What looks at first in these spy pictures like a shooting-break prototype of the 458 Italia is in fact a test mule for Ferrari’s next top supercar and a replacement for the Enzo.
Many believe that Maranello’s forthcoming flagship model will continue the naming tradition that started with the F40 and F50, and as such, will be called the F70.
There are a lot of rumors circulating about the F70, the latest being that it will sport an advanced hybrid powertrain linking an upgraded version of the 6.3-liter V12 gasoline engine used in the new FF GT and F12berlinetta with approximately 800-horses to a KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) driveline with a 120HP electric motor. Combined, the two systems will deliver 920HP.
This could be true as last year, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said that Enzo’s replacement would sport a mid-mounted V12 and that the company is considering the use of hybrid technology.
Felisa had also hinted at the use of lightweight but super-strong carbon composite materials in the construction of the supercar.
The new F70 (if that’s the name Ferrari will use for the car) will make its world premiere next year, possibly at the 2013 Geneva Salon in March.
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