WE’VE ALREADY SEEN spy shots of the latest Ferrari F450 development mules running around Europe, but now we may have a better idea of what will lie beneath its supercar skin.

According to UK rag Autocar, Ferrari will be capitalising on its race-derived technology in a big way with the F450, kitting it out with an arsenal of competition-proven components.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle will replace the six-speed automated manual currently in use in the F430, while a tweaked version of the 430 Scuderia’s traction control and an understeer-minimising stability control program will keep the F450 glued to the tarmac.

Structurally, the F450 is also rumoured to be built atop an all-alloy chassis that boasts greater rigidity than that used by the F430, while also dropping a few precious kilos from the car’s kerb mass. Weight distribution will be helped by dual radiators mounted ahead of the front wheels.

Subtle wheelarch extensions seen on F430-based development mules suggest that track dimensions may change, however the F450’s proportions should be very similar to the car that it will replace. New diffuser designs seen on the prototypes hint at improved aerodynamics and increased downforce.

A 4.5 litre V8 is expected to sit amidships, and current rumours place power output in the 410kW-plus range. A concept version of the F450 may debut at the LA Auto Show in December, while a hybrid version using Ferrari’s recently patented petrol-electric drivetrain systems may also break cover around then.

GALLERY » 2010 Ferrari F450 spy shots

[Autocar]