Ferrari F450 spied

The latest offering from the prancing horse is gathering pace! These are first shots of a full-prototype for the F430 replacement, known as the F450 in reference to the new  4.5-litre V8 mounted behind the driver’s head, rumoured to have a higher power output than the 520hp F430 Scuderia.

Previous spy photos of the eight-cylinder Ferrari have only shown a test mule, but now the bodywork and a few key design details are beginning to take shape.

Most striking of all is the strip of LED running light running vertically away from the headlights. It might be a technology that has become Audi’s trademark of late, but with this novel arrangement Ferrari has given the technology a fresh twist.

Also clearly visible is Ferrari’s first triple exhaust arrangement, designed to emit the trademark V8 roar, and Enzo-inspired circular rear lights. The vast majority of cars sold will be fitted with a version of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox from the California.

Expect the F450 to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with UK sales starting in 2010.