[iainuk]

These pics were taken outside the factory on the roads Ferrari use for testing. The car is definately not the Challenge version as it still has the 3 exhaust pipes. It does however feature the lightweight Lexan rear window, Lexan side windows like the option on the Challenge Stradale and a new style of alloy wheel. Could this be the first sighting of the 458 Evo version?

[Boxer]

It does sound very feasible. Development of the 458 CS/Scud/Monza would be underway by now.

[champagne612]

Makes sense!

The Evo name is what I heard way back when - right after the 458 came out.

Picking up 30 or so hp and a lighter car most likely.

The other rumor was the Evo may have something special under the hood.

[wetpet]

if history is any clue, usually is. good find.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by champagne612

The other rumor was the Evo may have something special under the hood.

Decent luggage room?

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Decent luggage room?

That was funny

Way back when - I was told it may have an additional method to increase hp.

Ferrari will never admit it - but Lambo and their new 560 followed by their Scud version is pushing Ferrari pretty hard to our benefit.

My guess is Ferrari takes serious issue with the possibility of Lambo producing a better performing machine.

[Boxer]

Might have some sort of KERs type set up.

[430Addict]

This I'd going to be awesome. The 458 is already in a league of it's own...a scud version would be out of this world!

[Mike430]

Has anyone got further info or any word from dealers about the 458 ''Scuderia''?

I think it's going to be quite a beast. Can't wait to see what Ferrari come up with.....

Iain are these pictures pretty recent? I can't find the post on Autogespot.

[tazandjan]

I am pretty sure all of you have seen this presentation to the Fiat board, but just in case:

[StefVan]

I've seen some parts of it but never this entire version.

Great post and info Taz! Thanks for sharing this.

I'm wondering how they are going to replace the Gran Turismo. This car is just so perfect and I can't imagine how to make it looking better. But I'm sure they find out One day, the GranTurismo S will be in my garage

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

I am pretty sure all of you have seen this presentation to the Fiat board, but just in case:

I have not seen that version - good stuff.

Looking forward to Maser stepping up with the SUV and of course that new 599.

[tazandjan]

Stef- They do not have to replace it, just make incremental performance and styling changes. If you look at the Maserati engines at 450 bhp or less, and the 458 at 570 or so, there is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe DCT, etc and still keep in their price range. Looks like that lower end entry may have been the SUV, and I thought it was going to be a lower price car to compete with Porsche. Who knows? Since their divorce from Ferrari, things are more changeable.

[arizonaitalian]

Question to you all:

When they say extend the model life with an "M" version at the four year mark, what do we think that means specifically?

I ask because I understand the California may be getting some HGTE or similiar treatment in 2012 and I'm wondering if that is the "M" or if yet another set of enhancements will be the "M"?

Same with the 458 Scuderia that they mention as a 2013 launch. Is that the "M"?

Does this mean there will be an "M" for 599/replacement and FF as well?

FWIW, I think this is very smart marketing...

I'm just bummed the 458 Scuderia is targeted at "high end customers" like th 599 GTO because that likely excludes me!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by arizonaitalian

Question to you all:

When they say extend the model life with an "M" version at the four year mark, what do we think that means specifically?

I ask because I understand the California may be getting some HGTE or similiar treatment in 2012 and I'm wondering if that is the "M" or if yet another set of enhancements will be the "M"?

Same with the 458 Scuderia that they mention as a 2013 launch. Is that the "M"?

Does this mean there will be an "M" for 599/replacement and FF as well?

FWIW, I think this is very smart marketing...

I'm just bummed the 458 Scuderia is targeted at "high end customers" like th 599 GTO because that likely excludes me!

M will mean different things for the different models. As per the 456 M GT, a few of the minor issues on the California will be addressed, a few more bhp added, and the list price taken up a few $$$.

No M on the 599, this will be a new car.

[tazandjan]

Boxer- You hit it on the head. The 456M and 575M are the models for what you can expect. The HGTE for the 599 and the HGTC/S packages for the 575M and 612 are just performance upgrades for the basic model. On the 612, the M equivalent was the Sessanta/OTO with extensive upgrades like dual plate clutch, 599 gearbox case (to match up with the 599 dual plate clutch), and a new Type F133H engine (about which I have been able to find nothing).

[iainuk]

M is short for Modificata and denotes the half life point of the basic chassis of each model so the M point in recent model history equates to the 360 becoming the 430, 550 becoming the 575 etc. The size and scale of the revisions is determined by the sales volume of each model line hence why the 612 had no significant sheet metal changes during it's "full" life yet the 430 received a brand new engine, e-diff, new interior, revised styling etc.

The 599 replacement will be a reworking of the basic architecture of it's predecessor but it will feature the all new V12 from the FF along with the DCT gearbox from that model.

The forthcoming changes to the California appear to fall outside the planned time window for the M model. I suspect the revisions have been pulled forward to prevent sales dipping following the launch of the 458 spider. The changes sound like they are aimed at tempting existing Cali owners to trade up to the new 2012 model and keep the order book evenly spread on the V8 line across the 458, 458 spider and Cali. I'd be surprised to see any significant styling alterations to the car at this point as it has only been on sale for 3 years.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by iainuk

These pics were taken outside the factory on the roads Ferrari use for testing. The car is definately not the Challenge version as it still has the 3 exhaust pipes. It does however feature the lightweight Lexan rear window, Lexan side windows like the option on the Challenge Stradale and a new style of alloy wheel. Could this be the first sighting of the 458 Evo version?

Recently heard that this might be launched at Geneva in early 2013.

[kdkalamariotis]

Originally Posted by 430Addict

This I'd going to be awesome. The 458 is already in a league of it's own...a scud version would be out of this world!

Absolutely!!! I don't think it will be far off even compared to the new enzo! ...given the fact that you can hardly put down more than 600 horsepower on the road! Its all about set up and handling after a point! I can't wait and see lap times at fiorano of the 458 scuderia and the new enzo! Whats sure is that both will be on a different planet and cars that you can own for a lifetime no matter what comes next! ...and please no stereo on any of these!!!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by kdkalamariotis

given the fact that you can hardly put down more than 600 horsepower on the road! I

700+ bhp is not uncommon these days. The big bug, Lambo, 599 GTO, all teh K'eggs are all well over 600 bhp.