Red goes faster...

Ferrari is well-known for creating fast, evocative cars and one of the fastest and most evocative ever was the F50.

Launched in 1995, it had a rear-wing to rival the Spruce-Goose, handling that sharpened the faster you went and an engine that had more in common with an F1 car that your average four-banger.

Before the F50 there was the F40, and now, the legacy continues. Though Ferrari won't admit it until officially launched in September 2002 - at the Paris Auto Show - the new Ferrari codenamed FX will be the latest and greatest Ferrari ever.

Meet the new F60.

Following years of rumour and speculation about a 370km/h supercar to follow in the footsteps of the mighty F40 and F50 models, Ferrari has finally released photographs of its new beast. Sadly, nothing on the performance specifications has been divulged - but that didn't plug the leaks.

Looking at the new design, particularly the front-end, it's easy to spot the Formula One inspired styling cues. Then cast your eyes to the F60's derriere and notice something odd - there's no gargantuan spoiler.

Indeed, the speeds at which this car is expected to travel, you'd think downforce and therefore spoilers would have been of prime concern. But it was a concern - Ferrari just wanted to indulge in something a little unorthodox.

As such, the vents located just in front of the rear wheel arches make up for a little of the lack of downforce a wing would provide. Other fundamental aerodynamic elements will help keep the F60 stuck to the ground, like the funny-shaped rear apron and overall profile. Well, that's the idea, anyway.

The tail-end of the F60-to-be is finished in loving detail with a new take on the traditional Ferrari brake-lights - there's more exposure, which helps add a touch of modernism.

A set of quad exhaust pipes also helps liven up the rear-end together with acres of rubber: 245/40s up front with ludicrous 345/35 ZR19 at the rear. Of course, keeping in line with the F1 theme, the tyres couldn't have been anything other than Bridgestone's.

There's the F1-inspired front-end, also seen on the upcoming Mercedes SLR, huge front air-dams and generally tasteful lines across the board.

But Ferrari's milestone car isn't without a a few surprises. How does four-wheel drive sound? Sure, it's a safety factor, but it also gives it that extra off-the-line poke and it's also a first for Ferrari.

Like angry wasps, there are rumours buzzing rapidly about, with some claiming it's going to be hooked up with a seven-speed transmission! More likely is a six-speeder, with F1-style steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, but we're sure no one would complain if the F60 had seven forward ratios.

With a mid-mounted engine, the car's centre of gravity will make it an ideal track-day tool. And the powerplant used? Sources are saying a 485kW, 6.0-litre V12 will be wedged behind the driver, capable of propelling the F60 to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds. If that doesn't sound impressive, how about 0-160km/h in 6.3 seconds? Perfect for getting through the KFC drive-though in record time.

Top speed will be capped at 330km/h (not the 370km/h rumour that was floating around) and it's also interesting to note that the new engine is believed to be much lighter than the smaller-capacity mill found in the F50.

The possibilities this car represents are gobsmacking. Like most Ferrari's, you can be assured it will handle like a race-car - which begs the question: is this a race car or a road car?

With only 350 examples expected to be built, perhaps it is more of a race car? Just slap the number plates on and no one will care. Whatever Ferrari's intentions, the new F60 is sure to create more than just a buzz.

Weighing in at 1200kg, the car will be 200kg lighter than Mercedes new 5.5-litre V8 supercar contender, the SLR. This will help increase efficiency, among other things - but people who buy the new Ferrari probably won't be too concerned about kilometres per litre...

With all this talk of supercars and world's fastest cars, the new F60 is just adding fuel to the fire. Very nicely red painted V12 powerhouse fuel, of course. Ferrari's technological prowess that affords them more speed than any other F1 car on the track (circa 2002) is transferred to this road-going vehicle in what the company hopes will excite drivers like never before.

In essence, you could say that racing at the highest level allows Ferrari to create cars that are closer to the Formula One experience than any other. But perhaps there's more Ferrari, than Formula One, in this latest model? We'll have to wait until September to find out.

All you need to know now is how much one of these exotic beauties will cost. Well, expect to pay roughly $800,000 brand spankers and, if kept in good nick, the value will surely climb if only 350 of them are made. While most of us won't be able to afford the new red rocket, just think about the insurance premiums if you did. Ouch.