Grapevine

Grapevine

Ferrari F131

"Now that I've done my interpretation, I'm eager to see what the real thing looks like."Russ von Sauers

A New Ferrari to be Unveiled in the Spring

When we first saw the spy shots of Ferrari's new F131, initially printed in the Italian car magazine Quattroroute, we of course felt they would be of great interest to FORZA readers as well. But then we asked ourselves: "Why run spy shots like everyone else? Especially since they have already been seen. Why not give the photos to our artist, Russ von Sauers, and ask him to apply his considerable talent to the subject?" The result can be seen below.

The official designation of the new model (F131 is its in-house designation) is most likely going to be 365, since a slight increase in the stroke has increased engine volume to 3.6 liters. The model will also, like the Maranello, be given a name-Fiorano-all according to the grapevine.
Ferrari F131 The F131, which, when it becomes available next fall, will replace the F355, has been lightened to the tune of 440 lbs, thanks to the use of aluminum in both body and suspension. The V8 engine is reportedly producing 400 bhp. Combined with the low weight, this should make the new car a real rocket. Both a conventional 6-speed and a paddle-shift option will be available, but the gearbox-as well as the engine-are now placed longitudinally.
The sideview of the Pininfarina-penned F131, according to von Sauer's interpretation, is both rounder and smoother than its predecessor, with a silhouette that brings back the shapes of the legendary P3 sport racing coupes of the Sixties.
If the sideview returns a touch of nostalgia, the frontal aspect offers something all new: Instead of the classic single grille in the center, the F131 has two smaller air intakes, positioned on either side, below the headlightswhich now, thankfully, are no longer of the unsightly pop-up variety.
Ferrari F131 The rearview repeats the twin-griffe theme of the front, with two large openings for the two sets of twin exhaust pipes, but also, thanks to the kicked-up tail section, offers a nice tie-in with the 550.
The vents cut into the rear, window are a curious detail. Are they unique to the prototype, or do they indicate that the engine will be visible a la the F40? The official press introduction, scheduled for next spring, will answer this and many other questions. -Henry Rasmussen .

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