Posted 07 October 008 : by Nelson IresonThe end of the 2008 production year is drawing near and the industry, carmakers and consumers alike, are looking forward to what 2009 will bring. The desolate global economic situation presents few bright spots, but Ferrari's perennially brilliant Prancing Horse will offer some new features and refresh some familiar ones before the next year is out.
Ferrari's blockbuster hit - the California - is already out, however, and nothing to rival it is scheduled for a 2009 debut. Though the folding-hardtop 'daily driver' Ferrari is already public knowledge, the actual customer cars won't begin delivery until mid-2009, so there's still much to look forward to, however. Powered by a 460hp (343kW) 4.3L V8 with the company's first implementation of direct-injection and the all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the California is a technological tour de force that also brings a very slightly greener tinge to the lineup. The efficiency-enhancing effects of the direct-injection and dual-clutch technology are well known, though it's hard to believe the California is tuned for anything but performance, daily driver or not.
Another bright spot in 2009 is the expected redesign of the F430, though we'll have to wait until the later part of the year to see the results, reports Automotive News. In addition to gaining the direct injection and dual-clutch transmission, the F430 will also get a new aluminum chassis. A test mule has been spotted, and though it's not certain what exactly the car is, one possibility is that it's the next-gen F430.
Rumors of a possible Spyder version of the 430 Scuderia - the track-focused hyper-430 - have been flying about wildly in recent months, but as yet there has been no official confirmation of the car.
Further down the line, Ferrari is thought to be working on a successor to the Ferrari Enzo. Taking inspiration from the eco-conscious FXX Millechilli concept and not due until 2010 or 2011, the car is still little more than speculation, despite spy shots of a test mule on the streets of Maranello.
Whatever the nature of the next Ferrari limited-edition hypercar, it will almost certainly be reined in from its V12 past. The pinch of emissions and efficiency regulations in the EU and elsewhere are being felt even at the highest levels of the industry, and Ferrari could be backed into using a twin-turbo V8 - though a forced induction V12 reportedly remains an option as well. Final output will be between 700hp (522kW) in twin-turbo V8 form and 750-800hp (560-596kW) in twin-turbo V12 form.
About 300 of the cars are to be built, with starting prices in the neighborhood of $500,000.
Also taking a longer view of things are the updates to the 612 Scaglietti, due for replacement in 2011, and the 599 GTB Fiorano, which will get a retractable hardtop model in 2011 or 2012. The Fiorano has a year-long waiting list at the moment, however, so purchasing for the new folding hardtop variants will likely start sometime in late 2009 or early 2010. Both models are now eligible for the unique One-to-One personalization program via a worldwide chain of ateliers.