20.12.2002 FERRARI 456GT SUCCESSOR CAUGHT TESTING
| The replacement for the
long serving Ferrari 456GT large "Grand Tourer", Ferrari codename F137,
is expected to make its debut at next September's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Continuing the two door, four seat, front engine theme of the original
car, which made its debut way back in 1992, the new model is expected to
be larger and roomier.
Expected to be know as the 460GT or possibly 460 Bologna, it will use the 6.0 litre V12 engine first seen in the Enzo, but will have available around 500-550bhp ( and 600Nm ). Raising the power stakes has been nessecary in light of the advances made with the rivalling Bentley Continental R. The four seater will be available with two transmissions, a manual 6-speed box or the new 'F1-style' version. It will be 4850mm long and 2000mm wide. Particular attention has been paid to road handling, one of the 456GT's acknowledged weak points. The engine has been clearly set further back involving the A-pillar being moved rearwards significantly. Ferrari engineers hope that this will create near even weight distribution between front and rear wheels. The steel chassis of the 456GT has been dispensed with in favour of an aluminium honeycomb chassis, as used on the 360 Modena/Spider. Pricing is expected to be over €200,000. Ferrari are remaining tight lipped however on whether the model will receive four wheel drive. |
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