Ferrari recently held an exclusive preview of the upcoming F430 coupé to dealer representatives at their factory in Maranello. Three cars were displayed, representing the most popular Ferrari colours, Rosso Corsa, Grigio Titanio and Giallo Fly respectively.

Photographs taken by an anonymous individual with a concealed camera phone purport to show close-up details of the 360 Modena successor.

As was confirmed by recent images taken on the road, the newcomer's styling characteristics have been borrowed from the Enzo supercar and recent 612 Scaglietti luxury coupé. The slim front headlights and rear-end styling blatantly combines the style of these two thoroughbreds onto reworked 360 Modena underpinnings.

The bigger wheel arches have enabled larger 19-inch starfish-style alloy wheels to be fitted as standard. BBS Challenge Stradale wheels, which are fitted to the Grigio Titanio example in the pictures, are an optional extra.

Carbon-ceramic brakes will also feature, as will an increased track width at both the front and rear. Like the Enzo supercar, the F430 will make greater use of F1-developed technology, whilst Ferrari claims that almost 70% of the parts are new.

The front bumper incorporates re-profiled lateral air inlets of a strikingly aerodynamic shape to supply more air to the radiators for the new, larger capacity engine.

These frontal air intakes have been bordered with a carbon fibre frame to enhance their purposeful look. Air scoops at the rear have also become much more prominent.

New headlights are mounted in Enzo-style angular units, however the lens layout is similar to that of the Scaglietti. The highly detailed rear of the car will feature modified openings around the tailpipes and a new diffuser design. The optical units and rear grille treatment are also Enzo-inspired.

The new engine is a development of the Ferrari-designed Maserati 4.2-litre V8 unit, which has been bored out to 4.3 litres. An output of around 490bhp has been achieved through further optimising the intake and exhaust gas flow.

The quad rear exhaust pipes each have a reduced exit diameter and a tapered design. The sprint time from 0-62mph takes under 4 seconds.

The coupé is likely to debut early next year at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show, with Spider and Challenge Stradale versions following during the summer.

James Granger (ItaliaSpeed) - 16 Aug 2004