Ferrari's replacement for the 360 Modena has come a long way. The vehicle has been anticipated for no less than the past three years. The first prototype mules were sighted in 2002 (engine development mule), 2003 (new headlight and powertrain development car) and earlier this year (new powertrain and chassis under old body with some improvised new exterior features). During all of that period, it remained inconclusive when exactly the new car would debut, and what would be the degree of innovation, between a simple facelift of the current car and a complete redesign.
Only now the first complete prototypes have hit the roads and have been captured on camera. The new car will quite radically depart from the looks of the current 360, with new front and rear ends that are greatly inspired by the mighty Ferrari Enzo. Similar to those on the Enzo, the new headlights will have more angular looks and be stacked vertically, rather than horizontally. The restyled frontal air scoops (now with a curved tear-drop shape) render the front clamshell much cleaner. The rear clamshell is all new, too, and features redesigned engine air scoops. The rear lights, newly positioned at the very top edge, are again clearly reminiscent of the Enzo and give the car an entirely new rear aspect and profile.
It is also interesting to note the bulged camouflage and the air scoop between the rear lights. This section of the prototype directly resembles that of disguised Enzo prototypes during the final stages of its development and suggests that the new mid-engine V-8 Ferrari might be equipped with an adjustable rear spoiler, too.
These modifications should be good news for all those who found the appearance of the current 360 Modena too bland, and too compromised by its undoubtedly superior aerodynamic efficiency. The new Pininfarina effort promises to be a much more accomplished blend of a dramatic shape with uncompromised aerodynamics and function.
The innovations will not stop here, though. Extreme ultra-low profile tyres at the front axle are indicative of an upgraded suspension. Modified exhaust pipes (with a tapered, slightly reduced exit diameter) are indicative of the new 4.2-liter V-8 powertrain with further optimized intake and exhaust gas flow and an estimated maximum power figure of 450 hp.
Still unclear remains what the new Ferrari will be called. While the expected engine capacity suggests to a F420 label, it is reported that Ferrari recently has registered the F430 label in a number of key markets. The "Modena" name tag perhaps will be replaced with "Monza" - hence "Ferrari 430 Monza" is one likely possibility.
The new 420/430 coupe is expected to be officially unveiled early in 2005 (Detroit or Geneva motor shows) and on sale in the first half of the year. Interestingly, no prototypes could be spotted yet for the redesigned Spyder version. This supports information according to which the new 420/430 Spyder will debut about a full year after the coupe, in 2006, but then come complete with an all-new retractable hardtop roof. At around the same time, a stripped-out race version of the coupe is expected, very much in the style of the current "Challenge Stradale" model.
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