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. Thanks for the tip, Sam!
[Source: Autogespot]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rsfourever @ Apr 21st 2008 1:11PM
i have to say - ferrari just doesn't excite me anymore... their cars all look the same, and they're pretty bland for supercars, if you ask me.
for that price and that type of car, i would go lamborghini at every turn...
Yar @ Apr 21st 2008 1:17PM
I agree. The last time a Ferrari really got to me was the 575M Maranello. It was so much better looking than the cars that replaced it.
Arsenal @ Apr 21st 2008 2:09PM
And with this pair of comments, I think it's firmly proven what it means to be an auto enthusiast today.
The proliferation of the self-involved "entertain me" attitude that reached its nadir in the geek tech world, has fully overrun the auto blogs and web communities.
The new breed of auto enthusiast is engaged with automobiles in ways that mean nothing to the true auto enthusiast. These new enthusiasts know very little about how a car actually works (and hence what makes them remarkable creations) but will happily dismiss the idea of a new model from an exotic sports car maker because it "doesn't excite them."
The rule of the day is to be dismiss anything that won't play to our most childish need to be entertained with shiny new objects. Appreciation of true performance, taste, and quality is meaningless in today's world where people only care about the meaningless veneer of spec sheets and an unending appetite for "shiny new."
In today's world, even a new Ferrari is meaningless unless it can impress the mindless masses waiting in line when you pull up at the club. Far better to look good than actually be good.
Cary @ Apr 21st 2008 2:51PM
Arsenal +2
rsfourever @ Apr 21st 2008 3:56PM
@ arsenal:
with your comment, it is firmly proven what it is to be a self-agrandising snob. Just becuase we don't agree with your views of what an exciting car is, doesn't give you the justification to claim that we don't understand how cars work or what's great about an engine etc.
why do i find lamborghinis much more exciting? well, for one, the designs are much more beautiful and awe-inspiring. ferrari has forgotten who they are. they make cars now to pander to the "new auto-enthusiasts" you seem to hate so much. Lamborghini, on the other hand, doesn't have 4 different models. they have two. and they keep improving on them year after year. they make cool variations of their cars (superleggeras, reventon, etc.) but stay true to Ferrucio's heart. they were cutting edge when they started, being the first sports-car producer to use independent rear-suspension. Their cars are all-wheel drive right now, which lets the immense power be put to the ground much more efficiently than any ferrari. and the best part? they're still using their V12 engine from the very beginning. they keep improving it, but it's the same at its essence.
so don't try to belittle someone's knowledge just because they disagree with you. i happen to think ferrari have become blah - no more than a dog and pony show for wealthy people who want to show-off. lamborghinis have stayed true to their roots, both in design and engineering/performance. you wont see a front engined lamborghini grand tourer any time soon, even if there could be a lot of money in it (yes, i know the 350 and the 400 were front engined).
Arsenal @ Apr 21st 2008 5:21PM
I'd say rsfourever's response proves the point all the more.
I apologize for getting you all riled up however. I knew it would happen but the point needed to be made.
Just a final point... Lamborghini was a farm tractor manufacturer who was pissed about a Ferrari he owned. It's not like he was an automotive visionary like Colin Chapman. Until very recently, Lamborghini's have been known for flashy design but poor performance. So lets not wax poetic about Lamborghini "staying true to their roots."
rsfourever @ Apr 21st 2008 5:35PM
"lamborghinis have been known for flashy design but poor performance"
well, with that comment i think you pretty much showed what your whole diatribe was about - you're just a ferrari fanboy who doesn't like lamborghinis. no need to act like you're all high and mighty. you just prefer ferraris (*cough* for many years rebadged fiats *cough*) and i prefer lamborghinis. not much less to it...
rsfourever @ Apr 21st 2008 5:36PM
sorry,that was supposed to read "not much ELSE to it"
Arsenal @ Apr 21st 2008 6:57PM
Ah, the dreaded "fanboy" attack. The ultimate expression of what it means to be an auto enthusiast today.
Thank you!
Matt @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:04PM
@ rsfourever
Rebadged Fiats?? Are you f@#%ing kidding me?? Fiat is just Ferrari's parent company. If Ferraris are "rebadged" Fiats, where is the Fiat that has a Mid engine V8 making over 400 hp? If Ferraris are rebadged Fiats, then Lamborghinis are rebadged Audis. And Lamborghinis have stayed true to their roots? I beg to differ. Ever since Audi took over Lamborghini has been dying slowly. don't get me wrong - they're great sports cars, but they're not what they used to be. The Countach, the legendary Lambo, was all about being totally extravagant and having the highest top speed possible. Now, Lamborghinis have kind of gone soft(er), with much more curvaceous designs, as opposed to the crazy angular form of the Countach. The company known as Lamborghini is not dying, but the company founded by Ferrucio Lamborghini is.
John Johnson @ Apr 21st 2008 1:21PM
"4.7-liter V8 producing around 480-500 horsepower"
"The information also points towards a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox"
Yeah, sounds pretty entry-level to me
celeritas @ Apr 21st 2008 2:31PM
Yeah, I don't know why Autoblog and others in the automotive press are so convinced that this new Ferrari is entry-level. Luca di Montezemolo has always maintained that there wouldn't be an entry-level Ferrari and if these leaked specs are accurate it looks like it will slot above the F430 and below the 612 and 599.
John @ Apr 21st 2008 1:45PM
I don't think this is going to be an entry level car, and it may not be a high volume model either. I have read it may be a 2+2 with a folding hardtop.
Brian f @ Apr 21st 2008 1:47PM
Its also the same basic motor that is included in the F430 Scuderia. The basic architecture is the same but the Ferrari version uses a different crank with throws spaced 180 degrees apart as opposed to 90 degrees for the 8C and Maserati. This helps make power but also increases vibration. That is why both the 8C and Maserati have the 90 degree design installed. They are front engine and the extra shaking would be unacceptable and impossible to damp out. There was an article in March in Automobile Magazine that gave all the deets.
AC @ Apr 21st 2008 3:08PM
You know what would actually be pretty cool, a shooting brake design... something like the Volvo P1800ES, Ferrarified. Or anything original for that matter; a baby 599 isn't much to get excited about.
Brian @ Apr 21st 2008 4:02PM
How the crap do you know whether or not it'll excite you, based on a picture of a test mule wearing shrunken 599 panels and an alleged spec sheet?
RLQ @ Apr 21st 2008 6:41PM
Now why would Ferrari call it F149?
Zane @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:13AM
Because it may have a 1.4L Fiat petrol engine for all those hypermiling morons.
The Weakonomist @ Apr 21st 2008 7:09PM
I still want the SuperAmerica. I have a problem with loving all the previous generation Ferraris, whatever generation it may be. I love Ferraris but wouldn't consider a new model until they implement their new light weight engineering. Maybe this model will start that trend. They sure can make a motor though.
FYI I can't afford a Ferrari. I was only speaking my opinions if I could.