up to 40mm to help it negotiate obstacles like speed bumps and curbs. And the lift is activated simply by pushing a button from the cabin.

For the exterior, high-performance Pirelli tyres come in size 235/30 ZR 20 at the front and 325/25 ZR 20 at the rear. At the rear, Novitec's trademark black tail lights replace the traditional Ferrari-red, while a custom LED strip has also been added as an additional brake light.

NOVITEC ROSSO has put a price tag of €47,000 (USD66,000) on the tuning package.

ASI Ferrari F430

Japanese luxury tuner ASI is renowned for its work with Bentley Continentals, but now the company has undertaken its first project outside of the Bentley Continental series: the ASI Ferrari F430 body kit and engine upgrade.
The new bodykit from ASI gives the Ferrari some bold new looks and marries the two worlds of Japanese tuner cars and Italian exotica. According to ASI, the aerodynamic performance of the new bodykit matches that of F430’s original design, but more importantly the new kit is a full 27kg lighter than the stock version. Consisting of a new front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper, the full kit will set you back approximately $15,000, or alternatively the different parts can be bought separately.

ASI is also offering to tweak the Ferrari F430's ECU for a fee of $7,500, which should free up some extra performance from the car with its focus on improving mid-range torque. The Japanese tuner will also be selling a Sachs suspension system designed specifically for the F430, which will set you back $13,000, resulting in a total cost of $35,500 for all the available parts.

Additionally, the ASI Ferrari F430 program will be extended in the future dry carbon rear wing, front brake system, diffuser fins, a center exhaust 19-Inch forged wheels. The dry carbon rear wing set to arrive later this month along with a front brake system. Next month, diffuser fins and an ASI center-tip exhaust system that is compatible with the bodykit will be available and August will see the launch of custom 19in forged alloy wheels.