SPIED: Can ANYONE Figure Out What This Ferrari Prototype Is?

It seems that Ferrari has created a mystery prototype.

After one publication speculated that it could possibly be the 458 Italia Spyder undergoing initial testing, it seems that Auto Express has a better answer; it is a 612 replacement.

Although both seem reasonable, the Spies don't have much of a clue either. That's because the timing is about right on for both cars to be undergoing their initial testing process. The weird part about this particular vehicle is that it has a lot of the 458's attributes -- wheels, aerodynamics and headlights -- but it is thrown together in what appears to be a larger, GT-like shape.

Could this be some serious part sharing?

Anyone care to guess what motor is slotted underneath the mystery car's hood? The note does not have a distinct V8 or V12 sound, either!

**Check out more photographs by clicking "Read Article" or see the quick video of the mystery prototype here.


The Ferrari stable is preparing to open its doors to an all-new Prancing Horse! Our spy photographers have snapped this heavily disguised prototype- likely to be the next 612 Scaglietti- testing in Maranello.

Despite the heavy camouflage, the 612’s long, raked trademark bonnet is a dead giveaway as to the identity of this mystery mule. Also recognisable is the sloping rear roofline of the current car...

[Source: Auto Express]








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dlin - 8/3/2010 11:57:31 PM

+3 Boost

458M? Haha....

edeus123 - 8/4/2010 1:49:09 AM

+1 Boost

I bet that's not even the prototype. I bet that's how the car actually looks. Putting all jokes aside I actually thinks this is the actual car. No, no, okay, I'm serious now; I think this car may actually my be another spin on the dino, but don't take my word for it just open a book.

edeus123 - 8/4/2010 2:18:43 AM

+1 Boost

Dudes, that have to be the best camo I seen in years. I'm like what the crap is that? A turd on wheels thats what it is.

JUGNU - 8/4/2010 11:09:48 AM

+1 Boost

I have a question. Doesn't this much camo tape interfere with the aerodynamics of the car while testing? So the car will produce slower numbers or some cooling problems. I mean on a corolla or a land Rover or an S class this much camo will not make much difference but on a Ferrari definitely. Or maybe this is the initial testing period and camo tape will slowly come off when testing gets serious.

JUGNU

Agent00R - 8/4/2010 1:20:37 PM

+2 Boost

This is most definitely the very beginning of the car coming together. Cooling and aero does not matter just quite yet.

And because Ferrari has that huge wind tunnel, I bet the real shape has been already checked for aero purposes. They probably just want to get it on the road and getting some miles under its watch.

Schwitz916 - 8/4/2010 4:15:32 PM

+1 Boost

My guess would be the 599 hybrid with updated styling. With the new emissions regulations coming up rather quickly, Ferrari has admitted that they would build the hybrid just to meet the new regulations as a car company. This would be about the time they would be testing it on the road. The engine note is also not a distinctive V8 or V12 as the article points out. After hearing a clip of it, the engine actually sounds like it has a higher RPM, which most hybrids to have. The clip was in a urban setting when you would hear the RPM's be the highest.

Terry989 - 8/4/2010 7:53:20 PM

+1 Boost

Definitely not a 458 based car since the ass end is not long enough to even squeeze a V6 in and the exhaust pipes are completely different. I would also rule on the Dino since I hope if it comes to be, it will be true to the original and be a lower displacement mid engine design. While the camo makes the lines of the car deceptive, it looks too small to house a V12 in the bonnet, ruling out a 612 replacement.
I'm going with a California based Hybrid. If Ferrari wants to get there overall fuel economy up (which they must), they need a reasonable priced (by Ferrari standards) Hybrid that will sell in high volume.

LuvMyLexus - 8/4/2010 9:49:15 PM

+1 Boost

It's the 458 Italia Hybrid.

mini22 - 8/5/2010 5:51:38 PM

+1 Boost

It looks a lot like the front engined prototype that Maserati was testing a a few yrs ago prior to the Grand Tourismo. Remember it was originally going to be a a Maserati coupe but then Ferrari took it over. It is now the California.It does look a bit smaller then the 599 and 612 so could it be the much denied "cheaper" Ferrari to take on the 911,A8 and Vantage. A California is pushing 200 grand now. Maybe it's a way for Ferrari to build up it's volume.