LaFerrari Spider among Maranello's future product plans

Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Niche though its products may be, Ferrari typically rolls out a new model every year. 2009, for example, saw the introduction of the California. In 2010 came the 458 Italia, followed by the 458 Spider in 2011. In 2012 we greeted the FF, and in 2013 both the F12 Berlinetta and 458 Speciale. This year the hyper-exotic LaFerrari was joined by the California T, and you can bet that Maranello will keep up that pace by rolling out new versions of and replacements for each of these models in succession.

Among the plans which Car and Driver reports Ferrari has afoot will be an open-top LaFerrari Spider – something which the Prancing Horse marque hasn't done at the top of its range since the F50, which came exclusively with a removable hardtop. The 6.3-liter hybrid V12 will likely carry over unchanged, as will most of the other parameters, but for the joy of experiencing 1,000 horsepower with the wind in your hair – and the exclusivity of being one of the just 50 owners – we're told to expect a price tag roughly double that of the existing $1.35 million coupe.

Of course, Ferrari has more plans than simply chopping the roof off its hybrid hypercar. In Geneva next March, the House that Enzo Built is tipped to introduce a Modificato version of the 458 with a twin-turbo V8 producing around 670 horsepower – over one hundred horses more than in the new California T. A refresh for the all-wheel-drive FF is also said to be underway for 2016, when it will receive a less awkward roofline and the possible addition of a V8 base version alongside the V12 that will remain naturally aspirated. As it will in the updated F12 due the following year.

Successors for each of these "mainstream" models are also being planned for the more distant future, and Ferrari is also tipped to be working on some new technologies – including increased use of carbon fiber (though not to replace the core aluminum construction to which the marque remains faithful), increased use of adaptive aerodynamics, a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and even a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. One thing's for sure: Ferrari is not a company used to sitting still.

By Noah Joseph