Ferrari 612 Scaglietti shooting brake spied!

UPDATE: The car has been unveiled as the Ferrari FF. See http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110214/GENEVA/302149999 for the story.

The proof is in the photographs.

Insiders told AutoWeek of Ferrari's plans for a shooting brake concept set to stun the Geneva motor show, and now the car has been caught in testing.

The concept is an evolution of the 612 Scaglietti and would use that car's 12-cylinder engine that pushes out 533 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. The running gear is like that of the 612 coupe, and they also share an all-aluminum chassis.

Ferrari is doing a shooting brake--a two-door wagon--to push the limits of its brand DNA. These photographs show the extended back end, which is heavily clad. Underneath the covering, the 612's familiar grille is apparent, and there are scoops on the side.

Ferrari is not expected to produce a shooting brake and probably will not call the concept that. But, it is looking to extend its reach, following in the footsteps of Porsche's Panamera sedan and Cayenne SUV. Italian rival Lamborghini showed the Estoque concept at the 2008 Paris motor show. It's a sedan that hints at new direction for that company as well.

Supercar makers around the globe are considering how far they can stretch their brands as economic conditions warrant broader product lines. Ferrari has been working on hybrid systems and showed a 599 hybrid at Geneva last year. All of this could be a harbinger of things to come for Ferrari.

By Greg Migliore