Ferrari has begun its chassis testing programme for the successor to the F430. The car has a sticker badge on the side of the window with the name "F142" which is supposedly the codename for it. The mule spied in these pictures looks like an F430 but it has bigger air intakes and a wide central exhaust just under the number plate at the rear. The wheel case at the front wheels is modified hinting to a different wheelbase from the F430.
Recent theories claim the F430 replacement will be badged the F450 with a 4.5-litre V8 engine. Power should be in the mid 500hp (373kW) area which would be up from the F430's current 483hp (360kW). It is due out on showroom floors in early 2010 and should eventually spawn other versions like a Scuderia and a Spider. Before that a public appearance may happen this coming October.
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I'll miss the F430, it will definitely be known as a classic car in years to come...