Maranello, April 24, 2002
First official image of the successor to the F50 released
The Paris Motor Show on October 26 is the date which has been chosen by
Ferrari for the presentation of their new super model, the successor to the F50.
The internal code of this car is ”FX”, although it seems likely that it will not bear
this designation when going into production in Spring of 2003. Although many
journalists like to describe this super sports car as ”F60”, the final designation
will probably be different. Ferrari’s 60th anniversary will be in 2007, and likewise
as both the legendary F40 and F50, a new anniversary model should be either
launched in the anniversary year to shortly before — but not five years in
advance.
The first official image of the new car has now been released by Ferrari after
various highly camouflaged prototypes had been spotted while testing around
Maranello since 2000. As mentioned above, the official presentation of the FX
was announced for the Paris Motor Show in October, but it is also possible that
the launch (or a pre-presentation) will be held during the Ferrari Racing Days at
the Nürburgring in Germany on September 6-8. The German Racing Days,
which are hosted by the factory and by the factory-subsidiary German importer,
will most likely see the unveiling of a new model — it’s not yet known which one,
but the F50-successor is a very likely candidate.
However, Ferrari’s new supercar will incorporate much Formula One technology
like a complicated front wing or a diffusor to the rear, plus many production
materials which are used in Michael Schumacher’s successful single-seater.
As the image reveals, the front section of the FX clearly resembles the ”nose” of
Ferrari’s recent Formula One cars. The mid-engined FX — designed by
Pininfarina in Ferrari’s wind-tunnel — will probably sport spectacular gullwing
doors and a retractable rearwing for more downforce and stability at high
speed. The power will for sure be in the outrageous region of 600 bhp to 700
bhp, the engine might be another V12, but also a V10 Formula One-derivate
seems possible. The top speed of the FX will be above 330 km/h (more than
206 mph). Its price will probably be in the region of 500.000,-EUR, but other
sources also mention 799.000,-EUR as a possible figure. Production will be
highly limited: Only 299 units of the FX might be made, that would be even less
than the 349 F50s built between 1995 and 1997! Regardless of the price,
Ferraristi from all over the world will once again stand in a long queue to place
their orders — and the sportscar manufacturer from Maranello will be very picky
about whom to sell this most desired product: Long-time customers and
celebrities will be the preferred buyers who will be ”allowed” to order the FX.
Some examples will, of course, be available to ”regular” customers. So… if you
want one, it’s time to visit your local authorized dealer.
|
