Ferrari brings its new GT to life

FERRARI has confirmed that it has a new sportscar in the works, with official word from Maranello over the weekend that its long-anticipated GT will be revealed in a slow striptease campaign on the internet ahead of a world debut at the Paris motor show in October.

As GoAuto reported in March, the vehicle in question is understood to be a new entry-level super-coupe codenamed F149 and due in Australia by mid-2009.

The front-engined four-seat coupe will carry a new nameplate, which will be revealed in the teaser campaign.

It is expected to be positioned alongside the circa-$420,000 rear-engined F430 two-seater, aimed at more mature customers such as those of Aston Martin's DB9.

The dedicated website (www.ferrarigtcountdown.com) has begun its tease with four sound bites of the GT’s all-new engine, which is codenamed F136Y, has a much deeper engine note than the high-revving 4.3-litre bent-eight that powers the F430 and is expected to feature a new-generation lean-burn direct-injection technology.

Web visitors can register for alerts to new information as it emerges on the site, which will follow soon with the first official images.

“This is the first time that Ferrari has used this virtual voyage of discovery approach which will allow it illustrate various aspects of the new GT model’s design and the many, many technological innovations that it sports,” Ferrari said in a statement.

“This new approach to unveiling the car will naturally also be flanked by more traditional encounters involving the release of photographs and, of course, the Paris show.

“It is just one part of a highly focused strategy that puts the web at centre stage as an instant, privileged communications channel through which Ferrari can keep in constant contact with its burgeoning numbers of fans and enthusiasts worldwide.” The F149 will be a key plank in Ferrari’s drive to produce 10,000 vehicles annually – up from more than 6000 currently, three-quarters of which consists of F430 sales.

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First details: Ferrari’s new entry coupe