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Ace photographer Hans Lehmann has already caught on camera a mysterious prototype Ferrari which has been seen driving in and out of the Factory gates recently. It is widely thought by commentators to be the 550/575 replacement model. To add to the speculation Auto Express have published the following article, written by Chris Thorpe: "Ferrari is moving to Imola - and fast. The hot new two-seater which will replace the 575 Maranello, is tipped to be named after the legendary circuit which hosts the San Marino Grand Prix. Exclusive pictures can be seen in the current issue of Auto Express. Taking its styling cues from the 612 Scaglietti, insiders tell us the new model will be called the F600 Imola, and will slot into the Ferrari range between the smaller F430 and the four-seater 612. The badge comes from the 600bhp, 6.0-litre V12 under the bonnet. Designed by Pininfarina, the F600 will have aggressive features to mark it out as a focused supercar. Protruding wing mirrors, will become a styling hallmark of all future Ferraris. Already part way through its development programme, our spies snapped the prototype leaving the factory. The test mule is wearing a cut-down 612 bodyshell, with the shorter wheelbase and ill-fitting panels clearly visible. Many mechanical parts are shared with the 612, and the car will be based on an aluminium spaceframe chassis. Longer than the outgoing 575, the F600 will be a true driver's machine, but also far more stable when cornering. The engine is derived from the unit found in the Enzo supercar, so buyers can look forward to a 0-60mph sprint time of around four seconds, while a clutchless manual transmission will provide the quickest possible gearchanges. Expect the new supercoupé to have similar
prices to the model it replaces, making F600 Imola ownership the preserve
of those with a budget of at least £150,000. Anyone with more to
spend can also look forward to an open-top Barchetta version, scheduled
for 2007".
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