Ferrari F450 prototype spied as F430 successor heads for Frankfurt debut

Spy photographer Brenda Priddy serves up a fresh look at the Ferrari F450, the car set to replace the F430 in Ferrari's lineup later this year.

From this prototype, spotted being loaded into a hauler, we see that the styling is updated but not a radical departure from the F430.

The new model designation comes from an increase in displacement for the V8 to 4.5 liters. We expect the horsepower rating to show up in the 500 neighborhood.

That V8 will still be mounted behind the seats. We also wouldn't be surprised to see the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission launched on the Ferrari California to show up in the F450.

The buzz is that the Ferrari F450 will make its debut later this year, likely at the Frankfurt motor show in September, with European sales to start soon after that. U.S. buyers likely will have to wait until next year for the newest Ferrari.

By Dale Jewett