Ferrari readies 599 successor

Ferrari has been producing the marvellous Jason Castriota-designed 599 GTO since distant 2006, which means it can’t be long now until a replacement surfaces. We’re holding our thumbs for a September Frankfurt reveal (At least show us a concept guys!), but until then we have these latest spy shots to drool over. Sure, it might look like a regular black 599, but if you move in closer you’ll notice a raft of changes. The Italian engineers have fitted strange new lights to the front as well as a new bonnet. At the rear, the exhaust pipes are longer (meaning the next 599 will probably be longer – more leg room?) and the valance has been redesigned too. But the most important mission of this mule prototype is the chassis underneath, which will form the base of the 599’s replacement. And that’s the bit Ferrari doesn’t want us to see, because it’s pretty radical. Don’t be surprised if the V12 engine disappears in favour of a turbocharged V8, or even if Maranello decides to put its money where its mouth was with Geneva 2010’s 599 hybrid concept. Article continues below But in all honesty, Ferrari will most likely stick with the V12 formula for its grand tourers, meaning the 6.3-litre V12 found in the FF will probably power the 599’s successor. Think 700 horsepower and rear-wheel drive (unlike in the four-wheel drive FF) and you can see why we’re not complaining.