It seems like just yesterday that Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti was launched but it's actually been more than five years, which is why it’s not surprising that test-mules for the car’s successor are already running around the streets of Europe. For the latest car, Ferrari will be primarily focused on giving it an edgier, more up-to-the-minute look that will likely be joined by a greener powertrain as well.
While this test-mule was previously thought to be for a minor mid-cycle facelift for the 612 Scaglietti, key details such as the extended front-end, bonnet bulge, longer wheelbase and stacked exhaust pipes confirm this vehicle represents something much more significant than a facelift.
Not much is known about the successor to the 612 as the car isn't expected to make its launch until late 2011, but according to previous reports it could feature a brand new V-12 powerplant. The new engine is tipped to have 40% fewer carbon-dioxide emissions than the current mill, which would fit Ferrari’s internal goal of reducing its emissions and fuel-consumption by that same amount by 2012. Although Ferrari recently showed off a hybrid concept vehicle, a production version of the system isn't expected until the middle of the decade.
If Ferrari can make the new car 40% more efficient than the Scaglietti, it will have a fuel economy of roughly 19 mpg--up from 11.5 mpg for the current model. Power isn't expected to grow much, as the 612’s standard 533 horsepower output is already generous.
The first actual prototypes of the 612 Scaglietti Successor are expected to start testing in the second half of the year.
