Secret performance cars of 2006 - Ferrari F600

On sale August
Price £165,000

It’s not every day that a new Ferrari comes along. The prospect of a new model is always exciting, and the company’s F600 is no exception. Set to replace the ageing F575 Maranello, the new car will use a shortened version of the 612 Scaglietti’s lightweight alloy chassis and its powerful V12 engine.

With up to 600bhp on tap and a relatively low kerbweight, the new grand tourer is likely to be very fast. The heavier 612 achieves 0-60mph in 4.2sec, so the lighter F600 should be able to beat that.

There is also a chance that the F600 will be the first Ferrari to have four-wheel drive. This new part-time system will operate in a similar way to traction control, transferring power to the front wheels if it detects the car starting to skid.

The new car is expected to be bigger inside than the car it replaces, giving more comfort and space to the two passengers. It should also inherit the 612’s fine handing characteristics.

Rumours are that the both the race circuit name Imola, as well as the famous Testarossa title, are being considered for the new Ferrari. The car is likely to cost around £165,000.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.