Rendered Speculation: Ferrari F142 taking shape
CAR Magazine is running a new sketch of what they anticipate the newest V8 Ferrari will look like, and we have to say, we're a little disappointed. Internally dubbed the Ferrari F142, Maranello's replacement for the F430 is inching closer to its first public showing, and although we've seen some rather clunky test mules so far, we were hoping that the Italian firm would recapture its former sensual styling glory last seen on the 355 and Challenge Stradale. Some critics might even go back as far as the Dino.If it ends up looking like the CAR rendering (admittedly renderings are almost always something of a crapshoot), we'd have to say Ferrari has missed the marque a bit. While modern and not unattractive, the car seems like it could just as easily wear a German or British badge.
To be fair, this is going to be the first completely new car since the 360 Modena was introduced in 1999. The F430 is basically a 360 evoluzione after all. Following up on the Mille Chili project, the car should shed some weight through the use of lightweight materials and possible a fixed seat system with manually adjustable pedals and steering wheel. So perhaps a new, more high-tech look is more fitting on the new model, but Ferraris are supposed to elicit "oohhs" and "ahhhs," not "ughs" – or worse, complete indifference.
We're still not certain what it will be called, but something between F400 and F500 is likely, depending on engine size. Some have said that the engine will be smaller, boosted to 500 horsepower or more via a pair of turbochargers. Others say it will just be a far more efficient naturally aspirated V8 that could grow to 4.5-liters or more. We hope it's not a 4.5-liter, as Ford might object to the resulting name. Expect the Bosch-developed direct injection system, low-friction super-polished camshafts, and the California's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission among other innovations. We might even get a version of the F1-derived KERS energy recovery system eventually.
Rumors had also suggested that Ferrari might be getting out of the manual gearbox game altogether, but recently it seems like they have decided to add a stick-shift to even the California, so the fabled gated shifter appears to be hanging around a little longer. In any case, we should know later this year when Ferrari finally reveals the car to the motoring world. Hat tip to Toss!
[Source: CAR]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JDMlover 6:31PM (4/21/2009)
Any Ferrari is a Ferrari for me =)
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minipap98 8:25PM (4/26/2009)
Its a FAKE its almost exactly the same as the California but they just played around with it
Randy915 6:38PM (4/21/2009)
I LIKE IT!
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AUTOMANIAC 6:46PM (4/21/2009)
it's just a render!
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xpolarx 6:50PM (4/21/2009)
I have to be honest...I really don't want to see Ferrari's design team moving in the direction that the California went in, and that's what I'm seeing from this rendering. It's just such a generic looking sports car.
If everything Ferrari produces could take styling cues from the GTB, I would be very happy.
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Colin 12:33AM (4/22/2009)
I completely agree. I have to say though that this rendering looks better than those in the past (minus the front fascia)
CJ 7:09PM (4/21/2009)
Nice...very retro 80's angles on the back
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garland823 7:36PM (4/21/2009)
Ferrari ending manual transmissions would be quite a blow. I'm still in undergrad, but since I was a little kid I've been dying to own a Ferrari. I've always considered them the epitome of the driver's car, and since I learned to drive a manual, I considered that the only real kind of driving. I know a dual-clutch tranny would be faster, but driving isn't always just about speed. That's racing. I'm talking about driving involvement, and that requires three pedals. I've always thought Ferrari understood drivers.
About the rendering, it looks basically like an angularized F430. I hope they don't go that direction. I feel like most Ferraris known (well, appreciated) for their looks have been curvy, exceptions being the F40 and Enzo. Angular is Lamborghini's territory.
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aj121489 9:54PM (4/21/2009)
I agree 100%. I can't honestly say I've liked anything that I've seen about this car so far (for looks at least). I understand this is a rendering, but I didn't like the test mule they showed a while back on here either.
Aargh 8:09PM (4/21/2009)
I hope that is far from the mark. It looks like the current F430 with a Lamborghini front end and similar styling to the air vents at the rear. Honestly I'd be very surprised to see Ferrari moving this close to one of their major competitors.
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Leo 8:43PM (4/21/2009)
+1 My first thought too!!
That's dangerously close to the Gallardo, the vents an all. It'll be a shame if the final product looks anything like that, which leads me to believe it won't. =D
Streak 8:29PM (4/21/2009)
Looks nothing like the spy pics from last month
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/spy-shots-ferrari-f450-mule-spotted-fresh-off-the-truck/
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Serge 9:19AM (4/22/2009)
I hope it doesn't look like any of these rederings / spy shots... they don't have the style Ferrari is famous for. Even the California is curvier and looks more like a proper Ferrari than the rendering. I hope Ferrari realizes that they don't have to change their design direction, ever, because people buy them for the beauty and history of design and performance... changing that would render the car a fast generic sports car that's not worth so much money.
halogenrepublic 8:29PM (4/21/2009)
If they build it, I won't be able to afford it.
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jonathan.chung1 9:46PM (4/21/2009)
they realized that after the 612, they had to pick it up (i think)
that said, i have faith in good 'ol Maranello to craft something wonderful.
and about that tried-and-true manual gearbox addition to the California, i say hoorah! they can't let go of the stick, they just can't...
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Walter 11:24PM (4/21/2009)
That front end to me screams Lamborghini.
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iamhoff 12:12AM (4/22/2009)
I have to agree with you...the F355 is probably my favorite modern Ferrari, from a styling perspective. The F430 has grown on me, but it took a while and given the choice, I'd still pick an F355. Just my .02.
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timurjonchik 1:44AM (4/22/2009)
Reminds me of new BMW z4 style
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GusTurbo 2:04AM (4/22/2009)
The front looks like a Porsche Cayenne met a Murciélago.
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gabibiza 12:34PM (4/22/2009)
Remember the Article from Autoexpress? they spotted the F450 withou any camouflage or anything on it....and it looks better than this one coz you have to say it...this doesnt look like a ferrari but more like a japaneese sport car.... in fact...its ugly....!
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