Autoblog

Ferrari has promised to make its future products lighter and more mindful of the environment, and the first example of the Italian automaker's new direction will likely be the F430 replacement. This new Ferrari, code-named F142, is rumored to arrive towards the end of 2009 or early 2010. The vehicle will start out by weighing less than the F430, even the extra lightweight Scuderia model that tips the scales at 1250 kg. The Italian exotic could share technology and styling cues with the eco-friendly Mille Chili concept (above)from a year ago, which utilized lightweight and active aerodynamics to help reduce its CO2 emissions.

The F430's venerable 4.3L V8 is also rumored to be shrinking, but since it will still don the prancing horse, we're pretty sure it won't lose much in the way of power. CAR Magazine believes that Ferrari has turned to direct injection and turbocharging to make up for any loss in the new engine's displacement. The F142 also won't have a soft-top Spyder option, instead for a psuedo-convertible setup with hard panels. New Ferrari models don't typically decrease in price, and with all this added technology the price of the F142 is expected to easily exceed that of the F430. Ferrari wants to reduce emissions by 40% by 2012, and with lighter materials and a smaller engine, the F142 could be the Italian supercar the Sierra Club has been waiting for.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

We just told you about the upcoming Enzo replacement based on the Millechili concept a few days ago, but now we have a few more juicy rumors to share. Informed sources tell us that the upcoming replacement for Ferrari's Enzo supercar will take a different tack. As was reported earlier, it is believed that Ferrari wants to go with a smaller dimension vehicle featuring a smaller displacement engine. We're not sure of the dimensions or weight, but at least in the engine bay we should see a reduction over the current supercar. It is believed to be powered by a V8, unlike the Enzo's 6.0L V12. Not to be outdone by the likes of Bugatti and Koenigsegg, however, rumor has it this new Ferrari (F60?) will feature a pair of turbos feeding that V8, resulting in somewhere around 900 HP. Even with a vehicle weighing about the same as the Enzo, 900 HP would produce staggering performance. Early word was a 500 HP target figure, but the 900 number seems to be pretty firm according to our source. We'll keep our ears open for any other details we might hear about the possible Enzo successor.

Ferrari's getting in on the environmental game. Well, relatively speaking. The next supercar from the home of the prancing horse will be lighter and use a lower-displacement engine, but still have at least 500 HP. Thoughts are that such a car would derive its powerplant from the one mooted for the Millechili concept shown earlier this year. Though the car shown was nothing more than cardboard, the powerplant spoken of was a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 550-hp, 3.0-liter V-8.

The other big news is more information on Ferrari's No-It's-Not-A-Dino. Instead, what will be revealed early next year is a 2+2 V8 with a 4.3L V8 mounted up front. Other changes to the rest of Ferrari's line have taken a back seat due to the marque's growing popularity. The 599 hardtop convertible has been put on hold in light of the coupe's 18-month waiting list. The 612 will remain unchanged until its replaced in 2010.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Details have started to emerge regarding Ferrari's new eco-friendly concept vehicle, the FXX Mille Chile. Ferrari, like other high performance vehicle manufacturers, realize that it needs to develop and introduce new technologies in order to keep selling its high-performance brand of vehicles. Ferrari has been working on many of these technologies and is showing them off on its latest concept. It's important to note that this is merely a paper and wood concept and is not slated for production. It also does not appear to have anything to do with the Millechili concept from 2005.

New technologies introduced to the public on the Millechili concept include active aerodynamics, a new type of hybrid drivetrain, adjustable steering wheel and pedal placement and high-tech (and high-cost) carbon fiber construction. Also seeing daylight are low rolling resistance tires and ceramic composite brakes. Many of these technologies have been done before, but not with quite the same intent as what Ferrari is doing.

Read on past the break for all of the details!

[Source: AutoblogGreen]