Launched in 1999, the much-loved Ferrari 360 Modena is currently undergoing a technical upgrade and visual makeover. The sportscar marque's new "mainstream" sports car, which is due to debut next year, will fight back at the recently launched 500 bhp V10 Lamborghini Gallardo.

Exact technical specifications of the new sportscar remain unclear, but an increased capacity version of the 4.2-litre V8 used in the Maserati Coupe and Spyder is being tested.

Expected to be around 4300cc (though there are also rumours of a new 5.0-litre unit), it will offer an even higher rev band through the continued use of a flat plane crank, revised, lighter internal components and a new air induction system and electronics. With in excess of 475 bhp on tap it will be well up from the 360 Modena's present 400 bhp output.

However, with major strides being made in the mid-size mid-engined sector by sportscar rivals, Ferrari is strongly considering fitting a new 5.0-litre V8 or V10 engine, derived from the Enzo supercar's 600 bhp 6.0-litre V12 unit. With 500 bhp available it will meet the Gallardo head on, while offering 75 bhp more than currently on offer in the 'extreme' 360 Modena derived road racer, the Challenge Stradale.

Rumours are that Ferrari has already registered the Ferrari 430 name in the USA.

Development of the new car has seen several evolutionary stages. The launch of the new 192 mph Lamborghini Gallardo raised the bar, but Maranello's engineers and management are very confident that they can respond to the challenge thrown down.

The project received a setback when a fire ripped through Ferrari's road car experimental hangar on 17 March this year, the blaze destroying a number of prototype cars, believed to include the 360 replacement and technical equipment, before it was brought under control by the Italian Fire Brigade.

Thanks to ItaliaSpeed, we can now bring you the first spy shots. Whereas the stylish and curved main body will be carried over from the current model, the newcomer will offer new wings, headlights, engine lid, bumpers, side skirts and interior.

Increased wheel arches will enable larger 19-inch wheels and a wider track at both the front and rear axles to be offered. The new alloy wheels will be made with Ferrari's trademark starfish pattern, and will not be dissimilar to those presented on the Enzo supercar.

The front bumper will have a full-width lateral air inlet to supply more air to the new larger engine, while the rear air scoops will become much more prominent. New headlights will give the car a closer family resemblance to the brand's recent 612 Scaglietti 2+2 sports coupe.

The rear of the car will feature modified openings around the tailpipes and a new diffuser design. As is usual, the styling has been undertaken by Pininfarina, under the guidance of Ferrari's own in-house head of design, Frank Stephenson.

The Spider version of the 430 will debut shortly after the launch of the coupe. Ferrari has been experimenting with the possibility of using Fioravanti's novel retractable hardtop design, first presented on the Italian design house's Alfa Romeo Vola concept at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. However, it is still unclear as to whether the new Spider will be launched with this feature, which would inevitably add weight.

ItaliaSpeed - 9 Jun 2004