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Is This The New Ferrari?  This is the strongest hint to date of what a new topless
Ferrari 550 will look like. The eagerly awaited supercar seems set to follow a number of design cues from the Pininfarina-penned Rossa.
Revealed at this week's Turin Motor Show, the Rossa uses
the 550M's mechanicals but is clad in very different bodywork. Company boss Andrea Pininfarina explained: "We wanted something to show the history of Ferrari. The
front intakes are reminiscent of the 360 Modena, while the front wings are from the 1958 250 Testa Rossa."
The designers have also followed the tradition for having part of the engine exposed. But where old
Ferraris had the carburettor stacks sticking out, the Rossa has intake ducts. This allowed the stylists to incorporate a lower bonnet line. With the 550M's V12 5.5-litre engine and a lightweight body built
from aluminium and composite panels, the new car will be capable of more than 200mph.
The cabin has been penned as an extension of the exterior. As a result, the bottom of the tiny aero
screen disappears into the body so that it doesn't disrupt the line of the car. Ferrari is currently considering building a barchetta (roofless) version of its 550 Maranello, but it has not yet been given the
go-ahead. A source confirmed: "If it does build the car, Pininfarina will design it and it is bound to feature some elements shown on the Rossa." |
