Storming Testarossa returns

ne of the most famous names in Ferrari history is being tipped for a hero's return, Auto Express can reveal. The legendary Testarossa badge has been worn by the Italian maker's finest road and race cars since 1956, and is now set to grace the replacement for the 575M.

Called the F600 Testarossa, the model will be the first Ferrari to wear the badge since the flat-12-engined 512TR. The name Testarossa means red head, and refers to the fact that the cars bearing the title have all had the top of their engines painted 'rossa'.

The F600's race-derived V12 cylinder heads will also be coloured red. In addition, the model is expected to feature a clear bulge

in the centre of the bonnet - similar to Pininfarina's Rossa, revealed in 2000 - through which the mighty powerplant will be visible.

Further fresh ideas include scalloped sides and a rounded tail. The newcomer is also expected to take some of its styling inspiration from the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti - another model to resurrect a famous name from the Maranello-based manufacturer's past.

Although engine type and design is still to be confirmed, it is believed that the Testarossa will be powered by a 6.0-litre V12 producing at least 550bhp, through either a six-speed manual or six-ratio semi-automatic gearbox. The car will be launched late next year.

Chris Thorp

Ferrari is developing a successor to the current 575M Maranello, which has been on the market since 1996, under the code name F139.



While there have been quite a number of pictures showing test mules for this new model, these are the first pictures of a real prototype. It was caught while taking a short lap at Ferrari's Maranello test track. The prototype still has disguise on its front and rear ends, but the roofline is visible as well as the overall shape.



The new F139, designed by Pininfarina, sits on the shortened platform of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, which makes the sportscar considerably bigger, providing a roomier passenger cabin and a larger luggage compartment.



The engine, based on the 5.75-liter, 48-valve V-12 from the Scaglietti, has been bored to 6.0 liters and will deliver between 580 and 600 hp.



According to rumors, the name of the new model could be 600 Maranello or Imola. It is expected to be released in 2006.





Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image

Someone in the Autopareri forums posted three photos of the Ferrari F600 (codename F139) that seem to be official. This pictures are sufficiently similar to the spyshots seenn up to now that they could be the real thing, but the styling is a big enough break with the existing models to give pause. While waiting for word from Maranello, let the readers judge the photos, the ample endowent of air intakes and the strange combination of rear pillar / rear glass.

We shall also have to wait for technical data on the F600 (there's talk of a V12 engine derived from the Enzo's that should output 590-625 hp).