Ferrari 599 Replacement ‘Mule’ Spied Testing: Video

Ferrari is set to unveil an all-new line-up over the next three years, including replacements for the 612 and 599 by 2012 - confirmed by Fiat czar Sergio Marchionne in June.

This week, an avid supercar fan has caught footage of a camouflaged 599 GTO in testing, suggesting that Ferrari may be using the special 599 to test new technology for the ageing supercar's replacement. 

Known as a development mule, the 599 GTO-bodied test car will no doubt remind Ferrari fans of the 430-bodied mule spied ahead of the 458 Italia's debut, along with images earlier this year of a camouflaged 612 Scaglietti. 

Although reports overseas have suggested the new 599 will feature a twin-turbo V8 engine and Ferrari's HY-KERS hybrid technology, the test car shown here sounds more like a V12.

Based on technology developed through its Formula 1 programme, Ferrari's HY-KERS hybrid system pairs a 40kg, 75kW electric motor with its 6.0 litre V12 engine and seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. 

Whatever the true identity of this masked Italian - possibly even one last special-edition of the existing 599 - all will likely be revealed early in the new year.