What's this about the F430 replacement ? What do we know about this car ?

It's known inhouse as the F142 and is an all-new design, unlike the current model that's an evolution of the F360 built between 1999 and 2003. Expect to see the newcomer in late 2009 or early 2010.

The big news is it will follow the Mille Chili concept (above) - as a more compact and significantly lighter than the model it replaces. Like the Dino, F142 will no longer be available as a soft-top Spyder. Instead, you can pay extra money for an ultra-quick, ultra-light and ultra-compact power operated top which consists of a perspex centre panel and a secondary element painted in body colour.

Smaller, lighter... I like the sound of this. How light will the next 430 be ?

Lighter still than the 430 Scuderia, which tips the scales at 1250kg. Which is good news. The mid-engined newcomer won't need a massive investment in cylinders and displacement to deliver the goods. Our sources suggest a turbocharged small displacement direct-injection V8 will provide the excitement.

Also on the cards are semi-active aerodynamics, brake energy tapped for torque loss compensation during upshifts, a pushrod suspension and a so-called ballistic valvetrain for that extra high-end grunt. Whereas the Mille Chili (above) is styled as a junior Enzo, project F142 will have a new look of its own, evolving the 355/360/430 design language to the next level.

Make no mistake, it's going to be an exciting car. But it's also going to be quite a bit more expensive than its predecessor. Which makes sense, considering there is the Dino waiting in the wings, as the entry-level car in Ferrari's line-up.

Exciting times at Maranello...