Starting at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show on 5th March, Ferrari will present at least five entirely new or face lifted models within the next two years.

The Geneva Motor Show will see the launch of a modified version of the 550 Maranello, which will most probably be called 575 MM. Against earlier reports which mentioned a six litre engine, the 575 MM will apparently feature an engine enlarged to 5.7 litres capacity. The designation "575" hence might be explained as "5.7 litre engine with five valves per cylinder".

The suffix "MM" is still a riddle: rumours have it as a revival of the legendary designation "Mille Miglia", a throwback to the successful 340 MM, 375 MM and 250 MM racing models of the early 1950's. However, more likely is the explanation of "MM" standing for "Maranello Modificata" - a "modified Maranello". The "modificata" suffix is already known from the F512 M and the 456 M GT/GTA.The 575 MM will be available with the F1 paddle shift system and will probably produce about 500 bhp.

Definitely due to be presented in 2002 is also Ferrari's new super model, the successor to the F50. The internal code of this car is "FX", although it seems likely that it will not bear this designation when going into production in Spring 2003. Although many journalists like to describe this super sports car as "F60", the final designation will probably be different. Ferrari's 60th anniversary will be in 2007, and likewise as both F40 and F50, a new anniversary model should be either launched in the anniversary year to shortly before - but not five years in advance.

The official presentation of the FX was announced for the Paris Motor Show in October, but it is also possible that the launch will be held during the Ferrari Racing Days at the Nürburgring on September 6-8. The Racing Days will most likely see the unveiling of a new model - it's not yet known which one, but the F50-successor is a likely candidate.

The car will incorporate Formula One technology like a complicated front wing. It will probably have gullwing doors. The power will likely be in the outrageous region of 600 bhp to 700 bhp, the engine might be another V12, but also a V10 Formula One-derivate seems possible. Its price will be in the region of 500.000,-EUR.

There are at least two FX prototypes circling around Maranello: the spectacular black one is already known and has been pictured several times on this website. But there is also a "long" 550 Maranello that was declared a prototype to the 456 M GT-successor by journalists because of its long chassis and the incredibly lengthened "nose" section. However, from a usually well informed source we received the information that this mysterious car is in fact another FX prototype that incorporates the new chassis. Furthermore, this prototype is said to be mid-engined, the entire front body section basically being camouflage. Well, if so - it worked!

Talking about a successor to the 456 M GT, there are no stories known. This car might be launched in 2004 (possibly celebrating its unveiling at the 2003 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show). Interestingly, no prototype photos of this car have yet shown up - presuming that the above mentioned long 550 Maranello is indeed an FX prototype.

Rumour has it that there will be a more sporting version of the 360 Modena. This car will basically be a lightened and spartan version of the 360, similar to the non-road legal 360 Challenge. The engine might remain unchanged, but some additional bhp might easily be found. Nothing is yet known about this car's designation - how about "360 GT" or even "360 GTO"? Interestingly, this variant might arrive shortly and it is the other possible candidate for the mysterious model launch at the German Ferrari Racing Days in early September.

In 2004, a successor or a heavily modified version of the 360 Modena could use a variant of the new 4.2 litre V8-engine developed for the Maserati Spyder and the Maserati Coupé. This engine produces 390 bhp in the current Maserati models, but it is widely known that it does have more potential which has been willingly restricted in the Maserati to mark a gap between the Maserati and the Ferrari 360 clearly. The current difference of only ten bhp might also be the reason for the launch of the "360 GT"

Recent rumours from Switzerland included gossip about an improved 360 Challenge car for the 2003 season, which would probably mean that all older cars would have to be upgraded - if possible.

2004 will probably also see the launch of the successor to the 550 Maranello / 575 MM. Nothing is known about this project except that the car's concept will allow a real Spider version - the compromise 550 Barchetta Pininfarina generated an appetite for a "fully worthy" open Ferrari V12-model.

So… Ferraristi may look forward to real fireworks of new or revised models within the next two years.

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