GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ferrari 620 GT

Ferrari’s keenly anticipated replacement for the 599 GTB Fiorano will be revealed this Wednesday, but the prancing horse has been caught on the hop by this prematurely leaked image of the new V12-powered coupe (which will allegedly be known as the 620 GT).

Details remain sketchy at this stage, but European reports suggest the newcomer will be powered by an updated version of the direct-injection 6.3-litre V12 that propels the all-wheel drive FF.

It’s likely the newcomer will use the FF’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but it’s not yet known whether the latter’s revolutionary AWD system will also be carried over.

Euro reports suggest the 620 GT will be good for more than 700bhp (522kW), which is a handy improvement on the 486kW on tap in the FF.

This would also make the new flagship the most powerful road car offered by Ferrari. The FXX and FXX Evoluzione obviously don’t count, because they were conceived from the outset purely for racetrack use.

In contrast to the carbonfibre-intensive approach of McLaren (and now Lamborghini), the new-gen Ferrari will retain an alloy monocoque chassis, but it’s believed cutting-edge construction techniques will make it lighter than its 599 predecessor.

According to company sources quoted by various publications, Ferrari does not as yet believe carbonfibre is suitable for volume production – even though the flagship model isn’t exactly a high-volume proposition.

As for the accompanying image, what it shows is a more angular and aggressive car than the 599, with the most notable element being the catfish-style brake cooling ducts housed within the front spoiler assembly.

The headlights are also far more tapered than those of the 599, while the bonnet features a large central vent to extract heat from the engine bay.

Meanwhile, the flanks are distinguished by a pronounced scallop, while the rear haunches are far brawnier than its voluptuous forerunner’s derriere. Also noteworthy is that the 599’s distinctive flying-buttresses have been canned in favour of a conventional fastback design.

Stay tuned… We’ll be able to tell you more as soon as we get hold of the official pics and PR bumpf.

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